Got electronics sitting around at home that you no longer use? They could still have some value.
Phones, laptops, gaming consoles and TVs are among the items people often take to a pawnbroker when they want to sell something they no longer need or use it as security for a short-term loan.
Of course, not every electronic item will be worth the same amount. Brand, age, condition, model and current second-hand demand can all affect whether an item is accepted and what it may be worth.
If you are wondering what electronics are worth taking to a pawn shop, here are five common types to consider.
1. Smartphones and Tablets
Phones and tablets are regularly upgraded, which creates a steady second-hand market for devices that are still in good condition.
Recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, iPads and other popular smartphones or tablets may be worth having assessed, particularly if they are working properly and have not suffered major damage.
Before taking a phone or tablet to a pawn shop, it is worth doing a few simple things first:
- Back up your photos, contacts and other important information
- Sign out of your personal accounts
- Remove your SIM and memory cards
- Turn off activation locks where required
- Bring the charger and accessories if you still have them
A device that is clean, working and complete is generally easier to assess than one with a cracked screen, missing charger or other faults.
2. Gaming Consoles
Gaming consoles can also have good second-hand demand, particularly when they are newer models that people are still actively looking to buy.
PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo consoles are common examples.
When assessing a console, a pawnbroker may look at the model, condition, storage capacity and whether the important accessories are included.
If you still have the controller, power cable, HDMI cable or original box, bring them with you. Extra controllers or games may also be worth mentioning when you have the item assessed.
Older gaming equipment can sometimes have value too, although this depends heavily on the model and current demand.
3. Laptops and Computers
A laptop you no longer use may still be worth selling or pawning if it is reasonably current and in good working condition.
Unlike some other electronics, the value of a laptop can depend heavily on its specifications.
A pawnbroker may consider things such as:
- Brand and model
- Age
- Processor
- RAM
- Storage capacity
- Battery condition
- Screen condition
- General wear and tear
Brands such as Apple, Dell, Lenovo, HP and Microsoft often have an established second-hand market, but the value will always come down to the individual device.
If you are taking in a laptop, remember to back up anything important and remove your personal information before handing it over.
4. TVs and Home Entertainment Equipment
Upgraded your TV recently and still have the old one sitting at home?
Some televisions can retain second-hand value, particularly newer smart TVs, OLED models, QLED models and other quality displays that are still in good working order.
The age and size of the television will matter, as will the brand and overall condition. TVs with damaged screens, missing remotes or older technology may be harder to resell.
Other home entertainment equipment may also be worth asking about, including:
- Soundbars
- Speakers
- Amplifiers
- Home audio equipment
- Selected entertainment systems
Because larger electronics can be difficult to transport, it is a good idea to check whether the store is interested in the item before bringing it in.
5. Other Electronics and Equipment
Phones and TVs are not the only things worth asking about.
Depending on the store and current second-hand demand, a pawnbroker may also consider items such as:
- Cameras
- Smartwatches
- Portable speakers
- Power tools
- Electric guitars
- Amplifiers
- Other quality electronic equipment
If you have something that does not fit neatly into one of the common categories, it is still worth asking.
The easiest approach is to contact the pawn shop first and provide the brand, model and condition of the item.
What Makes an Electronic Item Worth More?
There is no fixed price for second-hand electronics.
Two devices that look similar can have very different values depending on their age, model and condition.
A few factors usually make the biggest difference.
Brand and Model
Well-known brands and popular models can be easier to resell, which may make them more appealing to a pawnbroker.
Age
Technology changes quickly.
A device that was expensive several years ago may no longer have the same resale value once newer models have been released.
Condition
Working condition is important.
An item with a clean screen, working buttons and minimal damage will generally have stronger resale potential than one with cracks, faults or missing components.
Accessories
Original chargers, controllers, cases, remotes and other accessories can make an item easier to sell second hand.
If you still have them, bring them along.
Current Demand
What people are looking for changes over time.
A particular phone, console or laptop may be in strong demand now but worth less once newer models become widely available.
That is why an in-store assessment is usually the best way to get a clearer idea of what your item is worth.
Should You Pawn Your Electronics or Sell Them?
This really comes down to whether you want the item back.
If you pawn an eligible item, it is used as security for a short-term loan. Once the loan is repaid according to the agreed terms, you can collect the item again.
Selling is different.
If you have upgraded your phone, replaced your laptop or simply no longer want the device, selling it outright may make more sense.
There is no loan to repay and you do not need to return later to collect the item.
For something you still want to keep, pawning may be more suitable. For something you are finished with, selling can be the simpler option.
What Should You Do Before Taking Electronics to a Pawn Shop?
A little preparation can make the assessment easier and help protect your personal information.
Before bringing in a phone, tablet or computer:
- Back up anything you want to keep.
- Sign out of your personal accounts.
- Remove SIM and memory cards where relevant.
- Remove device or activation locks where appropriate.
- Clean the item.
- Bring chargers, controllers and accessories if available.
- Make sure you are able to provide any identification or ownership information required by the pawnbroker.
It is also worth checking that the device turns on and works properly before taking it in.
If you already know about a fault or damaged component, mention it when the item is being assessed.
Can You Pawn Broken Electronics?
Sometimes, but it depends on the item and how serious the damage is.
A few scratches or cosmetic marks may not necessarily be a major issue.
A phone with a badly cracked screen, a laptop that will not turn on or a console with significant faults may be less attractive because the item may need repairs before it can be resold.
That does not automatically mean it has no value, though.
If you are unsure, contact the store and explain what is wrong with the item. They can let you know whether it is worth bringing in for an assessment.
Have Electronics You No Longer Use?
It is easy for unused electronics to pile up at home.
An older phone gets replaced, a new console comes along or a laptop is upgraded, and the previous device ends up sitting in a drawer or cupboard.
If you have electronics you no longer need, it may be worth finding out whether they can be sold or used as security for a short-term loan.
Mega Cash buys and lends against a range of eligible second-hand goods, with the amount offered depending on the individual item, its condition and current resale demand.
If you are unsure whether your phone, laptop, gaming console, TV or another electronic item may be suitable, contact or visit your nearest Mega Cash pawn shop and have it assessed
