How to sell an iPad 2

[deeddawg]

@jbachandouris: A refurb 16GB Wifi white iPad2 is $419 from Apple.com. Make that $440-450 with sales tax. Includes 1 year warranty, new battery and outer shell.

Used ones on ebay seem to be going for ~$400-420. Used on Amazon for similar prices. I'm not sure the BestBuy warranty adds any value; I as a buyer wouldn't really consider it as adding any more than a small amount of value. Same goes for accessories as they're rarely what I would choose.

Your "loss" already happened and will get larger with time. It's pretty much a given that no ipad2 will ever be worth more later than it is worth today. Resale price will continue to drop, especially after a new version comes out since many people will be selling their ipad1's and ipad2, and you'll also compete with all the retailers and Apple clearing out ipad2 stocks.

The question is whether it's worth going without your ipad for a few weeks compared to another $50-70 in value loss. iPad1 16GB wifi's seem to be going for ~$300 and change, so I imagine the ipad2 16GB wifi will bottom out in that area in time. That'll be your worst case barring a temporary price depression if the ipad3 is so wonderful the used market is excessively flooded as everyone upgrades.

Don't forget the ~$50 in fees ebay & Paypal will take too.

 

[Joshwawilson]

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I'm currently selling mine. The mic had a problem so I got it replaced by apple last week. That way I can sell it as new but with no warranty. I'm selling on Craigslist. It's an iPad 2 64GB 3G with red smart cover and apple dock. Somebody was going to buy for $750 but the deal fell through:/

 

[deeddawg]

I'm selling on Craigslist. It's an iPad 2 64GB 3G with red smart cover and apple dock. Somebody was going to buy for $750 but the deal fell through:/

Good luck with that, it'd be a great price if you get someone to give you that much. Refurb 3G 64GB ipad2's are $729 on Apple's online store and several used very-good/like-new's on Amazon for $650ish.

 

[Mad-B-One]

I have decided to sell my iPad 2 to raise some money for my iPad 3. The value of it on Gazelle has already significantly dropped just from all the iPad 3 release rumors, so I figure now is the time. But, I have never sold an iOS device before, so I want you guys to take a look at my to do list for getting it ready and see if I'm missing anything:

--Cancel subscriptions (The Daily, Wired, etc.)
--Do one last backup to iCloud
--reset to factory settings
--deregister from my iTunes account

Is it really that easy? When I get my new iPad, I would like to just be able to sign it in to iCloud, restore from my last iPad backup, and then go back to business as usual.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

Why would you cancel subscriptions? They are (usually) linked to your iTunes account. If not, the logout and reset will do it.

And one more thing: If you have (like me) the unlimited data plan from AT&T ($29.99 before 6/6/2010), I would NEVER cancel that one! That is worth gold to me!

Actually, you gave me an idea: I have iPad 1 & 2 64GB 3G (GSM). I could just fall back on my old one for a month and then upgrade... My 2-year-old son will not be happy to loose one of his toys for a month though, but that is a sacrifice he would have to bring... gotta talk to my wife about that...

 

[spiderman0616]

Why would you cancel subscriptions? They are (usually) linked to your iTunes account. If not, the logout and reset will do it.

And one more thing: If you have (like me) the unlimited data plan from AT&T ($29.99 before 6/6/2010), I would NEVER cancel that one! That is worth gold to me!

Actually, you gave me an idea: I have iPad 1 & 2 64GB 3G (GSM). I could just fall back on my old one for a month and then upgrade... My 2-year-old son will not be happy to loose one of his toys for a month though, but that is a sacrifice he would have to bring... gotta talk to my wife about that...

I didn't do the 3G iPad 2--I had the WiFi only. But if the new one has LTE, I'm strongly considering getting the LTE model---IF AT&T sticks with their cancel at any time policy. I would like to have the LTE setup for specific situations. Like we're going on a 2 week vacation and I would like to insure that I have a connection the whole time--things like that. But then when I get home, I'd like to be able to cancel it the next month.

With my iPad 2, I would just load it up with whatever I needed before leaving the house. That sucked on the train, but I have my iPhone with me at all times anyway.

 

[deeddawg]

I would like to have the LTE setup for specific situations. Like we're going on a 2 week vacation

Sorry, not to bag on AT&T, but looking at the LTE coverage there isn't anywhere I'd go on vacation that they have LTE coverage!

 

[BC2009]

I have decided to sell my iPad 2 to raise some money for my iPad 3. The value of it on Gazelle has already significantly dropped just from all the iPad 3 release rumors, so I figure now is the time. But, I have never sold an iOS device before, so I want you guys to take a look at my to do list for getting it ready and see if I'm missing anything:

--Cancel subscriptions (The Daily, Wired, etc.)
--Do one last backup to iCloud
--reset to factory settings
--deregister from my iTunes account

Is it really that easy? When I get my new iPad, I would like to just be able to sign it in to iCloud, restore from my last iPad backup, and then go back to business as usual.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

If it is a 3G iPad you will need to cancel your account and when you buy the new one, migrate your account to the new iPad. Verizon's customer service was able to help me with that.

 

[bri1212]

You never know...... The next device may not even come until summer time. Apple constantly changes and updates its product release date.

Your so mean teasing the poor person.
Although, no one knows for sure, it probably will come out before summer. ROFL

 

[spiderman0616]

Sorry, not to bag on AT&T, but looking at the LTE coverage there isn't anywhere I'd go on vacation that they have LTE coverage!

No, they're really and truly terrible, I admit. But Verizon's iPad plans are contracts. I don't think they have anything month to month.

AT&T drives me nuts with my iPhone. When I got it, they were still the only carrier that had it, so I stuck with them. For the new model this year, I will be long past my 2 year contract and I may just go ahead and ditch them.

 

[miamialley]

you may be right. the winner of my iPad only recently joined eBay on january 6th and only has 1 feedback score, I am worried he may claim to have never received my iPad in the mail, though I've yet to send it because he hasn't paid yet. Plus, eBay charged $52 from the final sale price of $581.

Why anyone sells stuff like that on eBay is beyond me. Craigslist people!

*local sales only*

 

[Agent-P]

I planning on selling my iPad 2 (model is in signature) along with my Switcheasy Canvas case (a $50 case). I have the original packaging and accessories for both. The case and iPad are in perfect condition. I was planning on going the Craigslist route. I just wanted people's opinions of where I should start the pricing in my ad. I was thinking about $450 (obviously people would negotiate that down), but after glancing through this thread I'm thinking that may be too high.

 

[briankameoka]

Sold mine on CL for $569

I found this thread when I decided last week to sell off my iPad 2 32GB Wi-Fi + 3G (AT&T) Black and found it helpful, particularly for pricing reference, so I thought I'd contribute as well. I will upgrade to the iPad 3 and wanted to get this sold at a decent price. I got $569 for it selling locally via Craigslist. For your reference, here's my CL posting, and what follows is my pricing method/rationale and some tips.

I'm an experienced and long time user of both CL and eBay, and initially considered using the eBay Instant Sale option (if you're not familiar with this, it's like the reverse of the usual eBay process - buyers looking for particular items post what they'll pay, so you can search for what offers exist out there for the item you're selling). I could get $320 for my iPad 2 this method (less Paypal fees).

I checked Gazelle, which had a comparable price. After scanning eBay completed auctions (a good price comparison tool, but it can be really all over the map), I read in this forum and figured I could do better on Craigslist. I posted Friday around 8pm and had it sold by 10am the next morning. Here are a few quick tips for Craigslist:

1) Give BOTH an email and phone method of contact. Most people prefer one or the other so don't eliminate any potential buyers. I use a Google Voice number.

2) Post pics. This seems obvious but I'm surprised how few people do it. It's free via Craigslist and it individualizes your post - if you search your area for electronics, you'll see that most posts have no picture or a stock photo. A real photo or two, which should take you very little time, helps gives assurance that you're not a bot, spammer or scammer.

3) State that it's not stolen, because people perceive CL as borderline sketchy. In my case, I gave the exact purchase date, noted how much factory warranty is still available, and even included the original receipt in the pics.

4) Be available & respond quickly.

5) Pick your price carefully - I picked $569, figuring this was over $150 off full retail, and within the range of what people seemed to be getting. I wanted to make a quick sale, so this price seemed about right.

After making the sale, I wonder if I could have gotten a little more for it, but am ultimately happy with the sale. In hindsight, I realize another tip is to present yourself as knowledgeable about the product and willing to show them how it works/answer a few ?'s (if you indeed are). My buyer had an iPhone but was totally new to the iPad, and we ended up chatting for about 10 minutes at the Starbucks as I showed him a few things on the iPad, and explained how the data plan worked (like me, he's on AT&T so I explained the prepay and "add to your account" options). One other detail, the buyer didn't know that the iPad 3 was just around the corner, but I was upfront about it and told him it was likely coming next month.

 

[Mad-B-One]

I didn't do the 3G iPad 2--I had the WiFi only. But if the new one has LTE, I'm strongly considering getting the LTE model---IF AT&T sticks with their cancel at any time policy. I would like to have the LTE setup for specific situations. Like we're going on a 2 week vacation and I would like to insure that I have a connection the whole time--things like that. But then when I get home, I'd like to be able to cancel it the next month.

If it is a 3G iPad you will need to cancel your account and when you buy the new one, migrate your account to the new iPad. Verizon's customer service was able to help me with that.

I believe it cancels automatically if there is no traffic. Might be wrong on that. If you switch - don't cancel! The new contracts are usually more restrictive - especially the original AT&T plan I got. Just switch the GSM chip and done with it!

 

[briankameoka]

I just wanted people's opinions of where I should start the pricing in my ad. I was thinking about $450 (obviously people would negotiate that down), but after glancing through this thread I'm thinking that may be too high.

My recommendation would be to figure out a price that you'd be happy with and post it on Craigslist for that price. State that you're firm on it (people will negotiate anyway). Inviting the negotiation on price, IMO, is just gonna be a big time suck, and your potential buyers are going to be emailing all the iPad ads they see listed. So why be the one who they'll go back and forth with? The demand for iPads is high, and I think there are a lot of people looking to save a good chunk by buying used.

I think cases have little value to the average buyer, so I think saying "including this $50 case for free" is probably the best way to put in in your ad.

 

[doboy]

No, they're really and truly terrible, I admit. But Verizon's iPad plans are contracts. I don't think they have anything month to month.

AT&T drives me nuts with my iPhone. When I got it, they were still the only carrier that had it, so I stuck with them. For the new model this year, I will be long past my 2 year contract and I may just go ahead and ditch them.

AFAIK Verizon's iPad is NOT on contract, it's month to month. You may want to talk to Verizon rep.

 

[Agent-P]

My recommendation would be to figure out a price that you'd be happy with and post it on Craigslist for that price. State that you're firm on it (people will negotiate anyway). Inviting the negotiation on price, IMO, is just gonna be a big time suck, and your potential buyers are going to be emailing all the iPad ads they see listed. So why be the one who they'll go back and forth with? The demand for iPads is high, and I think there are a lot of people looking to save a good chunk by buying used.

I think cases have little value to the average buyer, so I think saying "including this $50 case for free" is probably the best way to put in in your ad.

That's a good point. Since I'm looking to sell quickly, then my best bet probably is to list the price I'm wanting and sticking with it. Saves me time in the long run. Also, thanks for the tip on the wording for the case. Makes it sound better that way. I think I'll also put a link to the case on the Switcheasy website too.

 

[miamialley]

you may be right. the winner of my iPad only recently joined eBay on january 6th and only has 1 feedback score, I am worried he may claim to have never received my iPad in the mail, though I've yet to send it because he hasn't paid yet. Plus, eBay charged $52 from the final sale price of $581.

No, they're really and truly terrible, I admit. But Verizon's iPad plans are contracts. I don't think they have anything month to month.

AT&T drives me nuts with my iPhone. When I got it, they were still the only carrier that had it, so I stuck with them. For the new model this year, I will be long past my 2 year contract and I may just go ahead and ditch them.

Neither AT&T nor Verizon iPads are contract.

 

[macbookman83]

Your so mean teasing the poor person.
Although, no one knows for sure, it probably will come out before summer. ROFL

Just keeeping it honest

 

[deeddawg]

TSince I'm looking to sell quickly, then my best bet probably is to list the price I'm wanting and sticking with it.

Yes and no. Make sure the "price you're wanting" is realistic compared to what they're going for on ebay and also Apple's refurb store.

List it too high and nobody will bother contacting you except the lowballers.

Expect some price negotiation. Certainly fine to be firm but if the buyer's walking away over $10-20 you might consider value of getting it sold then vs. another buyer coming along. Especially as news of the upcoming refresh gets around and more used ipad2's hit the market.

The real kicker comes on announcement day when not only does everyone know of the new version but also Apple in the past has slashed the prices on the previous model by $100 and now a refurb from Apple costs as much as the used units were going for the day before.

 

[jbachandouris]

Yes and no. Make sure the "price you're wanting" is realistic compared to what they're going for on ebay and also Apple's refurb store.

List it too high and nobody will bother contacting you except the lowballers.

Expect some price negotiation. Certainly fine to be firm but if the buyer's walking away over $10-20 you might consider value of getting it sold then vs. another buyer coming along. Especially as news of the upcoming refresh gets around and more used ipad2's hit the market.

The real kicker comes on announcement day when not only does everyone know of the new version but also Apple in the past has slashed the prices on the previous model by $100 and now a refurb from Apple costs as much as the used units were going for the day before.

Agreed. I listed mine on eBay, priced too high, and I received 2 offers: one for $300 and one for $400 (Canada). I'm not sure I want to take the loss as mine is only 4 months old.

 

[BC2009]

I believe it cancels automatically if there is no traffic. Might be wrong on that. If you switch - don't cancel! The new contracts are usually more restrictive - especially the original AT&T plan I got. Just switch the GSM chip and done with it!

You can call your provider and have them transfer any active plan. The plans stay active for about 3 months after you cancel (i.e.: your account is still tied to the device). When I sold my iPad 1 with AT&T I did not have any problem registering the iPad 2 with Verizon because it was a different carrier. But when Apple gave me a replacement iPad 2 I could not register the data plan on the new device without calling Verizon and having them disassociate the old device from my account. When the Apple Store rep gave me the replacement she offered to transfer the account while in the store. I imagine if you have both devices it is something that Apple Store or maybe even you can do for yourself. Once the old device leaves your possession, I found that Verizon had to make the switch on their end.

Also, if you have unlimited data on AT&T on the auto-renew then you DEFINITELY want to transfer that account to the new device. I've never had that plan since I never come close to using 1GB of data and I only buy the plan about 5 times per year.

 

[deeddawg]

I'm not sure I want to take the loss as mine is only 4 months old.

Not to pick on you, @jbachandouris, but this comment leads me to speak out in a general sense.

When any of us buys a piece of tech, the price we pay is a sunk cost. The money is gone. In exchange we have a piece of shiny glass and metal that does cool things. You've already taken the loss and that gadget has has no more value than what someone else is willing to pay you for it.

That value will likely decrease over time, and it is affected by supply/demand in the used market as well as the cost of a new or refurbished model.

In a nutshell, an ipad2 will never be worth more than it's worth today. Chances are that the value will take a big hit if Apple does the same thing as last year in clearancing ipads and refurbs.

With all that said, if living without the ipad for a month or two would be a hardship, then its probably worth the difference in value to wait it out. That's what I did last year. I still got a decent price for my ipad1 after I got my ipad2, but it was substantially less than I'd have gotten if I'd sold before it was common knowledge a new version was coming.

This year, doing without for a few weeks isn't a big deal, so I sold now. I'll likely buy an ipad3 when it comes out; kind of curious to see how much I really miss it after two or three weeks without one.

 

[Mad-B-One]

Also, if you have unlimited data on AT&T on the auto-renew then you DEFINITELY want to transfer that account to the new device. I've never had that plan since I never come close to using 1GB of data and I only buy the plan about 5 times per year.

Except that AT&T uses GSM encryption. Therefore, I will not even have to deal with them. Switch the microSIM and you are done. Worked on transition from iPad 1 to 2 and as long as the new iPad is downward compatible (as stated somewhere in the rumor about having LTE), it will have a microSIM port. AT&T customers are good. The Verizon system is without the SIM (which actually makes it more vulnerable for being hacked hence it does not have a non-accessible encryption key on a GSM SIM) and that is why you have to call the carrier. Same thing if they have one-system-fits-all. It would have hardware for both standards but only Verizon and Sprint customers would have to contact their carrier since they don't use GSM encryption and identification...

 

[duffer6]

Agreed. I listed mine on eBay, priced too high, and I received 2 offers: one for $300 and one for $400 (Canada). I'm not sure I want to take the loss as mine is only 4 months old.

Try CL you will not have to pay fees and should get a higher price.

 

[deeddawg]

Try CL you will not have to pay fees and should get a higher price.

Yes and no... More what CL provides is greater security(*) in that you have cash in hand with no chance of a stolen credit card / chargeback / buyer claiming you mailed a brick.

In my experience, CL buyers tend to know ebay pricing and also know you're not paying ebay's fees.

(*) assumes you're smart about where/when/how you meet up with the buyer