How are people claiming such high MBP resale value?

[SPEEDwithJJ]

I JUST sold my old 13" MBP on ebay for $735 (2009 2.26 C2D w/ some cosmetic damage).

Wow. That's a good price.

I sold the same model for $550 as I've mentioned. That was in like new condition, no cosmetic damage what soever, all the documents/accessories & the box that come with the MBP, plus the 3 year AppleCare protection that I transferred over to my buyer. I've also tossed in the Speck clear hardcase & the silicon keyboard protector as freebies. I listed that for about 3 weeks & unfortunately, that's the best offer I got so I ended up selling it.

Come to think of it, I should have just listed in the MarketPlace of this forum instead. I had not done that previously because I thought people here are so knowledgeable that they will not have offered more than someone from CL. Guess I'm damn wrong about that. I might have had more luck with fellow members & sell all that for a little bit more than I eventually got.

 

[CBeckstrand]

Wow. That's a good price.

I sold the same model for $550 as I've mentioned. That was in like new condition, no cosmetic damage what soever, all the documents/accessories & the box that come with the MBP, plus the 3 year AppleCare protection that I transferred over to my buyer. I've also tossed in the Speck clear hardcase & the silicon keyboard protector as freebies. I listed that for about 3 weeks & unfortunately, that's the best offer I got so I ended up selling it.

Come to think of it, I should have just listed in the MarketPlace of this forum instead. I had not done that previously because I thought people here are so knowledgeable that they will not have offered more than someone from CL. Guess I'm damn wrong about that. I might have had more luck with fellow members & sell all that for a little bit more than I eventually got.

Wow, I just sold my 2009 13" MBP locally for $800 and it sold within a day. It did have an upgraded hard drive and memory but I feel like I could have asked more.

 

[gonnabuyamacbsh]

Stupid buyers and lying sellers.

 

[Apple OC]

Many people sell after a year and include the AppleCare they put on it.

for example they will sell a $1000 MBP with AC for $800

the buyers look at it as why spend $1000 + $250 for AC + tax. for new when they can get a perfectly good Mac with AC for $800.

 

[msriotdoll]

I sold my late 08' core 2 duo 2.53 ghz with ram upgraded to 8gigs and one year of applecare left for $1250. I sold it with the box and perfect conditon of course. I got my 2.4 ghz i5 for $1500 no tax or shipping charges.
I take good care of all my macs and always buy applecare for them. I definitely see a better resale value with it.
On my new i5 I upgraded the ram to 6gigs, just got an owc 60 ssd with the caddy to keep my old hdd.
I plan to sell this one in 2012 before the new refresh. I'm guessing those upgrades plus applecare I should get a good resale value!

I looked on ebay and anyone selling their macbooks with a ssd makes the bid price shoot up quick!

 

[ozred]

I keep hearing about people bragging how they sell their MBP every year for $100-200 losses, or people recommending "just buy one now and sell it when the new one comes out, you will get almost what you paid back for it". I have no idea how people are able to do this.

I've been checking online on several sites to confirm this over the last few weeks (even before the 2011 models came out). On most local classifieds for my city 2010 MBP's have an incredibly hard time selling for good prices - for example, a "like new" 2010 top-end 15" is going for $1300, and I've watched the seller gradually reduce the price over the last few weeks because no one wants it. I've even been checking on London craigslists where Macs are infamously overpriced, and there are top-end 2010 MBP's on sale for ~900 pounds that just don't seem to be selling.

I'd just like to believe these people who keep spewing this claim so that I can buy a MBP now and get a new one whenever I feel like it, but so many machines I've seen are <1 year old and are in like new condition show that this doesn't seem to be the case. Am I missing something, or is it only on eBay where people are getting "suckers" to pay full price for their old machines?

"I keep hearing about people bragging"

And that's exactly what it is. Bragging & Exaggerating.

I know many people that do a lot of buying & selling on eBay, when this subject comes up they say that just like the forums, there's lots of Apple users that stretch the truth. Used Macs simply don't fetch the prices that so many fanboys brag about.

It's called the Internet & Apple.com, where it's very easy to check on the new model specs & retail pricing.

People are not as careless & stupid as many fanboys make them out to be.

 

[aznguyen316]

OK. Now at least I see where my problem lies in. I always buy new then sell it later. I guess I should do what you do & look for super deals on my local CL, then sell it later within a year in order to get back the max. value & in some cases, even gain a little profit.

Yup, I've done this three times with Macbooks. I'm a legit seller, I sell on Craigslist and eBay and I just kind of know how the market works for Macbooks. I purchased a blackbook 07 for $700 and sold it off for $850 only doing a 2GB to 3GB ram upgrade. I then paid $100 out of pocket to buy a late 08 UMB that was only two months old for $950 and it was like new. I traded that one straight for a Dell XPS 1640 that was worth a lot more. After a few more trades and finally a sale of an M11x for $1200 I ended up buying a 2010 MBP for $999 from Microcenter last June. I sold it in January about 2-3 weeks before the new ones came out, b/c I had that feeling. Only thing I did was drop an 8GB upgrade that cost me $70 and sold it for $1100 cash on craigslist.

So basically, it helps to do CHEAP upgrades (slickdeals) and advertise it. Show how much apple charges for those upgrades. Plus, I keep all original boxes, and when I buy my stuff, I ALWAYS keep in mind resale value, it's just how I am. I had an invisible shield from day one on my 2010 13" and it was like mint on the outside with it after I took it off to sell. I made sure the buyer knew that. And you HAVE to still have applecare on it. Either to give the buyer a chance to buy their own 2 year or for the peace of mind for the current warranty. Remember, you only need ONE person to want your Macbook for your asking price and it's a sale. So I believe the people that can get things sold for a great price. On eBay there's always those few auctions you ask yourself how the hell did that sell so high, or damn that sold for a good price. Buy low, sell high. I started my trades and sales from CheapAssGamer from flipping used games and clearance items for more money and credit. You just need to know the market for those particular items. Anyway that's my story. peace!

 

[marshallbedsaul]

I find it easy to sell used macs
example after the refresh of the 2010 I sold my 2010 2.4 base model for
925 on clist

and that same day picked up a 2010 2.66 that was a month old with 12 charge cycles 900 on clist

and for buying

I always start low as possible because they may take my offer!
I picked up a 2008 macbook 2.4 ghz for 450 with apple care
I have never paid over 500 for a macbook
and last year I bought 5 nice specs all with apple care.

 

[revelated]

Use eBay and not CL.

Would love to do this were it not for my blatant distaste of PayPal and eBay forcing you to use it.

 

[yozh]

Wow. That's a good price.

I sold the same model for $550 as I've mentioned. That was in like new condition, no cosmetic damage what soever, all the documents/accessories & the box that come with the MBP, plus the 3 year AppleCare protection that I transferred over to my buyer. I've also tossed in the Speck clear hardcase & the silicon keyboard protector as freebies. I listed that for about 3 weeks & unfortunately, that's the best offer I got so I ended up selling it.

Come to think of it, I should have just listed in the MarketPlace of this forum instead. I had not done that previously because I thought people here are so knowledgeable that they will not have offered more than someone from CL. Guess I'm damn wrong about that. I might have had more luck with fellow members & sell all that for a little bit more than I eventually got.

Wow I would of gave you 700$ I sold my Mid 2009 2.26 model for $999 with 500GB 7200 and 4GB of RAM...... With AppleCare. on ebay 2 days before last refresh. I paid 1300$ with all upgrades and apple care

 

[iLog.Genius]

Simply put. People want a Mac and are willing to pay less than RETAIL. Also consider the area.

In the GTA, Mac resale prices are pretty high for what's actually given and they do sell. I listed my MacBook Pro (in signature) for $1300 just to see if anyone were interested and I got a couple of serious buyers. It's not just bragging (I'm sure people are) but people really do want a Mac and are willing to pay prices that are reasonable and a good discount from retail.

 

[mrwonkers]

the trick is to sell it maybe two weeks before the new ones are announced for 200 less than retail price, and have detailed information and many pictures of the device

When you sell your last generation MacBook Pro has a lot to do with how much you will get for it. I sold my 17" 2010 i7 1 hour before the official announcement of this years models, it had 6 months of warranty left I basically lost 200$ [I bought it at a very good price as Apple looked after me after I had mega issues with several 2010 iMacs, hate iMacs]. Had I waited till after the official announcement I would have lost considerably more. As this years MacBook Pro's are quite a jump forward in terms of raw CPU power compared to last years versions, you have to be realistic and take quite a loss if you wait TOO LONG to sell them.

Monday 21st Feb : List current 17" i7 MBP on eBay for 3 day listing

Thurdsay 24th Feb: Sold i7 17" MBP - only accepted cash pickup/ must be picked up paid within an hour of auctions completion [listed terms of my auction]
Picked up by buyer 8pm, wadd of cash in my hand.
Go check Macrumors - NEW MODEL ANNOUNCED.....
Ordered-
Typed on my 2011 MacBook Pro

Try doing that with a PC laptop of any brand ain't gonna happen.

You don't get the same premium price you used to get on Apple products [due to the fact many many more are sold and available 2nd hand than ever b4] But if you are clever with when you buy and sell you can still do OK.

 

[SPEEDwithJJ]

Use eBay and not CL.

I'm definitely not selling on eBay. I have a very unfortunate incident selling a Windows based notebook a few years ago. Ended up losing both the notebook & the money when the buyer did a chargeback. eBay & PayPal sided with the buyer no matter what kind of evidence I had to prove that I've indeed sent out the whole package & that it was in excellent condition when I shipped it. Even UPS basically wouldn't help me out & just indirectly indicate to me that I'm SOL.

These are the kinds of things when added up makes me feel that when it comes to selling notebook computers, I'm simply just a JINX & unlikely to ever do any better, even though I wish I can!

 

[OatmealRocks]

I sold my MBP 13 2.26 the day before the new 2011 was announced.

Sold for $980. Considering it was out of warranty and I used the computer for 1.5 years. I felt I got an amazing deal.

Currently waiting for my MBP 13 2011 to arrive.

 

[Apple OC]

I sold my MBP 13 2.26 the day before the new 2011 was announced.

Sold for $980. Considering it was out of warranty and I used the computer for 1.5 years. I felt I got an amazing deal.

Currently waiting for my MBP 13 2011 to arrive.

An amazing deal? ... you robbed the buyer ... your buyer could have bought a brand new MBP 13" 2.4 for $19 more with one year warranty.

 

[IceMacMac]

Use eBay and not CL. Start the auction looooow, like 1USD. Have LOTS of pictures and detailed write-up.

I'm about to sell a late 2006 MBP 2.16Mhz on eBay... hope it goes well. I "secure erased" the HDD - it took HOURS! Don't forget, guys, to secure erase that HDD... it's trivial for someone to pluck your old deleted files off the drive after you've erased them and reformatted, etc.

I'm getting ready to sell my 2006 MBP as well. 8CoreWhore, how much $ do you expect to get for yours?

 

[IceMacMac]

I sold my MBP 13 2.26 the day before the new 2011 was announced.

Sold for $980. Considering it was out of warranty and I used the computer for 1.5 years. I felt I got an amazing deal.

Currently waiting for my MBP 13 2011 to arrive.

Where did you advertise?

 

[IceMacMac]

I usually am fixated on buying the latest Apple models, but I should at least learn to wait and buy refurb...or buy during the holiday sales.

 

[bobbytallant]

I regularly sell Apple products via ebay and it is quite easy to regain the majority of the purchase price or even make profit on MBPs, iMacs, iPhones, iPads, iPod Touches - all of which I have bought and sold on ebay.

Obviously it depends how much you paid for the unit (HE discount, refurb, ebay purchase), but if I had 1 tip it would be to always buy Applecare - many people do not buy without this peace of mind.

Another major benefit in achieving the best possible price is including the original proof of purchase. From a buyers perspective this shows that the ownership of the item is more or less bona fide and the fact that the seller is upfront about what he is selling (in my experience) is always well received.

The points others have made about selling at the right time is obviously important. I would recommend using the buyitnow or best offer feature on ebay and suggest being patient and waiting for the price you desire.

My experiences come from ebay UK btw.

 

[oddlyepic]

I recently sold a mac mini for 899 on eBay (buy it now).

I bought it new from a third party for 600 with a free printer!
I also included a magic trackpad and wireless keyboard. which ran me about $120.
I also upgraded to 8gb of RAM which ran me $106.

All these prices include tax and shipping.

I made like a $20 profit after shipping and eBay fees and put the profit towards a new 2011 high end 15" MBP.

 

[SPEEDwithJJ]

I sold my MBP 13 2.26 the day before the new 2011 was announced.

Sold for $980. Considering it was out of warranty and I used the computer for 1.5 years. I felt I got an amazing deal.

Currently waiting for my MBP 13 2011 to arrive.

Wow. That's awesome. That price is almost 2x the amount I got for mine with AppleCare still on it & a couple of accessories to go with it. Damn, I feel I'm so stupid in that sale.

 

[SPEEDwithJJ]

...but if I had 1 tip it would be to always buy Applecare - many people do not buy without this peace of mind.

Another major benefit in achieving the best possible price is including the original proof of purchase. From a buyers perspective this shows that the ownership of the item is more or less bona fide and the fact that the seller is upfront about what he is selling (in my experience) is always well received.

I always include the extended AppleCare warranty & a copy of my purchase receipts in my MB/MBP sales but unfortunately, for some reason, it just always doesn't get me more money out of my sale.

 

[SPEEDwithJJ]

I recently sold a mac mini for 899 on eBay (buy it now).

I bought it new from a third party for 600 with a free printer!
I also included a magic trackpad and wireless keyboard. which ran me about $120.
I also upgraded to 8gb of RAM which ran me $106.

All these prices include tax and shipping.

I made like a $20 profit after shipping and eBay fees and put the profit towards a new 2011 high end 15" MBP.

Nice. That's awesome. Just wish I have some of these kinds of luck.

 

[oddlyepic]

Nice. That's awesome. Just wish I have some of these kinds of luck.

What I recommend is using your eBay account to view completed listings of the product that you are selling, so you can see how people are advertising and what the going price is.

Also, I use (slickdeals.net) to find good deals on things like RAM and hard drives, sometimes even mac products.

 

[Apple OC]

Wow. That's awesome. That price is almost 2x the amount I got for mine with AppleCare still on it & a couple of accessories to go with it. Damn, I feel I'm so stupid in that sale.

Don't be hard on yourself ... the post above where the guy says he sold a 1.5 year old 13" MBP out of warranty for $980 ... sounds suspect.

Who buys an old 1.5 year Mac for the same cost that they can buy a brand new one? ... and the day before the 2011 came out?