Used electronics

What actually matters in this niche

Value used electronics only after checking the exact model, setup without someone else’s account and the functions needed for resale. For phones, include battery condition and repair history. A low buying price does not resolve an unexplained Activation Lock.

CrowFlip deliberately does not publish a fixed margin or demand score here. Both depend on the exact item, condition, buy price, sales channel and timing.

Common marketplaces for comparison

This is not a ranking recommendation. Check fees, rules and real comparable sales for the specific item.

What matters when buying a preowned iPhone?

Apple advises against buying an iPhone with Activation Lock enabled. A Hello screen means the device has been erased; it needs to be set up and activated before functional checks. Agree this with the seller before handover instead of assuming it can be unlocked later.

Test the functions relevant to your sale on the set-up device. Record battery health and, where available, Parts and Service History. Add model, storage, accessories, test date and untested functions to your notes. A short inspection does not replace a battery-runtime test.

Hypothetical example: uncertain battery costs

Suppose a phone works during a short inspection but its battery condition remains unclear. Find sold devices with the same model, storage and corresponding documented condition. Do not automatically value it like a professionally refurbished device with a tested battery.

If you plan to have the battery replaced, obtain a specific quote before buying and budget it alongside selling and shipping costs. If another person’s account blocks setup, do not treat that as an ordinary price discount.

Sources and review date

Sources reviewed on 6 October 2026. Worked examples are explicitly labelled hypothetical.

• Apple: If you want to buy a preowned iPhone