Dell Trade In vs. Buyback

Dell Trade In vs. buyback for cash: Which is the better option for you?

Each has its advantages and downsides. Let’s review those together.

Dell Trade In

The Good	The Bad
Easy to upgrade while recycling older tech.	Limited database.
Dell claims to accept various brands.	A little older, still sellable laptops are immediately flagged for recycling with $0 credit.

The program allows you to receive credit for older technology, not just Dell electronics. The idea is simple: Upgrade responsibly by sending your older gadget back to Dell and receiving a store credit to use at Dell.com for future purchases.

There are, however, a few caveats to consider:

1. Dell does not process trade-ins. Those are handled by a third-party company. So, even if you get a $ credit offer initially, as some Reddit users reported, it will likely be walked back after the partner company receives your Dell laptop.
2. High-end but slightly older computers yield no trade-in credit. For example, a fully functional Alienware m15 R2 gaming laptop with an Intel Core i7 9th Gen processor yields no offer at Dell Trade-In.
3. Store credit is not redeemable for cash. If you change your mind about getting a Dell, you cannot redeem your trade-in credit for money. And while the credit technically does not expire, you may run into issues trying to redeem a credit over one year old.

The aim of the Dell Trade-In program is to encourage the customer to buy new Dell products. They are willing to make you a more than generous trade-in offer on newer electronics and likely won’t yield anything.

Online Buyback

The Good	The Bad
Convenient service that pays cash.	A lower offer is possible if the gadget is not as described.

Online buyback generally refers to platforms and sites that acquire pre-owned technology in exchange for payment. Some specialize in certain brands and types of electronics (like Apple iPhones), while others buy a mix of everything. Online buyback is a perfect option for someone who wants to get rid of their unwanted gadget but does not want to deal with the actual selling and everything it entails (customer service, negotiations, research, taking photos, dealing with returns or fraud, etc.).

The process is simple: The seller receives the offer, sends their Dell laptop (or other device) in, and waits to receive the money. If you are honest and upfront about your computer’s model and condition, the payment should be made swiftly. However, if the buyback company finds a discrepancy in your description, a new offer will be made.  

Sell your Dell with Gadget Salvation

Our resale site accepts a wide range of pre-owned Dell models, working and not. To sell your Dell laptop, simply look up the model in our database (or contact our team for guidance), receive an instant valuation, send it in using our free postage label, and receive the payment via CashApp, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, or check!

We believe reselling pre-owned technology is the most sustainable way to get paid! Think about it: 1—You extend the lifespan of your unwanted Dell by at least a few more years; 2—Someone will get the chance to obtain a computer they could not afford otherwise; 3—Getting a cashback for recycling is a cherry on top!

Cash vs. Store Credit

Receiving actual money from selling your older Dell laptop is almost always preferable. Yet, if you are eyeing another Dell laptop, it is better (and more convenient) to go with the Dell Trade In. If your computer is a year (or two) old and works just as new, the trade-in credit offer should be substantial and often tough to beat, as Dell, understandably, wants to keep you as a customer. But if you have owned the gadget for over three years, looking for alternatives to Dell Trade In is advisable. In any case, visit Gadget Salvation to receive an instant appraisal and compare your options before deciding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Helpful Links:

How To Factory Reset a Dell Laptop

Dell Laptop Resale Value