Upgrading to the newest iPhone hardware means shelling out $200-$400 on contract.
Why It Works
There’s no magic trick here.
That meansthis only works ifa) you’re on contract and b) you’re eligible for an upgrade.
The short version: keep it in good shape and sell it at the right time.
This is great news if you’re not encumbered by a contract.
So what are your options?
If you have an older rig (i.e.
If you’re still under warranty, you’re in much better shape.
Don’t worry if it’s about to expireeven offering a few weeks is plenty.
That added benefit goes a long way and comes at no cost to you.
Proper Care for Your Phone
iPhones sell, in part, because of their looks.
If you get a small, mostly unnoticeable nick or two you’ll be okay.
What you want to watch out for are scratches and other ugly blemishes.
And, of course, you don’t want to drop it and shatter the screen.
Let’s talk about how best to keep it safe.
You just snap on the case and adhere the protective film.
Protective film comes with the added benefit of matte/anti-glare options, too.
If you do decide to go the case-and-film route, a little maintenance is necessary.
Rubberized cases minimize this.
Plastic cases don’tespecially the snap-on, thin-framed “feather” types.
Once clean, put the case back on and you’re good for another month or two.
When you do, the screen looks impossibly clean and unblemished, making the iPhone an easy sell.
Full-Body Protection
Full-body protection minimizes damage.
you might alsogo for a glass one, if you don’t like the feel of the plastic ones.
Don’t Forget to Reset!
To do this, go intoSettingson your iPhone, chooseReset, and then tapReset All Content and options.
All you really have to do is find a buyer and make the sale.
While most sales on Craigslist will result in less money for you, the iPhone is an exception.
Most people will lowball you, but they’re often willing to pay more.
Generally people are willing to pay full price but want to feel like they got a great deal.
Price it higher than what you’re hoping to get and then you both get what you want.
When posting the ad, don’t make it too long.
Many Craigslisters won’t read it even if it’s only a few sentences.
you’re free to cover this information in 2-3 sentences.
Be sure to say thanks and leave your first name.
If you’re comfortable providing a phone number, go ahead.
You will have options, so don’t be in a rush to sell.
When you have a product like this, you’re in a good position to pick your buyer.
You want to try and pick someone you think you’ll get along with.
Even if you find this frustrating, don’t let that slip into your reply.
The most important thing is that you’re honest about the condition of the phone.
If there is any cosmetic damage that you know of, no matter how minor, tell them.
You do not have to include it in the listing but tell them if they ask.
Let them know that you want to show them.
This makes you honest and encourages them to come see the iPhone in person.
you’re free to be sure that what they imagine is the worst-case scenario.
That is, of course, if you’ve been honest with them.
When the actual sale takes place, it’s always prudent to count the money.
Don’t worry about offending the buyerthey should expect you to do this.
They’d do this themselves if they were in your shoes.
There are nice ways to ask, too.
Saying “do you mind if I count it?”
allows them to give you permissionwhich they always willso there’s no real tension in that moment.
Once you’ve made the exchange, you’re all set.
You’ve just paid for your iPhone upgrade and maybe even made a little money in the process.
This is just one strategy for one product that’s always worked for me.
