Has anyone had any luck with reselling theirs? I read that they try to cheat ppl, but no one in my neighborhood seems interest in a 21.5”
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Apple’s 3rd party imac resell
- Thread starter AnnoyedCarrot
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I was looking into the apple trade in, but people said that they’ve been quoted $500 and then the people inspecting it would find “white spots” on monitors and change the amount to $100. I’m worried it might get damaged in transit If i request they send it back.
Doing your iMac trade-in at an Apple Store (versus mail-in to the third party partner, Phobio) will be a better experience because it's face-to-face. If there's an issue with the condition of your machine, you'll know right away, and you can decide whether you want to accept the offer. You can use the Apple online trade-in estimator tool to find out if it's eligible for a trade-in and how much it might be, but then don't do the rest of the steps if you want to trade it in-store. Just make an appointment and take it in.
But you will likely get a higher trade-in value using reputable third-party trade-in companies like CashForYourMac.com and MacMeAnOffer.com. Both companies have been used by MR members and you can search the forums for those experiences. I've used CashForYourMac twice now and had a great experience both times; its customer service is excellent. You can get an instant quote on both of those websites to get an idea if you want to pursue it.
But you will likely get a higher trade-in value using reputable third-party trade-in companies like CashForYourMac.com and MacMeAnOffer.com. Both companies have been used by MR members and you can search the forums for those experiences. I've used CashForYourMac twice now and had a great experience both times; its customer service is excellent. You can get an instant quote on both of those websites to get an idea if you want to pursue it.
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I should add something else: iMacs are a bit tougher to ship because of their size. That makes taking it in to an Apple Store a better option even if you get a bit less than one of those third-party trade-in companies. For those companies, you have to pack it according to their directions (original iMac box or a high quality shipping box with foam inserts, packed in a certain way, etc.) to minimize any shipping damage.
I tried shipping an iMac once and found it pretty stressful, although it worked out fine. I was more than a bit on edge watching its progress across country.
If you decide to ship it, take photos and/or videos of the iMac before you start to pack it up, and then progress photos as you pack it, along with the finished packed box showing the label.
Whatever you decide, I hope you'll post back with your experience.
I tried shipping an iMac once and found it pretty stressful, although it worked out fine. I was more than a bit on edge watching its progress across country.
If you decide to ship it, take photos and/or videos of the iMac before you start to pack it up, and then progress photos as you pack it, along with the finished packed box showing the label.
Whatever you decide, I hope you'll post back with your experience.
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Trading in a Mac for a new one - although the easy way, imho is far from wise in terms of maximising your return. I've always sold mine with private on-line sales.
If no one seems interested in your 21.5" iMac it's probably due to one of the following reasons:
i) You don't provide adequate information on whether it's completely serviceable, or word the ad to make it a tempting enough proposition.
ii) Your photos of the iMac are poor.
iii) It's damaged in some way and/or been poorly looked after.
iv) Usually the main reason that a Mac won't sell is that the owner has overpriced it.
I have sold a few Macs and never had a problem, including a 2010 iMac recently, and also several PowerPC machines - a few over 20 years old. I always try and avoid packing and sending by post, due to possible damage. With one very recent exception I've insisted that the purchaser comes to test the Mac prior to buying it to ensure total sastisfaction. (This of course assumes you don't live in a very isolated area or remote country).
My tips to ensure a sale are:
i) Check out ads for similar spec Macs and - given an equal level of condition and serviceability - slightly undercut most in your pricing.
ii) Take excellent photos after careful external cleaning of the Mac and all accessories.
iii) Make your ad tempting to a prospective buyer. Word it carefully detailing condition, whether there are any known problems etc.
iv) Be patient! If all the following tips are followed and the Mac still doesn't sell, re-advertise it at a lower more tempting price.
v) If it's a model well known to have one or more 'iffy' features shortly after it's production launch, you will have to re-estimate your valuation, and sell at a much lower price.
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I have pictures up and a general description, it’s been well maintained, and serviceable until 2023. I think most people are looking for the 24” now. Even though they’re ugly AF.
I use Mac of All Trades on a regular basis. Fair trade-in dollars and easy to deal with. I used to use eBay, but in recent years I've found that any time I try to sell anything Apple, it's like holding up a sign that reads "Scam Me Please." If you are interested, Mac of All Trades provides quotes at macmeanoffer.com.
It seems like a reasonable offer.
This guy emailed me offering $600 and tried to tell me why it was only worth $600.
“the new M1 processor iMacs are much faster, run cooler, have better sound systems and much larger screens.”