Most smartwatch users end up upgrading or exchanging old smartwatches with newer variants or models in 3 years time.
The upgrade or exchange may also be necessitated on account of changed requirements, like the need of using the fall detection or health tracking features.
Think of a situation of your old smartwatch being in a functional state. And, you prefer keeping a single smartwatch. To save money and lower the cost of acquiring a new smartwatch, you may actually want to sell it online or to the smartwatch manufacturer.
We look at some options available for a smartwatch users to sell old smartwatches and get the maximum value of your old watch.
Sell or gift to family and friends
This may seem so outlandish. But, there is always someone around who could use your old smartwatch. Sell it to your friend or family member who could use the smartwatch. You get the money, and your friend gets a reliable used smartwatch.
That’s a win for everyone.
And, if you do not mind gifting it, that would be even better. Let the watch be used by a friend or family and the money is taken out of picture.
Sell smartwatch on Online Platforms
There are many platforms available for selling used smartwatches, each catering to different needs of the consumer.
Buyers can choose from online marketplaces, specialized resale websites, or trade-in programs offered by smartwatch brands.
These options provide flexibility in how to sell effectively and also ensure that you could negotiate a good price for the old smartwatch.
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace allow users to reach a broad audience.
Selling on eBay is particularly popular due to its auction-style listings and fixed-price options. Sellers can set their prices or allow bidding, which can drive up the final sale amount.
Craigslist offers a local selling option, enabling in-person transactions, which can reduce shipping costs. Facebook Marketplace combines community engagement with social networking, providing a user-friendly interface for listings.
For all these platforms, sellers should include clear photos and detailed descriptions. Pricing competitively helps attract potential buyers.
Specialized Electronics Resale Websites
Websites such as Gazelle, Swappa, and Decluttr specialize in buying and selling electronic devices. Gazelle is known for its simple process, allowing sellers to receive a quote and ship their device for free.
Swappa operates differently; it allows sellers to create listings after setting their prices. The platform emphasizes trust and safety, often attracting buyers looking for quality used smartwatches.
Decluttr offers a quick valuation service and pays sellers the same day they receive the device. It handles all the logistics, making it an attractive option for those who prefer convenience.
Smartwatch Trade-In Programs
Many smartwatch manufacturers offer trade-in programs that allow users to send in their used devices for credit toward new purchases. Brands like Apple, Samsung, and Garmin provide this service, which often involves filling out an online form to receive an estimated value.
Once the smartwatch is sent in, the brand assesses its condition and issues the trade-in value, usually in the form of store credit. This option appeals to consumers who are loyal to specific brands and want to offset the cost of their next purchase.
Or, in some cases, the customer support team may fix a value of your old smartwatch. It may subsequently issue a credit for new or refurbished smartwatch purchase.
In our experience, we have found that most smartwatch trade-in programs are offering refurbished smartwatches. Obviously, the refurbished watches are backed with the manufacturer’s warranty.
Trade-in programs typically guarantee a hassle-free experience, removing the need for personalized listings or negotiations with buyers.
Preparing Your Smartwatch for Sale
Before handing over the smartwatch, we do suggest removing personal data from the smartwatch. The steps below would help you ensure that the personal data is not available for access to the new smartwatch owner or the smartwatch manufacturer (for trade-in customer)
Performing a Factory Reset
Your smartwatch may be storing personal data, images or music. Before selling it online or turning it on for the trade-in, it is imperative to perform a factory reset on the smartwatch.
Factory reset of the smartwatch would remove personal data, including apps, contacts, and other sensitive information.
Before attempting a factory reset, use the smartwatch manufacturer’s app (For example, Garmin Connect app for Garmin smartwatches and running watches) to perform a full backup of the user data residing on the smartwatch storage. The backup should be taken on the cloud, preferably.
Each smartwatch may have different steps to perform the factory reset operation. You may check your smartwatch manual. Or, you may speak to the customer support team of your smartwatch and complete the steps involving factory reset.
After the reset, the smartwatch should boot up as if it were new. This step reassures buyers that their information will be secure and provides them with a fresh starting point.
At this point, you are ready to dispatch your old smartwatch to its new owner or the smartwatch company (for trade-in offers).