Your 2014 Apple iPad trade-in guide
On Thursday, Oct. 16 Apple will unveil the company’s 2014 iPad lineup. When they do, millions will begin unloading their older tablets.
How much is your old iPad worth? That depends on the vendor you choose.
While you can certainly try your chances on Craigslist and elsewhere to get more money, we recommend using one of the following six online services to sell your device: Amazon, Apple, GameStop, Gazelle, Glyde, or NextWorth.
The following is a look at what each service is offering for iPads in “good” condition as of today, Oct. 15, 2014. The prices listed are for iPads with 32GB of storage (Wi-Fi only). Expect to get a little bit less for your 16GB models, and more for 64GB and 128GB devices. You will get slightly more for Wi-Fi + Cellular models.
These prices are for iPads with normal wear and tear. Plus, all assume the iPad is free of water damage, and comes with its original cables and AC adapter. You may get more or less than the price quoted.
For a quicker sale:Want some guaranteed cash as quickly as possible? Consider selling your tablet through Amazon, Apple, GameStop, Gazelle, or NextWorth.
Amazon
The Kindle Fire maker loves to buy iPads – assuming that you don’t mind receiving an Amazon gift card in exchange. Amazon offers among the highest prices in the industry on iPad trade-ins.
Apple
- Pros: They typically offer the best prices.
- Cons: You can’t buy a new iPad with an Amazon gift card, at least not on launch day.
Apple accepts old tablets online and through its retail stores as part of the company’s Reuse and Recycle Program. For each sale, customers receive an Apple gift card that is usable online and in Apple retail stores.
GameStop
- Pros: Convenient, especially in stores.
- Cons: Prices being offered tend to be lower than others. Quotes are not yet available for the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display.
GameStop is making its first appearance on our annual list mainly for its trade-in website’s ease of use. Simply receive a quote online, print it out, and take it to your nearest GameStop. You can decide whether to receive cash or store credit.
Gazelle
- Pros: Its trade-in page online is the quickest to navigate.
- Cons: Cash quotes are significantly lower than those for store credit.
Gazelle offers three ways to receive your cash: through check, PayPal, or an Amazon gift card. If you choose Amazon, you’ll receive 5 percent more than the quoted price. You can also give to charity.
NextWorth
- Pros: Great and reliable service that has been around for a long time.
- Cons: Prices typically drop quickly as we get closer to the release date of new tablets.
This popular service offers four types of payments: PayPal, check, NextWorth Discover Prepaid Card, and Target gift card.
- Pros: If you’d rather talk to someone face-to-face, the Target tie-in could be important since you make the trade in the store. Prices are very competitive. Quotes are good for 30 days.
- Cons: There really aren’t any.
Extra: For a limited time, you can receive a 10 percent bonus on your trade using the promo code “IPAD2014″ at checkout. This special offer expires on Friday, Oct. 31.
Set your own priceUnlike the other options, Glyde attempts to match buyers with sellers. Meaning, if no one likes the price you set, you’re out of luck. Luckily, the site offers tools that help you set the best price, based on current market conditions and recent sales data.
Glyde
We’ve used Glyde many times over the years and really enjoy what it has to offer. Its comparison tool is impressive and sales tend to be completed very quickly, although that is not guaranteed. Proceeds go directly into your bank account.
- Pros: You set the price and get paid once the buyer receives the iPad. Site is easy to navigate.
- Cons: It might take longer to find a buyer. Watch those seller fees.
Apple is expected to unveil an “iPad Air 2″ and third-generation iPad mini tomorrow, Oct. 16. Preorders could begin the following day, with at least one of the models arriving in stores on Friday, Oct. 24 in select countries.