Where to Sell Your Old Computers

You may think it's simple to get rid of your old computer when you buy a new one, but technology changes so quickly that you may find it difficult to sell your older model. At the very least, you may not get what you thought the computer would be worth. Place it for sale in a variety of different places so that you can increase its exposure and the likelihood that it will sell for a reasonable price.

Have a Garage Sale

If you've been thinking of having a garage sale to clear out your garage, this event is a great place to unload your old computers. Set up an extension cord to run from your house at the garage sale so that shoppers will be able to see that the computer is in good working condition.

eBay

List your old computers for sale on eBay if you want to sell it as quickly as possible. eBay allows you to set a listing that will stay active for up to ten days. The cost is very reasonable at just a few dollars per listing (the price is determined based on your asking price). You can also find out the suggested retail value of your computers using the site's convenient look-up tool (appears on the "Sell an Item" page under "Start Selling").

Even if the computer is considered ancient by most computer buyers, someone on eBay may buy the computer for its parts. Be flexible on the price-remember that eBay shoppers are on the hunt for irresistible deals that they will not likely find elsewhere. Throw in as many additional items as possible, such as a web cam, wireless mouse, laptop cooling stands, or speakers (even if you have to buy inexpensive ones) to sweeten the deal.

Post it on Craigslist

If you want to sell your old computers to a targeted market in your immediate area, use Craigslist.org. Click "Computers" under the "For Sale" section. List every detail of each computer's specifications along with a photo and the town where the buyer can come try out and pick up the computer.

Community Organizations

Small organizations in your town, like local programs for kids and the mentally challenged, will be on the look out for great deals on computers. Call up or send an email to the organizers to let them know that you are looking to unload some old computers. Set your asking price below the suggested retail value of the used computer since this is most likely for a charitable organization. You may even just decide to give the computer away if the organizer agrees to come pick up the equipment. This will save you the cost of having to dispose of the computer.