The end of the year is fast approaching, and that means getting rid of the old and welcoming the new—yes, I’m talking about your new smartphone upgrade. We all love getting new phones, but most of the time, smartphones, especially the higher-end ones, don’t come cheap.
So, you’re finally ready to part ways with your old smartphone. Maybe it’s to fund your shiny new device, clear out the tech clutter, or even take advantage of the lifestyle relief for income tax before tax season. But hold on—are you unintentionally sabotaging your phone’s value or making things unnecessarily complicated for yourself?
Here are three things you might be doing wrong and how to fix them like a pro—Samsung users might want to read ‘til the end!
Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
Table of Contents
1. No Presentation, No Appeal
Let’s face it: nobody wants to buy a phone that looks like it’s been through a toddler’s playroom or a tumble down the stairs. Poor packaging, missing accessories, and dusty screens scream “unloved device”, so don’t be surprised if people either lowball you or avoid you altogether.
Here’s the fix: when putting it up for sale, treat your phone like it’s brand new. If you’ve still got the original box, charger, or even accessories like a case, include them. Not only does this make the package look complete, but it also reassures the buyer that the phone has been well looked after.
Before taking pictures, give the phone a good clean—wipe down the screen, buff out the smudges, and make sure it looks as pristine as possible. Showcase the phone from every angle and highlight its condition. Trust me, a few minutes of effort can make a big difference in how much someone is willing to pay!
Bonus Points: Toss in any extra cases or screen protectors lying around. We all love free stuff, don’t we?
2. Forgetting To Wipe Your Phone—Properly
Selling your old phone without wiping your data? That’s like handing over your diary with all the juicy secrets still inside.Too many people underestimate just how much information is stored on their devices, from photos and passwords to sensitive financial details. If you skip this step, you’re not just making life harder for the buyer; you’re also putting yourself at serious risk.
Before selling your old phone, start by backing up your data so that you can use your new phone immediately without a hitch. If you’re switching to a new phone with the same provider, this step will be quick and easy: for example, Samsung users can use Samsung’s Smart Switch transfer everything you want to keep to your new Samsung device easily.
Then, reset your phone—but not just a simple reset! Log out of all your accounts, then perform a full factory reset, which will wipe out all information and files from your phone. Don’t do this until you’ve successfully backed up your data to your new phone!
It would be very helpful if your phone also had some security measures to prevent recovery attempts. For example, Samsung Knox encrypts your data, ensuring that no one can access your data without your permission!
3. Forgetting About Trade-In Programs
Selling your phone on random online platforms might seem convenient, but you’re likely leaving money on the table if you’re not taking advantage of trade-in programs!
If you already know what phone you’re getting next, try inquiring if the brand has a trade-in programme where you can get two birds with one stone: get rid of your old device AND get a nice discount on your new smartphone. No more dealing with lowball offers or flaky buyers!
Samsung Trade-In Programe
Now, this is where I tell you about one of the best trade-in offers you can find: Samsung’s trade-in programme, or more specifically, the trade-in promotions they’re running for their newest addition to the Galaxy S series lineup: the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
Samsung’s trade-in program for the Galaxy S24 FE offers a seamless and cost-effective way to upgrade your device. With competitive trade-in values and frequent promotional bonuses, you can significantly reduce the cost of your new Galaxy S24 FE—in fact, if you’re already using selected Galaxy A smartphones, you can get a comprehensive AI phone at under RM2,000!
The process is straightforward: check your phone’s eligibility on Samsung’s website or app, receive an instant trade-in value, and either ship your device for free or drop it off at a Samsung store. Your trade-in credit is then applied directly to your purchase, making the transition to your new phone hassle-free!
Apart from giving you more discounts, trading in your old device is also great for sustainability. In Samsung’s trade-in programme, old devices are refurbished for resale or responsibly recycled, contributing to a greener planet.
Plus, you’ll know that your old device is either being refurbished or recycled responsibly, which is a win for the planet. Pair this with the S24 FE’s premium features and accessible price point, and it’s hard to argue against the trade-in route!
The Galaxy S24 FE combines flagship features with an accessible price point. Add Samsung’s trade-in perks, and you’re looking at an upgrade that’s easy on both your wallet and the planet!
Final Word: Don’t Be That Seller
Selling your old smartphone doesn’t have to feel like a blindfolded obstacle course. With a little TLC, proper security measures, and smart trade-in strategies, you can boost your phone’s value and get more bang for your buck.
So, clean it, secure it, and trade it—it’s time to say goodbye to your old phone in style and welcome your new phone with open arms!
[This article was produced in collaboration with Samsung Malaysia]