In this guide, we’ll look at everything that can help you sell your Mac for more than the average reselling rate. From cleaning to marketing, we’ll cover everything. Let’s get started.
1. Repair or Upgrade Components
Perfectly functioning Macs sell for more money. Start by inspecting your Mac physically and virtually. Maybe some of your MacBook’s keyboard keys are missing, or maybe your iMac’s camera isn’t working anymore. Analyze and fix these issues to maximize your Apple computer’s value.
If there are software issues, try troubleshooting them. Oftentimes, a clean reinstall of macOS solves most problems.
Secondly, even if the Mac is physically fit and there aren’t any apparent software issues, consider upgrading components like RAM, HDD, and battery. Over time, these components can deteriorate and slow down the computer.
For example, you may have 128GB storage on your Mac, which isn’t enough for most users these days. If feasible, upgrade it (or have it upgraded) to 256GB.
However, it’s important that you only repair or upgrade your Mac before selling if the cost and effort of doing so is less than the profit you expect to get.
2. Remove Snap-On Cases and Decals
If you’ve personalized your laptop by applying stickers, skins, or snap-on cases, start removing them. If you’ve applied stickers on to a snap-on case or a lamination on your computer’s surface, simply peel it off. However, if you sticker-bombed your Mac’s surface directly, here’s how you can remove them:
Heat the sticker with a hairdryer. With your fingers, carefully scrape off the sticker. Apply isopropyl solution on the adhesive residue (if any) and leave it for half an hour. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe off the residue.
3. Clean the Mac Thoroughly
After you’ve removed stickers and skins, the next step is to physically clean the Mac. The new buyer may not care if the computer is clean or not, but you have to list it for sale online. It’s important that the Mac looks good in pictures to attract buyers.
Read our Mac cleaning guide for specific and detailed cleaning instructions.
4. Include Accessories With Your Mac
A Mac comes with various accessories, like the charger, power adapter, mouse, keyboard, trackpad, USB-C cords, and even Apple stickers. Apple sells all these accessories as separate products too, and each one of these priced considerably high. Even Apple stickers cost around $5.
If you have a 2015 MacBook Air that you’re going to replace with the latest model, you won’t be needing the MagSafe charger anymore. It’s better to bundle up your Mac with the accessories that came with it—or the useful ones that you bought over time—and sell everything together.
However, selling these all separately might also be a good idea. If you use a Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse with your MacBook, it’s unlikely the new buyer would also like to use these with the MacBook. Selling these separately, then, will make you more money overall.
5. Include the Original Packaging
Everyone likes to buy new items—they usually only buy used ones because they’re on a budget. If you sell your Mac with its original packaging, you’re likely to get paid more because it will feel newer.
It’s recommended to clean the packaging, too, and fix any torn or damaged areas as much as you can.
6. Market and Negotiate
Marketing your used Mac and negotiating its price with the buyer are two things that can help you sell it for more than you’d get otherwise, especially if you hadn’t followed the steps above.
But these two can be technical skills to master. So, here are a few tips that you can keep in mind when you list your product for sale to market it better:
Find the right market: Different markets have different kinds of customers. If you sell to a diehard Apple fan, there’s a good chance you’ll make more money than otherwise. Our Mac selling guide explains the process of selling your Mac. Take good pictures: Take your Mac for a photoshoot—take clear pictures showing its condition. Better presentation will attract better buyers. Understand its price: Before you negotiate, you have to understand how much your Mac is worth, and you have to price it properly. List features with benefits: Rather than simply listing the various features, how different features of your MacBook can help solve a problem in your ideal customer’s life. State the problems: Everyone knows they’re buying used items, which come with problems. It’s better to list them all for the buyer. This will help them to trust you more.
Bonus Tip: Impress the Buyer
By applying a scent and new screen or chassis protectors to your Mac, you can impress your buyer and become an accredited seller for future sales. Here’s exactly what you should do:
Sweet scent: Apply some cologne—from a distance of at least 6 inches—on the lid or palm-rests, and packaging. Avoid applying the scent anywhere near the Mac’s screen, ports, and keyboard to prevent damage. New protectors: Replacing old chassis protectors or cases with new ones will show the buyer that you took great care of your Mac.
These tricks may not do anything more than impressing your online buyers. However, they will likely make your physical buyers pay you more because the Mac smells and feels different.
Is Your Mac Ready for Sale?
If you’ve taken the above steps, you can rest assured that you will land an excellent deal for your Mac. It’s all about presentation and buyer experience. If they feel the product looks beautiful and solves their problems, people will be happy to pay you more for it.
While physical grooming helps you sell your Mac for a better price, you still need to ensure you don’t hand over something personal to the new owner. Sometimes, sellers forget about backing up and resetting their Macs before selling them. Have you taken all the necessary steps?
