Many things can be both rewarding and frustrating about being an IT professional. One of the most difficult parts of the job is when you have to let go of old equipment. Instead of letting it collect dust in a closet, why not sell it? By selling your used IT equipment, you can recoup some of the money you spent on it originally and help to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills. Here’s how to get started.
Make sure you have all the necessary hardware and software to sell it.
When you are looking to sell your used IT equipment, you must have all the necessary hardware and software to do so. By having this equipment, you can ensure a smooth and successful sale.
Having the proper software to run your computer will be important in selling it. You can contact Microsoft or Apple directly for older laptops because they will have details on how you can obtain new licences for previous versions of Windows and Mac OS X, respectively. It is also good practice to ensure that any devices still work before selling them off.
For example, you should test out all batteries (if applicable) by charging each battery fully and measuring its current capacity using an electronic load or dedicated charger/analyzer; then making sure that everything works properly while running on AC power only; then finally checking if it runs correctly after being unplugged from AC power without having recharged first.
If there is a problem with any hardware or software, you should fix it if possible. This will ensure the customer has no issues using your product and increase its potential resale value.
Decide what kind of sales channel you want to use (eBay, Amazon, Craigslist, or the ITAD vendors).
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when selling used IT equipment is deciding what kind of sales channel to use. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that will work best for you.
eBay is a well-known and popular online auction site. It can be a great option if you’re looking to get the highest price for your equipment. However, there are fees associated with using eBay, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking to sell items quickly or if you don’t have a lot of extra money to spend on advertising.
Amazon is another popular option, especially for those looking to sell large quantities of items. Amazon allows you to set your price and will even help match your item to the right Amazon customers. You can also use Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) to avoid dealing with shipping and handling, which is a huge plus for many sellers.
Craigslist is an online classified site that’s free to post on but be aware of the fees it charges if you want to advertise long-term or sell items locally rather than ship them. Craigslist generally attracts local buyers looking for specific things in their area, so this option may not work well if you’re trying to sell products across the country or internationally.
You can also contact different ITAD vendors to get quotes on selling your used IT equipment. ITAD vendors specialise in buying and reselling used technology, so they may be able to offer you a better price than you would get from using any of the above channels.
No matter which sales channel you choose, make sure to do your research to get the best results. Consider your goals for sale, how much time you want to spend on it, and what kind of price you’re hoping to get. With a little bit of planning, you can sell your used IT equipment quickly and easily using any of these channels.
Create an inventory list with prices and descriptions.
You need to know what you have and how much it is worth. Your inventory list should include your product name, model number, condition details, serial numbers (if applicable), price per item and total cost for all items included in the sale. This information will help you get the most out of your used IT equipment and make it easier to sell.
When creating your inventory list, remember to be as accurate as possible. If you are unsure about an item’s condition, be sure to include that in the description. It is also important to note any special features or components that are included with each item. This information can help attract potential buyers and may result in a higher selling price.
Creating an inventory list with prices and descriptions helps ensure a smooth transaction when selling used IT equipment. By having all the pertinent information readily available, you’ll know what you’re selling and how much money you can expect to earn from the sale. As always, be sure to consult with legal counsel if you have any questions about the selling process.
Learn how to take good photos of your items if selling online.
Taking good photos of your items is a great way to sell used IT equipment online, whether on eBay or other websites. Here are some tips for taking good product shots:
- Use high-quality images.
- Make sure the item you’re photographing fills up 80% of the frame and has lots of space around it, so nothing distracts from what’s being sold.
- Have as much natural light as possible because this minimises shadows which will help to hide parts of your background, making them look messy instead of well thought out and tidy
- If you have a white/light-colored background, use an artificial lighting source to reduce shadows under certain objects such as keyboards where there might otherwise be several dark ones caused by overhead lighting.
- Remember that taking good photos is all about staging the scene, so make sure your item is clean, free from any scratches or blemishes and looks its best.
Following these tips should help you take great product shots that will help sell your used IT equipment quickly and for a good price.
Write a catchy description that will make potential buyers interested in buying from you.
A catchy description is one that successfully communicates the value of your product. When selling used IT equipment, it’s important to be able to answer potential buyers’ questions about the quality and capabilities of your computers or other hardware that you are trying to sell.
Since many people do not have time for a personal inspection, they rely on what you tell them through descriptions in advertisements. Your description should provide enough information to entice prospects into making an offer to buy from you versus competing sellers who may also be advertising similar products at lower prices than yours.
It helps if you list facts such as processor speed, RAM capacity, operating system type and version number (for example, Windows XP), etc. This will help convince prospective customers of your computer acumen.
To best communicate the value of your used IT equipment, you should avoid making vague statements such as “like new” or “runs great” since these types of descriptions are typically associated with items that do not actually meet those terms. Instead, it is better to be specific and include more information about your product to paint a clear picture for the buyer.
This way, if they have any questions about your product or want to know more details, they can easily get in touch with you and discuss further. Being able to articulate what is great about your used IT equipment will help seal the deal and result in a sale!
Ship your Used IT Equipment (Very Carefully!)
After you’ve decided to sell your used IT equipment, you need to consider how you will ship it. There are different shipping methods depending on what type of item you have and how much time and effort you want to put into getting a proper valuation.
Don’t expect that everyone interested in buying your old IT equipment will be an expert in used IT equipment. You may need to give them some guidance about what you are selling and how well it will work for their business or home office. If there is any doubt, provide a link to your website where they can learn more.
To avoid problems with shipping your used IT equipment, you should ask for a deposit or full payment before sending it out. You will probably have to take your computer apart so that the buyer can check everything works well and there are no hidden problems with cables, memory cards etc.
If you’re shipping something big like an electronic typewriter, be sure any boxes are well packed and cushioned for safety. Be sure to include a note telling the recipient exactly what they are receiving and how much you expect them to pay for it, as well as your contact information in case there is any problem or issue.
In conclusion,
The IT equipment industry has grown so much over the past few years; it’s now not uncommon to have more than one piece of technology in your home. As a result, many people are now looking for ways to sell used computers and other devices they no longer need or use.
With that said, there are some things you should keep in mind when selling used IT equipment online. For starters, make sure you know what kind of device is being sold before advertising it on sites like eBay or Craigslist, as this will help set expectations with potential buyers about its condition and price range.
It also helps if you take high-quality photos of the item from all angles, making it easier for someone who may consider purchasing an old computer.
