Get rid of that Apple Watch now so you have money for the new one!
- sep
- 09
Ready to say goodbye to your Apple Watch and make some cash? Here's what you need to know.
If you're looking to upgrade to a new Apple Watch Series, switch between aluminum or stainless steel, or aren't using your Watch anymore and want to find it a new home, sell it can help you earn back some cash. While there aren't as many places to sell your old Apple Watch as there is your old iPhone, there are still a few worth checking out.
Here's a look at how to sell your Apple Watch.
Jump to:
- First things first: should you sell your Apple Watch?
- When should you sell?
- How to prepare your Apple Watch for sale
- Apple Watch selling options
First things first: should you sell your Apple Watch?
The arrival of a new Apple product often means saying goodbye to a previous model. Before deciding whether to replace your existing Apple Watch with the shiny new one on the Apple website, there are a few points to consider.
First, understand that Apple Watch doesn't hold its value nearly as well as other Apple products, including iPhone and iPad. Therefore, it's likely you won't get as much as you expected if you decide to sell yours.
Additionally, if you're thinking of selling your current Watch to pick up a Series 6, you should ask yourself how much you'll get out of the new Watch.
And hey, if you want a fresh look, maybe look at a new watch band instead. Apple releases new bands throughout the year, so there's usually something cool and different to check out.
If you do decide to sell your Watch, here's how you can do it.
When should you sell?
Apple Watches continue to get more popular with each passing year. And yet, the product represents just a fraction of Apple's revenues each year. It's because of this, I'd say anytime is a good time to unload a used Apple Watch. However, if you're selling a model that's no longer being sold by Apple, I'd try to do so around the time of a new product announcement, which means in September or soon after.
How to prepare your Apple Watch for sale
You might be tempted to toss your Apple Watch at someone, count your cash, and walk away. But if you take a few minutes to prep, not only will your Apple Watch be safer to part with, you might end up with even more cash to count.
How should you sell your Apple Watch?
There are five places I'd recommend selling your old Apple Watch. Each offers pros and cons. Ultimately, I'd suggest using the site or business that provides the best price with the least amount of hassle.
Apple
The mothership offers credit towards new purchases both online and in stores. They will also recycle your device for free if that's the path you wish to take. It's been my experience that Apple doesn't offer nearly the same amount on device trade-ins as others. You should check current prices regardless, however.
Carriers
If you're purchasing a new Apple Watch with cellular, you might be able to snag an excellent trade-in bonus at launch. Just make sure you need a wearable device with Wi-Fi and cellular. If you don't, there's no reason to spend the extra only to get a few extra bucks on the trade-in.
eBay
The long-time online marketplace offers all the tools you need to sell your used Apple Watch. Because you set the price, you can sometimes get more through eBay than you would elsewhere. Unfortunately, eBay charges fees that would offset any bonus you might get.
Swappa
One reason to select Swappa is that it doesn't charge seller fees. Instead, buyers are the ones that pay a small fee that's included in the sale price. When your item sells on Swappa, you get paid instantly via PayPal. Yes, even before you ship your old Watch.
Best Buy
If you're in the United States, Best Buy is worth considering for your Apple Watch trade-in. Prices are often higher than average, and you typically receive your reward in the form of a Best Buy gift card.
What about selling to a family member or friend?
Selling to family and friends isn't quite the same as selling to strangers, although it should be. If you don't just want to give it to them free, you will probably want to offer them the best deal possible. Happy relationships are good relationships, after all.
Also, make sure the Apple Watch is in the best condition possible, and everyone is being treated fairly. If anything goes wrong, everyone is going to hear about it for a long time.
Selling your Apple Watch and still have questions?
We're not going anywhere! If you have additional questions on how to sell your Apple Watch, leave them in the comments below. Also, check out our Apple Watch forums, where you can get lots of great advice from people who've been buying and selling Apple Watches for a while now.
And, when you've sold, be sure to tell us what you did and how it worked out!
