How Can I Sell My iPad for Cash?

When the time comes to upgrade or declutter, you might think of throwing out your old iPad. However, even an old Apple device can still have surprisingly high device value. Reselling it can provide easy cash or instant credit for a new iPad. However, you'll need to choose correctly from options like private sales or trade-in programs to maximize your resell value. 

Who Can I Sell My iPad To?

There are various channels to sell your iPad, Mac, or other Apple device. However, there are too broad categories; you can find a buyer who wants a used iPad, or choose a reseller that will accept your used iPad.

Individual Buyers on Online Marketplaces

Selling your used iPad directly to individual buyers through a website like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist would seem to make sense. It connects you directly with potential buyers, which should offer the best return in theory. However, arranging a direct sale can take many hours of your time before you get a result. 

Potentially Higher Sale Prices

When you sell directly to the buyer, you eliminate the middleman. A successful sale to a new user should result in a higher price, especially if you have a specific model that's hard to find secondhand.

Practically Difficult and Time-Consuming

While a potential higher sale price is appealing, the process can be cumbersome. Managing your own sales requires time to create listings, communicate with potential buyers, and handle payment and shipping. 

You also face the risk of fraudulent buyers or being unable to find someone interested in your device. As time passes, resell and trade-in value for your iPad will steadily drop as well. 

Trade-In Value with Resellers

Trade-in programs present a straightforward, quick way to exchange your used iPad for credit or cash. Major electronics retailers, Apple stores, and specialized kiosks like ecoATM offer these services. All of these trade-in programs offer a quick way to get value from your device, usually in the form of instant credit. However, they're not all equal. If you don't choose the right reseller, you could miss out on much of the device's value.

Sell Your iPad Fast

The primary appeal of trading in your iPad is the speed of the transaction. You can typically receive an offer and complete the sale in the same visit, avoiding the prolonged process of waiting for a private buyer. This is ideal if you're looking to upgrade quickly or need immediate funds.

Not All Resellers Offer Fair Rates

While trading in your iPad is convenient, the reseller needs to work the price of marketing and storage into your sale price. On top of that, some resellers cut rates much more steeply or don't offer cash. Low rates for credit only are the two pitfalls of trading in your iPad, which is why you need to choose a reputable reseller like ecoATM. 

How to Sell My iPad: Valuation and Security

Before you proceed with a sale, you need to understand your devices' value and set realistic expectations. Whether you're interested in a private sale or choosing a reseller, this will help you make informed decisions. You can accurately estimate the value of your device by contrasting with other offers and accounting for your device's model, condition, and market demand.

50% in Three Years: How iPads Depreciate

Consumer tech depreciates rapidly over time, and iPads are no exception. An iPad can lose about 15% of its value each year, and by the end of three years, it may retain less than 50% of its original purchase price. The sharpest drop-off in value occurs each autumn, when Apple announces new device models. Not only is your device worth less than the day you bought it, but it loses value each day you're unable to close a sale. 

Consider the Model

The specific model of your iPad plays a critical role in determining its resale value. Some fan-favorite models hold their value better, especially if they're hard to find secondhand. But on the other hand, premium versions of Apple devices tend to fall even harder once the new models launch.  

Good Condition Pays a Premium

The physical and operational condition of your iPad can drastically impact its resale value. If your device is still in pristine condition with no visible signs of wear, you can find a much higher price for it. On the other hand, functionality issues and screen cracks will cost you much of your device's value.

Storage Capacity

One important hedge against depreciation is storage capacity. When buying older phone models, those with low storage capacity lose value much faster. While 64GB for the latest, cutting-edge iPad might be acceptable, practical-minded secondhand buyers usually want more storage to support long-term usage. 

Clear Your iPad's Data

Before you sell or trade in your iPad, you'll need to prepare your device properly to protect your privacy. There are three important steps to follow before you sell your device:

1. Back Up Your Data

Back up all of your important files, photos, videos, and apps. You can use iCloud or your computer to securely copy your personal information.

2. Sign Out of All Accounts

Make sure to log out from all personal accounts, including your Apple ID, iCloud, iTunes, App Store, and any third-party website or apps that hold personal information.

3. Factory Reset

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. You’ll need to enter your passcode and Apple ID password to confirm the reset. This will return your iPad to its original state from the day you took it out of the box. This leaves no residual personal information on the iPad, protecting your privacy before you sell. 

Why EcoATM is the Right Choice to Sell Your iPad

Fair rates, fast sales, and the option of payment in cash are the top priorities for selling an old iPad. Not only does ecoATM pass this threshold, but it's also an environmentally friendly option for people who love recycling. 

Streamlined Sale Process

We offer a highly streamlined process for selling your iPad. You can price the device from your home or at a kiosk, then sell it for an instant quote. Instead of going into a retail location and spending time, place your iPad in our kiosk and let the machine do the rest.

Fair, Transparent Pricing

One of the key advantages of ecoATM is the transparency of its pricing model. Our kiosks use a series of electronic assessments to determine the exact value of your iPad based on current market conditions, the device's condition, and its functionality. This system ensures that you receive a fair, objective, and transparent offer.

Your Choice of Payment

Store credit can be fine if you only want a new iPad, but many trade-in programs don't offer any cash option. On the other hand, we provide immediate cash for your device. You can even choose to receive payment by PayPal or Venmo. If you want to use your cash for something other than a new device, you can't beat this flexibility.

Fast Cash Before Your iPad Depreciates

The technology market moves fast, and devices lose value rapidly when a new model launches. While you spend time waiting for someone to buy your device on an online marketplace, it's likely to depreciate further. With us, you can lock in the best possible price before your iPad loses more value.

The Right Choice for the Environment

Choosing ecoATM is good for your wallet and the planet. When you sell a device with us, we either refurbish and resell it or recycle it responsibly. The electronic components and materials in your iPad can become hazardous electronic waste in a landfill, and we prevent that by giving your old device a second life. 

Price Your Device with ecoATM Today

At ecoATM, we're proud to offer great prices and to keep the environment free of e-waste. If you're ready to lock in the best price for your old iPad, you can price your device on our website. From there, find a nearby kiosk to sell your device at a time that suits you. Start turning your old iPad into cash today.