The estimated reading time for this post is 4 minutes
If you’re looking for a way to earn money, clear out your closet and save the planet, check out Gazelle, a site that will buy or recycle your used electronic devices.
Last week I spoke with Kristina Kennedy, Director of Brand and Communications for Gazelle, about the services Gazelle provides. Kennedy explained, “Whether it’s consumers or small businesses, most of us don’t really know quite what to do with our small gadgets. They know they’re not supposed to throw them away, but they aren’t really quite sure what to do with them, so they end up sitting in drawers and sitting in closets.” Gazelle makes it easy to sell your electronics and get cash or a gift card for them.
To sell your items to Gazelle, head to www.gazelle.com where you can view a list of 22 categories Gazelle will accept, including cell phones, laptops, cameras, DVD players, movies, video games and desktop computers. Select your category and Gazelle will ask for specific information, such as the manufacturer, model, and condition of the item. Gazelle will then calculate the value of the item and make you an offer which is good for 30 days. If you accept the offer, you enter your information and Gazelle will send you a box to ship the item to Gazelle for free.
Gazelle also offers a price guarantee. If the price of the item rises, which Kennedy admits doesn’t happen often, or Gazelle discovers that the item is worth more than was estimated, Gazelle will pay the seller more than the quoted price.
If Gazelle determines that your item does not have significant value, you can still send the item to Gazelle to recycle it for free. Gazelle will pay the postage if you include the item in the box with an item you are selling to Gazelle.
Gazelle gives you a variety of payment options to choose from, including depositing the funds into your PayPal account, or sending you a check or a gift card from Amazon or Walmart. You can also choose to donate your proceeds to one of over 100 charities on the Gazelle site.
Recently, Gazelle announced a partnership with Staples so that you can now can receive a Staple gift card as payment for your used devices. Kennedy pointed out that this is an efficient way for businesses who have many computers or cell phones to upgrade and are looking for an easy way to trade in their older model devices. To trade in your electronics for a Staples gift card, visit www.staples.gazelle.com.
Gazelle also offers a partnership with charities trying to raise money through gadget donations. Gazelle will help a charity set up a landing page to help publicize the program. Kennedy suggested that fundraisers work best when they’re coupled with an event. Kennedy gave the example of Trade in Your Old iPod Night, paired with Back to School night or a bake sale. The charity can collect the gadgets at the event, send them into Gazelle and receive a check for the proceeds.
In addition to buying and recycling used electronics, Gazelle also sells electronics. Kennedy said, “Gazelle is moving products from early adopters to late adopters. Gazelle helps to give tech an extended life and a new home.” Kennedy points out that not everyone is standing in line on day one to buy a new product. Some people wait a year or so to try out a device.
Gazelle sells its inventory on Amazon and eBay. Each item it sells has been hand-inspected by Gazelle, according to Kennedy, so that buyers can be assured of the accuracy of a product description. If you’re looking to buy an electronic gadget from Gazelle, check out their stores at Amazon (Gazelle on Amazon) and eBay (Gazelle on eBay). Gazelle’s eBay store tends to have a more extensive supply of electronics than its Amazon store, but check both stores if you are looking for a specific item.
Kennedy said that, other than the annual iPhone launch, January was Gazelle’s busiest time for people selling their electronics. So if you suspect you might be getting a new device for the holidays, you could lock in your price to sell your device to Gazelle now before the rush in January. You’re under no obligation to sell your device, in case that present you were counting on doesn’t come through. Similarly, if you’re looking to buy a device from Gazelle, keep checking their Amazon and eBay stores in January and February when their inventory should be near its peak.
Do you have older electronics you would like to sell or recycle? Are you in the market for previously owned gadgets? Let us know in the Comments section below!
* Gadget tree image by hikingartist.com
Hi Carolyn,
I just went through a major upgrade to my computer system and dumped all kinds of older equipment (computers, monitor, external disk drive, printers etc). Gazelle would have been a great option. I just hate to toss stuff that I know would be useful and appreciated by the right person.
Riley
Hi Riley, I agree with you, I feel much better when I know that my used electronics are going to be used by someone else. Gazelle can also direct you to a local recycling center for your used electronics so they don’t end up polluting a landfill.
OMG Carolyn, this is fabulous!!!
I save all the things that can be recycled and I take them to my Mom who is a fanatic about that. Unfortunately, the city only will recycle electronic devices once a year so poor Mom has a stack of stuff in one of her spare rooms and I mean a stack. Just this past weekend I took her two computers. She has computer speakers, a VCR component, a mircrowave, alarm clocks, camera, keyboards, you name it. She will not allow us to toss anything.
I can’t see shipping something as large as desktop computers. I mean right now I think she has three of them to recycle. None of the stuff of course works any longer so it would only be for recycling but there certainly isn’t any harm in checking it out so at least these things won’t be sitting in her house for yet another year.
I appreciate you sharing this Carolyn. I know that when the time comes and my Mom is no longer around, I’m going to have to drive to the recycle place and stand in line. Right now, they actually come by her home and pick everything up which is why we always take it to her. She lives in a much smaller town then we do. Our community doesn’t have that option I’m afraid. Electronics are more difficult to dispose of.
Great info Carolyn and I’m going to be spreading this around. You’re the best!
Hi Adrienne, I’m so glad this is helpful to you and your mom! That is so cool her town will come by and pick up electronic recycling. I’ve never heard of anything like that!
Gazelle also offers a search feature so you can find local electronics recycling centers. Here is the link to that: http://www.gazelle.com/recyclers If you don’t want to wait a year and don’t want to mail in the items, checking for an electronics recycling center is probably your best bet. 🙂
They don’t pick up for electronics, just for everything else. I wish they would pick up for those items since they are much heavier.
Thanks for that link. I checked her area and Office Depot takes electronics so I’ll call them to find out what all they take. If not, I’ll check my area and then might bring all that stuff back with me and take it somewhere.
That’s great information, thanks.
Adrienne,
We recently found out about a Computer for Kids non-profit in our area. They accept all kinds of out dated computers, electronics, video game consoles, etc. They use and/or upgrade what they can or learn by taking them apart to see how the items were built. Donations are tax deductible and they will pick them up. You may want to check w Best Buy, a computer tech co., or with a school to see if a similar organization in your area exists.
Just a thought! Thanks for doing all you can to recycle! 🙂
The computers we have would be great for that purpose. I’ll do a little more research and see what I can’t find. Mom will love it if I can locate someplace that can take all of this off her hands. Thanks so much Carolyn, I appreciate you sharing this with me.
You’re right, Adrienne, it’s a win/win that your mom gets her place cleared out and someone who needs electronics can use them. Thanks to cho cho for sharing this site!
Thanks for sharing this, chocho! It’s great to learn how our used electronics can help others! =D>
Carolyn – This would be a nice option to sell my old iphones( i have 2 old ones already and i am planning to upgrade to an Android already :-)) I will surely check up on Gazelle.
BTW – I see that you have changed your blog appearance to a new theme. Looks different, i think still some work to do on layouts. Will surely keep checking back for the new look.
Hi Praveen, You should check out Gazelle for your used cell phones. It’s a lot easier than selling them on eBay. Very exciting that you’re upgrading to a new Android phone! Which one are you getting?
You got a sneak peek of the new theme. It wasn’t supposed to launch quite yet. Stay tuned to The Wonder of Tech as the new theme will have its official launch very soon!
Truly amazing Carolyn!
I never knew such a site existed! I wonder if they would take things from other countries also 🙂 I have loads of them lying around.
In-fact my in-laws also want to dispose of their old television sets, microwaves, cameras, VCRs, old desktop and so many other smaller things. We keep looking out for some local shops or places that would buy these or even exchange them with something new, but there seems to be nothing worth the cost or worth-while.
I am just going to check up on Gazelle and read about it soon after commenting here.
Thanks so much for sharing such wonderful information with all of us. I think most of us would never have known, had it not been for you 🙂
BTW- I loved the picture of the tree, and new changes on the blog sure are wonderful, especially the different colors you can choose.
Hi Harleena, I imagine Gazelle would accept items from other countries (though I don’t know this for sure), but the challenge would be the shipping cost. I’m hoping you can find someone local who could provide similar services. It’s a shame to waste electronics when someone else might be able to put them to good use!
Thanks, I love the tree picture too! Sometimes I luck out and find truly amazing images for my articles and today was one of those days! 🙂
I’m glad you like the new theme. Stay tuned to The Wonder of Tech for its official launch, coming soon!
Brilliant business idea! Off to check them out now! LOVE the new look of Wonder of Tech. Congrats.
Hi Ruth, I’m so glad you found this post helpful and you like the new theme. It wasn’t actually supposed to launch quite yet, but I’m happy you enjoyed your sneak peek! 🙂
Awesome post, Carolyn!
I’ve never heard of Gazelle before, but it sounds like they have a great idea in play. On top of that their on Amazon and Ebay!
I’ll definitely be looking around the house for any electronics that I’m no longer using, or that might be in need of refurbishing. Who knew?
This is an awesome share, Carolyn. Thanks for the heads up!
Btw, I’m “loving” the new changes! It’s a very clean look and quite functional as well. I’m seeing so many cool features here. I’m highly impressed! Way to go! 🙂
Hi Deeone, Great to have you back! Your trip seemed amazing. Thanks for sharing your videos on Facebook!
Yes, Gazelle can be a gold mine if you have old electronics sitting around the house that can be sold to Gazelle. It’s much easier to sell the items to Gazelle than to sell them on eBay.
I’m so glad you like the new theme, Deeone! That was just an (inadvertent) sneak peek. Stay tuned for the official launch coming soon!
Hi Carolyn,
Looks like Staples is doing the same thing as Best Buy. I suspect this will start to be a trend for many electronic companies.
I have some electronics I don’t use anymore, so I’ll have to give this a try.
Thanks,
Bryce
Hi Bryce, Yes, the difference with Gazelle is that you don’t have to buy anything to trade in your electronics. Some retailers will accept trade-ins if you are buying new merchandise from them. Gazelle will buy your electronics and pay you cash, regardless of whether you buy a new product.
Even if you are buying a new product, you could check with Gazelle first to make sure you’re getting a good price at the stores.
Carolyn, aloha. Loved this post and the further information supplied in the comments. While currently I do not have any tech to resell/recycle, nevertheless it’s good to know about Gazelle.
And, I will definitely be making others aware of it. After Christmas, people will have lots of goodies for Gazelle.
In the past, I have always donated my cell phones to an organization that supplies them to service people.
Thanks so much for this information. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet, That’s so great that you have been able to contribute your cell phones to such a worthy cause. The important thing is that they are being put to good use and don’t end up in a landfill somewhere.
You’re exactly right, many people will be receiving electronics for the holidays and will need a place to get rid of their old gadgets. Better to give them away or sell them to Gazelle than just throw them in a drawer!
Thanks so much for spreading the word about this post, Janet! 🙂
Hey Carolyn,
I would love to use such a service but most of the time my old phones, computers are used within the family itself. I get the best thing available (because of being more tech oriented) then it gets passed on to mother or sister.
But yes I think if I had a business which used electronic gadgets, I would be happy to use this service.
This is happening here atleast for XBOX DVD’s which you can exchange for a voucher. I am sure that a lot of people who cannot afford or wish to purchase costly DVDs are making full use of this scheme.
Please add one more to my wish list LOL 😉
Hi Ashvini, I’m the same way (as you can imagine). My three girls get the benefit of my electronics that I pass on to them.
Perhaps a business idea for you, Ashvini? :-bd
Hi Carolyn,
That’s certainly a nice service, I have few cell phones and DVD players which I don’t want use but didn’t know what to do with them as they’re still in good condition so can’t just throw them away. But now finally got the solution… :). I certainly utilize Gazelle service plus you don’t have to pay for shipping. 😀
Hello Dissertation Assistance, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! You’re right, there’s no need to throw away perfectly good electronics, especially when someone else might be able to use it and you could get money for it. I hope you enjoy using Gazelle!
Carolyn
Gazelle is a great idea. finally, I can do something with all my old phones. thanks for sharing!
Hi Pete, I’m glad you like the idea of Gazelle. It’s wonderful to discover a useful service. So happy this is helpful to you! 🙂
Now if that don’t beat all. I’m not sure how many gadgets we have but do know we have a drawer full of phones……..
Maybe this will work out better for me instead of selling my blood, huh?
Thanks for sharing; always very useful. Hope all is well and you have a great weekend.
Hi Bill, You should definitely consider Gazelle for selling/recycling your cell phones. But you don’t need to give up your income from selling your blood. It’s important to keep the Vampires well-fed. o->
I vant to suck your blood………..but can you pay me too?
Lol, Bill, I’m seeing a new business opportunity for you in 2012. I hear bloodletting is making a comeback. A moneymaker to be sure! You even have a great slogan to get you started. (*)
Thanks for the information. I knew of Gazelle, but now with the partnership with Staples, even more reason to turn in my old electronics. Do you know if you can turn in your electronics at Staples, or do you still have to mail them to Gazelle?
Hi Carol, Great question! You have to mail your electronics to Gazelle to get the Staples gift card. Gazelle evaluates the item to assess the fair price and then sends you the gift card.
This is a great idea. I’m always giving my tech away, usually to my dad or my kids. I could be earning money instead 🙂
My wife is using my old iMac and she’s happy that I didn’t sell it 🙂
Hi Jens, I tend to pass my tech down to my family members too. My girls love getting my gadgets. That’s another effective way to recycle! I’m sure your wife is much happier that you kept your Mac in the family! 🙂
Hi Carolyn! This is a great idea and certainly a nice service. Now I know where to resell my old computers and cellphones, thanks for posting this.