Sell new iPhone 5S? Value?

[Le Big Mac]

I have a family plan with 3 lines on AT&T. One's my mom's line. Want to get two new iPhones, but if I'm renewing I don't want to keep paying the subsidy on her line without getting a benefit - she doesn't really need a new one (happy with 4S)

My thought is to buy a third iPhone and then sell it new in box.

Any sense of value? I'm guessing somewhat less than the unsubsidized price.

Also, what types of places will buy them from me (other than Craiglist, ebay, etc.)

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

You do have a benefit from not renewing her contract. Rather than buy insurance or AC+ on two iPhones, use it as a backup in case something happens to it outside of warranty and you'll be able to do a device swap.

 

[T5BRICK]

I have a family plan with 3 lines on AT&T. One's my mom's line. Want to get two new iPhones, but if I'm renewing I don't want to keep paying the subsidy on her line without getting a benefit - she doesn't really need a new one (happy with 4S)

It really depends on the person. I didn't think my mom would care about upgrading to a newer iPhone when her contract was up. She bought an iPhone 5 last year and this year when the 5s came out, she upgraded. I was shocked!

Anyway, a brand new, unopened iPhone should sell at or just under the unsubsidized price. It's really going to depend on where you sell it. Craigslist will probably get you a less than eBay.

 

[mattopotamus]

I have a family plan with 3 lines on AT&T. One's my mom's line. Want to get two new iPhones, but if I'm renewing I don't want to keep paying the subsidy on her line without getting a benefit - she doesn't really need a new one (happy with 4S)

My thought is to buy a third iPhone and then sell it new in box.

Any sense of value? I'm guessing somewhat less than the unsubsidized price.

Also, what types of places will buy them from me (other than Craiglist, ebay, etc.)

Swappa is a good site to sell the phone on, but I would just sell it on craigslist and make someone come to you.

 

[Charadis]

I've been monitoring eBay for a new gold iPhone 5s on AT&T to preserve my upgrade eligibility for the new one coming out this year. For sealed, 16GB is trending around $550-575, and 32GB around $640-675.

Prices will vary; I usually ignore any open box, so I don't have any useful data range for those, but I assume you're thinking about selling sealed? Sent from my iPhone 5.

 

[Le Big Mac]

Prices will vary; I usually ignore any open box, so I don't have any useful data range for those, but I assume you're thinking about selling sealed? Sent from my iPhone 5.

Yeah - that was my thought. Why open the box and create questions for people?

 

[aneftp]

Yeah - that was my thought. Why open the box and create questions for people?

Be careful. Cause some ATT (or verizon) require the phone to be "activated" in order make the phone functional.

We have seen plenty of threads here from people selling brand in unopened iPhones and eBay people complain they can't activate the phone.

 

[Le Big Mac]

Be careful. Cause some ATT (or verizon) require the phone to be "activated" in order make the phone functional.

We have seen plenty of threads here from people selling brand in unopened iPhones and eBay people complain they can't activate the phone.

So it has to be activated first by the original purchaser?

 

[Charadis]

So it has to be activated first by the original purchaser?

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the buyer has to remove the SIM card that comes with the phone before activating so the seller's line does not transfer to it. I plan to remove the SIM as soon as I receive the one I bought, and insert the current SIM I'm using in my 5. Sent from my iPad.

 

[aneftp]

Anyone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the buyer has to remove the SIM card that comes with the phone before activating so the seller's line does not transfer to it. I plan to remove the SIM as soon as I receive the one I bought, and insert the current SIM I'm using in my 5. Sent from my iPad.

That's why it's safer to open the box. Activate the phone. Than take the SIM card out.

You can still sell it brand new. Just say you open box just to activate it.

 

[CEmajr]

Most carriers will open the box for it to be activated first before leaving the store. Usually at the Apple Store they will allow you to leave with it still sealed though.

If you want to sell it sealed then I recommend you upgrade but tell the AT&T rep not to update your sim card number to the one in that phone. That way when you give it to the buyer your number won't be attached to it.

I sell lots of iPhones on eBay and honestly there isn't any difference in the selling price of sealed phones and phones where the box has been opened as long as you kept the factory plastic on the phone itself and all of the accessories. Most buyers know that carriers require the phone boxes to be opened prior to leaving the store.

 

[Dontazemebro]

So it has to be activated first by the original purchaser?

I know on Verizon you have to remove the sim card or it will activate immediately on your network as soon as you power it on. I know because I was thinking of doing the same thing you're thinking of. I purchased a 32GB Gold 5s with the intent to sell it sealed. Had it delivered to the Verizon store and said it was a gift for my wife so they wouldn't open it. I had a 5 at the time and thought I wouldn't want the 5s but eventually I fell in love with it and just gave the 5 to my daughter.

 

[wordoflife]

So it has to be activated first by the original purchaser?

I'm pretty sure that the system is designed in such a way that your number transfers automatically the first time you power the device.

Selling new in box only works well if its a completely unlocked device with no ties to an account.

 

[Bacong]

I thought it wasn't good to sell phones you just bought on contract? Can't AT&T blacklist it if you don't pay the bill?

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Like what if I buy a phone from some guy and he stops paying his bill months later?

 

[Charadis]

"learnfree,

The iPhone 5 is a great device and definitely the latest & greatest. I know it would be hard for me to part ways with it, but if you are interested in selling it, I'm happy to outline the process.

After ordering the device you have the ability to sell it in its original packaging with out activating it on your account. In regards of the sim card associated with the new iPhone, this will only come into play if you activate it on your account. So you can essentially keep the sim card in the new iPhone with out it affecting your account.

To summerize, you can absolutely sell the iPhone 5 without opening it, retaining its pristine value, all while keeping your current number on your current phone.

Thank you,

GeorgeP_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport"


Found this from here: Verizon support forum thread

I assume the process is similar for the 5s, but I would consult with your carrier first. Anyways, I should be getting the sealed 5s I bought recently next week, and I can report if I have any trouble with activating it. Sent from my iPad.

 

[aneftp]

Read this link about poster unable to activate brand new sealed iPhone they got from eBay.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1661930/

Like I said before. If you are buying on new 2 year contract. Just open it. Activate it. Than sell it.

It's a hassle if your buyer has major issues.