By Jason Fogerty (JFogerty)
Looking into selling a used console this holiday season, maybe to get some extra cash for a next gen game or two? Offers on used consoles can range widely, and so can the overall experience of selling one. Indeed, some pitfalls can result in unfair pricing or missing payments. Below, we go over some common mistakes to avoid when selling an old console.
Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Used Console
1. Thinking trade-ins are your only option.
Before you drop in at your local used video game store or GameStop with the plan to trade in your console, reconsider. In some cases, store cash might be your best option, but in a lot of cases, it isn’t.
You may very well be able to get cash in exchange for your console that you are free to spend anywhere. There are plenty of websites that can help you locate a buyer for your old console quickly and easily. In many cases, the payment you receive will add up to more than what you would have received in terms of store cash with a trade-in.
2. Not shopping around for the most competitive offer.
A lot of people in a rush to sell their console will just go with the first offer they see. But you might miss out on a better price if you do not shop around to check out different offers.
You might think that this would be a complicated process, but it does not have to be. Websites like SellCell.com or Ebay.com allow you to pull up multiple offers at once for your console. You input some basic details about the storage capacity and condition of the unit you want to sell, and at a glance, you can see what buyers are willing to pay.
3. Trying to sell your console on a site that does not vet its buyers.
Another great thing about SellCell.com is that it is a website that has been around for more than a decade. Millions of users trust SellCell with their technology re-sales because the website vets every buyer. Not all resale sites do this; on those that do not, you are taking a chance that a buyer won’t pay you, but not on SellCell.
4. Assuming that you have to pay for shipping.
Did you know you may not need to pay for shipping or even for shipping materials when selling a used console online? When you are viewing offers on SellCell, you see not only prices, but also which buyers offer free shipping and send shipping supplies to sellers.
5. Not checking the payment timeframe and method.
Another common mistake when selling an old console is not checking the details regarding when and how you will receive your payment.
If you neglect these details, you might be wondering where your money is, only to find out that the buyer may take weeks to pay. Needless to say, that can be a major hassle, especially if you need the money now to grab a deal on a game or system before it is gone. But if you check this information in advance, you should not be caught off guard.
6. Under-valuing your console.
You are most likely to encounter problems with under-valuing your old console if you are selling it on a website where you get to name a price, but have not done your research.
Search around to see what prices your old console model is trending at. Be sure to take its condition and storage capacity into account. Do not forget to account as well for accessories that you will be selling with it.
7. Packing your console incorrectly.
One more big mistake to avoid when selling your old console is packing it poorly. Ensure that it has plenty of padding so that it will not jostle around in the mail. The last thing you want is for it to arrive at the buyer’s end with damage that you did not disclose at the time of sale.
Avoiding These Mistakes Will Help You Get a Better Price for Your Used Console
You now have a number of suggestions that can help you to avoid various pitfalls when you are attempting to sell an old console over the holidays. Do your research, know the proper value of your console, and compare offers meticulously before you finalize a transaction. After you do, pack your console with care.
These tips should help to ensure you receive fast, competitive pay and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience. In some cases, you could have your cash in exchange for your console in a matter of days. You can then jump on exciting holiday deals. Good luck!
