What makes electronics valuable
With electronics, the exact model decides almost everything. Two devices that look the same can differ in storage, generation, region or lens mount, and buyers search for those details. Working condition comes next: a tested item that powers on and does what it should is a different product from one sold untested or for parts. Completeness matters too. Original chargers, cables, cases, manuals and boxes make a listing easier to trust. A smaller group of items, such as some retro consoles, film cameras and early music players, also attracts collectors, not only people who want to use them.
What to check first
- Find the model number: it is usually on a label underneath or on the back, inside a battery or card compartment, or in the settings menu.
- Test it: power it on, try every button, port and function, and note anything that does not work.
- Remove your data: sign out of your accounts and erase devices before you sell them.
- Gather the extras: put chargers, cables, lenses, cases and boxes with the item before you photograph it.
How to use these guides
Start with the guide for your item type. Each one shows where to find the identifying numbers, how to test safely, which faults buyers care about and how to photograph the item. The guides at the end help you compare like with like and pack fragile items for shipping.
Where WorthAI fits
Scan the item with WorthAI to identify the likely model, then read the estimated worth with a range, a suggested asking price and the marketplace listings behind the estimate. Check that those listings match your model, condition and contents, and tap Refine Result if the match is wrong. Use the resale profit calculator to see what you would keep after fees and shipping, and the listing title builder to put the brand and model first. A photo cannot test whether something works, so do those checks yourself.
Games and music players
Are old video games worth anything?
Most old video games sell for a little and a few for a lot. Sort by console and completeness, spot variants and fakes, and check what the same copy sold for.
ValueAre old iPods worth anything?
Find your iPod's model and capacity, test the battery and storage, spot modified and fake units, erase it safely and photograph it before you sell.
Apple and computers
Cameras and music gear
Are old cameras worth anything?
Most old cameras sell for little, but some are worth real money. Identify the exact model, test it without film and compare sold prices for body and lens.
ValueIs my guitar worth anything?
Find the brand, model and serial number, check originality and playability, spot counterfeits and know when a vintage guitar needs an expert opinion.
ValueIs my Canon camera worth anything?
Identify a Canon film or digital camera and lens by model, mount and serial number, test it safely, check lenses for haze and fungus, and sell it well.
ValueIs my Fender guitar worth anything?
Identify a Fender guitar or bass by serial number, headstock and country of origin, check originality and condition, spot fakes, and sell it safely.
ValueIs my guitar amp worth anything?
Identify a guitar or bass amp by maker, model and date, tell tube from solid-state, check speakers and originality, stay safe with old amps and price from sales.
ValueAre old synthesizers worth anything?
Find out if an old synthesizer or keyboard is worth money: identify maker and model, tell analog from digital, test every key and voice and price from sales.
Vintage machines
Are old typewriters worth anything?
Find the make, model and serial number, test the mechanism key by key, check the case and typeface and learn how to ship an old typewriter safely.
ValueAre old radios worth anything?
Identify an old tube, Bakelite, Catalin or transistor radio by maker and model, check the cabinet and parts, stay safe with old wiring and price from real sales.
ValueIs vintage stereo equipment worth anything?
Find out if vintage hi-fi is worth money: identify receivers, amps, turntables, speakers and tape decks, test safely, check originality and price from sales.
Home appliances
Is my Dyson worth reselling?
Find out if a used Dyson vacuum, hair dryer, Airwrap or fan is worth reselling: find the model, check battery, filters and attachments, and price it from sales.
ValueIs my Vitamix worth reselling?
Find out if a used Vitamix blender is worth reselling: find the model on the base, check the motor, container and blades, and price it from sales of the same model.
Spot fakes and reproductions
How to spot a fake iPhone
Check the model, serial and IMEI in Settings, verify them with Apple, test iOS and Activation Lock, and spot used-phone seller red flags.
AuthenticityHow to spot fake AirPods
Check the serial number with Apple, read the details in your iPhone's settings, inspect the case, sound and packaging, and spot common seller red flags.
Step-by-step selling guides
How to sell a camera
Clean and test your camera, check the shutter and lenses, gather batteries and caps, photograph it, check its value and sell it safely.
SellingHow to sell a game console
Sign out, deregister and factory reset your game console, test it and the controllers, photograph it, check its value and sell it safely.
SellingHow to sell an old phone
Back up and erase your old phone, remove activation lock, test it, photograph it, check its value and sell it safely online or locally.
SellingHow to sell old electronics
Wipe your data and remove accounts from old laptops, tablets and gadgets, test them, gather cables, check their value and sell or recycle safely.
Before you price or list
How to research sold prices
Research sold prices the right way: match the exact item, filter by condition and date, ignore outliers, and turn sales into a price you can defend.
PricingSold or active listings: which to trust?
Active listings show what sellers ask; sold listings show what buyers paid. Learn how to read both, why they differ, and what to do when sales are thin.
PhotosPhotograph items to identify and sell them
Clear photos get items identified correctly and sold faster. How to frame the whole item, use light, capture labels and show condition honestly.
PreparationClean items before selling
Clean items before you sell them without causing damage: a material-by-material checklist, what never to clean, and how to photograph the result.
ShippingHow to ship items cheaply
Cut shipping costs without risking damage: weigh and measure first, choose the right packaging, compare services and buy labels online.
SellingFrom photos to an eBay listing
Turn item photos into a clearer eBay listing draft. Check the model, title, condition, item specifics, description, shipping and price before publishing.
Free tools
Resale profit calculator
See fees, net payout, profit, margin and the most to pay for an item.
Tool / ListingListing title builder
Turn brand, model and details into clear titles within 80 characters.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth selling broken electronics?
Often yes, if you describe the item honestly as not working or for parts. Some buyers repair devices or need parts. Say exactly what fails, and do not call an item tested unless you tested it.
Where do I find the model number on a device?
Check labels underneath or on the back, inside battery or card compartments, and in the settings or about screen. On cameras and lenses, look around the lens mount and on the base.
Should I erase a device before selling it?
Yes. Sign out of every account, turn off any lock linked to your account, then erase the device. Remove memory cards and SIM cards as well.