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Buying new iMac - best way to sell 2011 iMac
- Thread starter macryan1
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I've had success selling my previous two MacBook Pros on eBay, but with shipping costs and all not sure how it would work out with an iMac. Do you have the original box? That makes it so much easier to sell and ship. I'm sure you can get a great price on your iMac. You could try Craigslist for local, but in my experience so many people are just looking for the cheapest deal, you may not get all that you could. Hope this was of help.
I've had good success here on the forums. eBay also works, and you might get more on eBay, but fees will eat into that, and sometimes a bad buyer can really make your life suck for a couple days. eBay is geared up to protect buyers. Gazelle is handy, and really easy, but you won't get as much money. But sometimes, I'm willing to take less for an easy transaction.
You've got options, just weigh out what you're willing to deal with and how much you want (within the practical range of what your device is worth).
You've got options, just weigh out what you're willing to deal with and how much you want (within the practical range of what your device is worth).
"Best" depends on what's most important to you. For me, time is important, so shipping and just waiting for my money sounds best. Posting on eBay, responding to questions etc. takes more time. For this convenience I'm willing to accept less for the iMac. Obviously, Craigslist, eBay should net more money.
Just tried 'gazelle' $578/. Less than Apple
sellyourmac.com $678. More than Apple, but less than market (for me)
sellyourmac.com $678. More than Apple, but less than market (for me)
I sold my base 2010 27” for $400 through Facebook marketplace. eBay definitely is NOT going to give the highest net as someone else incorrectly stated, as they take 10% in fees, excluding what you pay for shipping (expect at least $30) and any additional listing upgrades you may add. Plus PayPal will take 2.5%. I’ve had 0 issues selling things locally, just play it smart and meet publicly.
Best of luck on your sale. I will also be selling a 2011 iMac soon.
Based on my experience with selling Apple and other electronic items, here are my recommendations for a sales channel, from best to worst :
1) If you have a "NextDoor" forum where you live, this is the easiest and lowest cost way to sell. No charges for the ad. People will come to you for the sale. When you list the ad, you can select whether you want to restrict it to just your neighborhood or to a wider local area. I've sold several Apple items this way. This is especially good for an iMac, as you can avoid shipping costs and hassles. I restrict sales to cash or PayPal.
2) Craig's List. Many of the same advantages as above, but more hassle and exposure to fraud and questionable buyers.
3) The MarketPlace forum here at MacRumors if you qualify for it. You might want to start with a local sale ad first to avoid shipping.
4) Ebay. Fees, hassles, shipping and ever-changing rules.
5) Sell it back to Apple. Very easy and trouble-free, but you will probably get less $$ for it.
Of course, you can try multiple channels at the same time if you wish.
Whatever channel you choose, you can maximize your return by taking good photos of the iMac and accessories, including all packaging, manuals, etc. Also provide a record of you purchase date and costs. And make sure you are asking a reasonable price for a 7 year old computer. Check recent sales (not asking) prices on Ebay for guidance.
Based on my experience with selling Apple and other electronic items, here are my recommendations for a sales channel, from best to worst :
1) If you have a "NextDoor" forum where you live, this is the easiest and lowest cost way to sell. No charges for the ad. People will come to you for the sale. When you list the ad, you can select whether you want to restrict it to just your neighborhood or to a wider local area. I've sold several Apple items this way. This is especially good for an iMac, as you can avoid shipping costs and hassles. I restrict sales to cash or PayPal.
2) Craig's List. Many of the same advantages as above, but more hassle and exposure to fraud and questionable buyers.
3) The MarketPlace forum here at MacRumors if you qualify for it. You might want to start with a local sale ad first to avoid shipping.
4) Ebay. Fees, hassles, shipping and ever-changing rules.
5) Sell it back to Apple. Very easy and trouble-free, but you will probably get less $$ for it.
Of course, you can try multiple channels at the same time if you wish.
Whatever channel you choose, you can maximize your return by taking good photos of the iMac and accessories, including all packaging, manuals, etc. Also provide a record of you purchase date and costs. And make sure you are asking a reasonable price for a 7 year old computer. Check recent sales (not asking) prices on Ebay for guidance.