Consumer Reports Offers Tips For Turning Old Gadgets Into Cash
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Are you tripping over electronics you no longer use but can't seem to get rid of like computers, printers and cell phones?
Well, Consumer Reports ShopSmart says you just might be able to turn that electronic trash into treasure.
Andrea Weinreb knows you shouldn't throw electronics out with the trash because of all the toxins they can contain.
"As a family, we just have a lot of junk," said Weinreb. "You have a basement, and you just keep putting it down there."
The Weinreb's basement is stuffed with their bulky electronic castoffs. Upstairs, there are old iPods and other smaller stuff they don't want.
Consumer Reports ShopSmart says you can turn your old gadgets into cash.
"The latest trend is stores and online retailers, like Amazon.com, offering cash or trade-ins for your old electronics," said Lisa Lee Freeman, of Consumer Reports ShopSmart.
Best Buy, for instance, will take back gently-used laptops, iPods and cell phones right at the store with a receipt.
At Best Buy online, you'll be able to trade in a wider variety of products, even older items bought at other stores. As with many other retailers, you'll get a gift card in exchange.
Radio Shack also buys old electronics in stores or online. And Target runs an electronics trade-in program with the company NextWorth.
"Hot products like iPhones and iPads will get you the best prices," said Freeman.
But prices vary.
For instance, a 16-gig iPhone can get $125 on the website, Cell It Used, $132 on Gazelle, and nearly $250 on Glyde.
"To get the most for your electronics, try to hang on to accessories like manuals, cases and chargers," Freeman said. "The original boxes help, too."
Even if the retailer won't give you anything for your old stuff, usually you can still send it in and the company will recycle it responsibly.
You can also consider making a donation of your old electronics to charities like the Salvation Army and Goodwill, as long as they're in good working condition.
You can get more information on how to unload old electronics in Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine.
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