The 5 Best Ways to Make Cash with Your Broken Belongings!
Do you have broken cellphones, appliances or furniture laying around taking up space? Before you go to throw it out, you may just want to check if those old broken-down chairs are worth money.
This week, Michele the Bargain Queen of www.SavingMoneyandMakingMoney.com, will show you where to go and what to do to make money on some of your broken-down belongings.
Here are five broken-down items that you may be able to make money on:
1. Televisions
A few months ago, my husband and I noticed a line going through our TV screen. It was not bad at first, but as days and weeks went by, it kept getting worse. Of course, we did our due diligence and shopped around to find the best deal on a new TV. But what to do with the old one? We do have a recycling center in our town, but what else could we do? We called a couple of our local television repair companies and they offered us money for it! WHAT?! It is broken. We only got $25 for it, but hey, it is better than nothing. They use broken televisions for parts to fix other televisions. Even if your screen is broken, they will still use other parts from it. Amazing!
2. Appliances
Right now, our “second” refrigerator out in the garage is not keeping our items very cold. (I already moved the freezer items to another freezer so we would not lose any food.) My husband checked it out and the compressor is going bad. (Well, it was over 25 years old.) While he is looking around for a new to us refrigerator, I have been checking with our local repair shops to see if anyone would like our old refrigerator. Have not had any luck. However, my husband, with all his comparison-shopping skills, noticed that we could get a $50 credit if we recycle the old refrigerator. I then went on to the PPL website and saw that they indeed will come and pick up all refrigerator and freezers and give you $50! Met-Ed does the same thing. Both have certain parameters that you must meet so check it out if you are getting rid of an appliance.
3. Game Consoles, Tablets, Laptops
If any of the above are damaged visit GameStop.com first. They will pay cash for many models and brands that have some cracks, scratches, and other things wrong with them. Just go to their site, select what device you have, describe the condition (honesty is the best policy here), and then they will tell you what it is worth. If you accept GameStop’s quote, take your device and a printout copy of your “Saved Trade Estimate” to any local GameStop store to get paid. Pretty easy, huh?
4. Cellphones
They say that 25% of cellphone users will break their screen at least once. If the screen is cracked, just take it to get the screen replaced. (Much cheaper than purchasing a new phone.) But, if it is not working and you need a new phone, Target stores (Targettrade-in.com/online/home/index.rails.com) and Amazon (Amazon.com/tradein.com) will exchange damaged iPhones, Androids, and other smartphones for store gift cards. Do you want to purchase a new iPhone or other Apple product? Just recently, Apple began accepting some iPhone models with cracked screen in exchange for an Apple store gift card. To find out what your phone is worth go to Apple.com/recycling.com.
5. Furniture
Did you ever notice on trash day, the trucks that go around and grab furniture out of people’s trash? It could be bookcases, chairs, couches, tables, etc. Why do they want it? These people will repair and transform damaged furniture and “upcycle” to see to others at flea markets. Instead of them picking it up for free at your curb, list your items for sale on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist.com, and other free local classifieds. Even if you sell something for $25 or $50, it is worth it!
So, there you have it – 5 ways to get paid for some of your damaged belongings. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Do you have any ideas to add? Let me know in the comments below.
And as my husband always says, “Saving Money Is Making Money”!
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