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Apple and third-party websites offer programs that allow you to trade in your Mac for a cash payment or gift card. We’ll break down the advantages of trading in through Apple and third-party websites so you can make an informed decision when it’s time to exchange for a new Mac.
The Pros of Trading In Your Mac With Apple
There are multiple advantages to trading in your Mac through Apple. First, this is very convenient if you plan to purchase a new MacBook directly from Apple. You don’t have to research another website or wait a few days to get the money to buy your new Mac.
Additionally, you can trade in your MacBook or desktop Mac at a retail Apple Store. Doing so can be more convenient than having to mail it out (if you live near an Apple Store), as you’ll avoid any potential shipping issues and get paid for your Mac immediately. You can even checkApple’s Trade In pageto see how much you’ll get for your Mac, then go to a retail store to trade it with no surprises.
You can also speed up the process in the store by backing up your data and erasing your computer beforehand, which is one of thethings you should do before selling your Mac.
The Pros of Trading In Your Mac With a Third Party
Arguably, the biggest advantage of trading in your Mac through a third party is the ability to find the best value, since there are several options to choose from.
In 2023, Apple was criticized (as reported byMacRumors) for offering poor trade-in quotes for relatively new Macs.MacRumors also reportedthat Apple lowered the trade-in prices for many of its products in January 2023. Because of this, many turned to selling their Macs to third-party platforms in hopes of a better quote.
In addition to possibly getting a better price, third-party options tend to give cash for your Mac. This is in contrast to Apple providing a gift card that you may only use for Apple products and services. Therefore, third-party services are better if you want to use the money you get from selling your Mac for something else. Some of thebest websites to sell your used Macalso offer various payment methods.
For example,Cash For Your Macallows you to get money through an Apple Store Gift Card, cash through PayPal instant payment (which includes a 2.9% fee), or a business check. Lastly, some third-party websites can offer a small amount of extra money if you trade in your device and purchase one from them.
So if you want to save some money on a Mac but don’t need the latest and greatest, trading in your Mac to buy a used one from a third party can be a great option.
Which Third-Party Platform Offers Maximum Value for Your MacBook?
The first website we recommend checking out for the best Mac trade-in value isCash For Your Mac, which in the past has offered fair pricing on a variety of Apple devices, including Macs. Do note that every website will provide a different quote for your Mac, so you’ll want to check a few websites to see which is willing to pay the most.
To give you an example of how it can vary, we went to a few websites to get a quote for a base 13-inch M2 MacBook Air in the best condition possible, with the charger but without the box. Here are the results at the time of writing:
If your Mac is too old to the point that no third-party websites are willing to offer money, there are someuseful ways to reuse an old Mac.
Ultimately, which website you use to trade in your Mac depends on two factors: where you get the best quote and what you plan to use the money for. Apple’s trade-in program is better if you want a seamless transition to your new Mac. But if you want the best payout possible or need hard cash, third-party platforms are hard to resist.
