The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling Used (and Broken) Tech in 2025

Every year, millions of smartphones, laptops, and tablets are upgraded. But what happens to the old ones?

For many people, they end up in a drawer, gathering dust. But your old tech—whether it's a gleaming iPhone 15 Pro Max or a shattered MacBook Air—has real value. In fact, the market for used and even broken electronics is booming.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your gear for less or turn your old devices into cash, this guide covers everything you need to know about buying and selling used tech in 2025.

Why Buy Used? It’s Not Just About the Money

Buying "new" isn't the only way to get top-tier technology anymore. The pre-owned market has matured, offering certified devices that look and perform like new for a fraction of the price.

1. Huge Cost Savings

The moment a new phone is unboxed, it loses value. By buying a certified pre-owned device, you let the first owner take that depreciation hit. You can often find flagship phones from Apple and Samsung for 20-40% less than their retail price, often just months after release.

2. Environmental Impact

Electronic waste (e-waste) is a massive global problem. Manufacturing a single smartphone generates roughly 85kg of carbon emissions. By buying used, you extend the life of a device, keeping it out of a landfill and reducing the demand for new manufacturing. It’s the single greenest choice you can make for your tech.

3. The "Good Enough" Factor

Tech advancements have plateaued. An iPhone 13 Pro performs almost identically to an iPhone 14 Pro for 99% of users. Buying a model that is 1-2 years old means you get incredible performance without the "early adopter" tax.

Selling Your Tech: How to Get the Most Cash

Have an old iPad or a laptop with a broken screen? Don't throw it away. Even broken devices have value for their parts (screens, batteries, logic boards). Here is how to maximize your payout.

1. Know What You Have

Before you sell, find your device's specific model number and storage capacity.

• On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About.
• On Mac: Click the Apple Menu  > About This Mac.

2. Be Honest About Condition

When getting a quote, transparency is key. Does the screen have deep scratches? Is the battery service light on? Does the FaceID fail to work? Being accurate upfront ensures your final offer matches your initial quote.

3. The "Trade-In" Trap vs. Cash Sales

Carriers and manufacturers offer "trade-in credits," but these lock you into long contracts (often 24-36 months) to get the full value. Selling your device for cash to a reputable local shop gives you instant freedom to buy whatever you want, wherever you want.

4. Don’t Fix It Before You Sell It

This is a common mistake. People spend $150 to fix a screen on a phone worth $200. Sell it as-is. Professional buyers (like us!) can repair it at cost, meaning we can often pay you more for a broken phone than you would net after paying for a repair yourself.

Safe Buying & Selling: The QuickTech Promise

The internet is full of scams, flaky meetups, and "locked" devices. At QuickTech, we offer a safe, professional alternative in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

Buying from Us

We stock a curated selection of certified pre-owned iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads.

• Tested & Verified: Every device undergoes a rigorous multi-point inspection.
• Warranty Included: We stand behind what we sell with a warranty for your peace of mind.
• No Contracts: All our devices are unlocked and ready for any carrier.

Selling to Us

We are Midtown's top-rated buyer for a reason.

• Fast & Fair: We give you an on-the-spot cash offer based on real-time market data.
• Secure: We ensure your personal data is completely wiped from the device before it finds a new home.
• We Buy Broken: Cracked screens, dead batteries, or water damage? We’ll still make you an offer.