01-29-2007, 04:10 PM
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Executive Editor, Android Thoughts
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,233
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Selling Your Dusty Old Children - How Do You Do It?
Awhile back, I asked everyone what they did with their "older children" (i.e. old devices they've replaced with new hotness) and the results seemed to suggest that some of us keep our old devices, while a slightly smaller number of us kick them onto the market as (most likely) a way to recoup our losses. Given that most of us also seem to have a good collection of dust collectors (technology we bought but rarely use), I suppose losses must be cut at some point and drawers full of junk may be good for sentimental reasons but not good for financial ones. (As for the 16% who claim they've never bought something they failed to use - you're either lying outright or you should be my role model!)
The problem in selling your old devices has historically come down to one issue for me: I love my devices and want someone who will love them just as much to have them. This sentiment does come with a caveat though - by love, I mean "I hold them to be extremely valuable both emotionally and monetarily - and I want to get paid!". Anyone who has sold something on eBay and thought "That's all it went for!!!" knows the feeling I'm talking about - shocked thoughts of "It's worth so much more".
Now I realize not all devices are still worth sticker price (Or even close - I don't advocate selling a iPAQ 3700 for $400 or anything like that), but the it is important to get a fair amount of money back if the point of selling your old devices is to help defray costs of new devices! So in that hope, I thought I'd pose the question to everyone: How do you sell your old devices to maximize profits (while still being fair)? Should we stick to eBay or are their better routes?
As for me, I'll be holding onto my devices a bit longer - after all, different device, different day!
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Dr. Jon Westfall, MCSE, MS-MVP
Executive Editor - Android Thoughts
News Editor - Windows Phone Thoughts
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01-29-2007, 04:24 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 128
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Don't know if this will help, but I always try to set a "Buy It Now" price a little below the going prices online, and almost always sell within a few days of posting. It avoids those huge discount disappointments, and people in the know will realize it is discounted and a good buy. Doesn't maximize profits, but avoids those rare occasions where you end up giving it away.
I definitely advise not to try to make up potential losses with high "Shipping and Handling" charges (you know, the $4.99 cable with $9.99 S&H).
BTW - have a great little iPaq 4155 charging now for sale day. 8)
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01-29-2007, 04:40 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,305
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I'm more "In Love" with NEW technology and gadgets. I tend to turn things over between 6 months to a year. ebay is where everything I have goes eventually. Mostly by auction, I let the bidders decide what the stuff is worth. I usually recoup 1/2 to 3/4 of what I originally paid. I'm satisfied with that.
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01-29-2007, 05:01 PM
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Contributing Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
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Most of my old toys become upgrades for someone in the family...
I have yet to convince any of them to give me money though... 
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01-29-2007, 05:03 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,202
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The one thing I've found out is that the longer you wait to sell your gadget the less it's worth. My advice for going the eBay route is to sell as soon as you get a replacement, it's the best way to minimize depreciation.
If you find you just can't live without the device you sold 30 days ago, you most likely will be able to pick on up on eBay for less than what you sold yours for previously. Sure it won't YOUR device, but it will do everything the same way, anyway.
BTW - This is do as I say, not as I do, I currently have 11 PDA/Smartphones in various states of charge on my desktop.  ops: Oh yeah, plus 3 Ulta portable PC's! My wife thinks I'm insane, and she may be right.
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01-29-2007, 06:22 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 78
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one Cool idea that I had is to use your old PPCs like those new SideShow, using Innobec SideWindow, and the Yahoo Widgets. Right now they are showing off those cool new Windows Vista special screen that show weather, Outlook info, pictures, etc, and I already have all that in my "poor man' Sidewindow"
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01-29-2007, 06:30 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 92
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eBay disappointment
I hear ya on that. I sold an older device with a bunch of accessories a while back for quite a bit less than I thought the kit was worth, but I eased the pain a bit by telling myself:
A. I wasn't using it anymore and realistically, probably never would again.
B. Maybe my idea of current market value was unrealistic. A little coin in pocket is better than another box in the basement for all eternity.
C. It's an old toy to me but a new one to the buyer. It's nice to know somebody else will be getting some use/enjoyment from it.
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01-29-2007, 07:21 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 72
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I have recently thought about staring a charitable organization that would accept your old technology and place it in the hands of disabled children and adults that can use some of these devices as aids. My son is Autistic and my previous device, a Handspring Prism was used as a picture viewer for things like, "time to eat" or "go for a ride" this was a great help. I see organizations that accept old cars for the tax write off and this idea would work the same. You could claim more of the cost as residual value and list it as a charitable donation.
Would you donate your old gear for the tax benefit??
EDIT- There are places out there already
http://tac.ataccess.org/donate.shtml
http://www.independencefirst.org/get..._recycling.asp
http://www.katsnet.org/atex.html
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01-29-2007, 10:29 PM
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Contributing Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,097
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I am frequently buying and selling on eBay, to various degrees of success...
Two weeks ago I sold my K-JAM (with cradle & 1GB card) for $200! Boy was it worth more than that.
Then I tried selling my old Archos Gmini 402 Camcorder. Starting bid $169. It ended three times without a single bid. Now I'm not sure what to do with it. I just can't get myself to part with it for $150. I'd rather give it away to a friend or family member before selling it for too little...
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01-29-2007, 10:40 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 784
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I've been thinking a lot about this same subject lately. I'm going to be buying a place within the next few months and am thinking about selling some old electronics and things I don't use to add to the down payment. I'm debating on selling my Pocket PC, but I'm torn cause I have a Smartphone now, but keep thinking of how much I've spent on software (can software licenses be transferred?) for the Pocket PC and whether I'd have a need for it in the future. But then I think, I really need as much money I can get for a down payment. :?
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T-Mobile Dash | HP iPAQ 4100 | HP iPAQ 2210 | HP iPAQ 1910 | Intermec 6651 | Toshiba E570 | Compaq iPAQ 3600 | Casio Pocket Viewer
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