Mobilegoo Logo
Buy Phones

Common Mistakes People Make When Selling Their Laptops or Macbooks

Common Mistakes People Make When Selling Their Laptops or Macbooks

People often hesitate to sell their old/used laptops, thinking it is a hassle and will not be worth much. When they upgrade to a new device, the old one usually gets tucked away in a drawer or at the back of a cabinet. But did you know that holding onto it could mean missing out on some easy cash? Your used or old laptop is far more valuable than you think!

Selling a laptop today is not the complicated process it used to be. In fact, it is easier than ever. You can sell your old or used laptop online at any time and get great offers without leaving the comfort of your home. However, to make sure you are getting the best value, you have to avoid some common mistakes people often make when selling their Macbooks or laptops.

 

INDEX

9 Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Laptops or Macbooks

1. Not Backing Up Important Data

2. Forgetting to Deactivate Accounts or Removing Data

3. Setting the Wrong Price for the Device

4. Overlooking Physical Damage and Wear

5. Ignoring Proper Packaging and Shipping for Online Sales

6. Failing to Clean and Present the Laptop Properly

7. Rushing the Sale Without Exploring Multiple Offers

8. Post Good Quality Images

9. Choosing the Wrong Platform to Sell On

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Laptops or Macbooks

1. Why do MacBooks have high resale value?

2. Is selling a MacBook safe?

3. What are the risks of selling a laptop?

 

9 Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Laptops or Macbooks

1. Not Backing Up Important Data

Not Backing Up Important Data

Most of us have many valuable files stored on our laptops. Before selling the laptop, make sure to take a complete backup of your laptop. While a complete backup may seem redundant to many, it is recommended because you might lose valuable data that cannot be recovered otherwise. For instance, you may have photos of trips or family on your laptop that you do not check frequently. Therefore, there is a chance you might forget about them if they are not organized properly. Not taking a complete backup means you will lose this data without even realising it. If you remember about it later, there will not be anything left to do. 

So, before you erase anything, make sure to transfer your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. This ensures that you will not lose anything important when you reset the laptop. It may be a slow process but does not require much effort.

2. Forgetting to Deactivate Accounts or Removing Data

A lot of us have the habit of doing the job at the very last moment. As a result, people often make the mistake of not removing complete data from the laptop or Macbook. If you have only removed important data manually, your accounts or licenses are still linked to the device. This is where a lot of people go wrong — they forget to deactivate software licenses or log out of personal accounts. Programs, like Microsoft Office or Adobe, can still be tied to your device unless you deactivate them first. The same goes for cloud storage, social media, and email accounts. So, people will be able to easily access and misuse them, invading your privacy and compromising your security. 

A factory reset is recommended in such cases. It will completely remove all data from your laptop, and log you out from all accounts. If your laptop or Macbook has sensitive information, we recommend using a good erasure tool to remove everything thoroughly.

It could be a time-consuming process!

3. Setting the Wrong Price for the Device

Setting the Wrong Price for the Device

If you are planning to sell your laptop, the first question that will come to mind is how much should you sell it for? Most of us do not have any idea about how depreciation works and end up setting the wrong price — either too high or too low. While it may seem smart to overprice it so that people can bargain without you having to lose any profit, it can also backfire by deterring the buyers. A smart way would be to check the deals others are offering. If you have made any upgrades to your laptop after purchasing, make sure you include that price as well. 

However, we have a more convenient alternative for you. Instead of going through the trouble of setting the price and uploading the details on a platform, you sell it to refurbishers directly that offer the right price, considering the condition of your device.

4. Overlooking Physical Damage and Wear

Overlooking Physical Damage and Wear

It is not uncommon for your laptop to get damaged slightly due to use. Even if the performance is not hampered, there might be small scratches on the device. Never overlook these details when selling your laptop online. If these damages are not disclosed when uploading the details of your laptop or Macbook, the buyer may refuse to pay the agreed amount after making the purchase. Also, hiding such details can be considered a fraudulent activity. 

So, irrespective of how bad the condition is, you should be completely transparent when sharing the details. Check the laptop properly once before selling it. Look for scratches, dents, or issues like a wobbly hinge or worn-out keyboard that can compromise its aesthetics or performance. 

5. Ignoring Proper Packaging and Shipping for Online Sales

When you are selling your laptop online to any reputed refurbisher or dealer, you do not have to go through the inconvenience of packaging it. They often provide doorstep pickup so that you can sell your laptop from the comfort of your home. However, when you are selling it directly to the user, you may have to pay attention to the packaging. If the buyer is located far from your location and the device has to be sent through a courier service, always take the necessary precautions. Otherwise, the device may get damaged during transit. While a quick wrap in bubble wrap might seem sufficient, always pack it in a sturdy box and add plenty of padding (foam) around the laptop to protect it from impacts.

6. Failing to Clean and Present the Laptop Properly

Failing to Clean and Present the Laptop Properly

First impressions matter, and that is no different when it comes to selling a laptop. If your device is covered in dust and smudges, it is going to turn potential buyers off. So, always make the laptop presentable by thoroughly cleaning the laptop’s case, display, keys, and trackpad. After removing dust, use a laptop cleaner and cloth to wipe them clean — never spray anything directly on the display or anywhere. A thorough cleaning will make the laptop presentable and attract buyers faster. If the original packaging is available, clean that as well.

If you are selling a gaming laptop or any high-end laptop for resource-intensive tasks, chances are that the device will overheat if the fans are not clean. It may not impact the initial sale but the buyer might complain later. To avoid that, open the laptop case and clean the fans as well. If the device is used daily and has not been cleaned for nearly a year, it definitely needs a look. You will be surprised to see the amount of dust that can accumulate if you have not done this before!

7. Rushing the Sale Without Exploring Multiple Offers

One of the biggest mistakes people make is jumping at the first offer they get, without considering others. In a rush to sell quickly, they end up accepting less than what their laptop is worth. Take your time to explore different buyers or platforms. You might be surprised how much more you could get if you wait just a little longer. Negotiating is also part of the process — buyers often expect some flexibility on the price. Do not be afraid to compare offers and see which one works best for you before finalising the sale.

8. Post Good Quality Images

Many platforms require you to share actual images of the device. This image is very crucial in attracting buyers. If you post blurry photos, even cleaning the laptop will not help you. So, make sure that you take stable photos in good lighting conditions so that the laptop or Macbook looks more appealing. 

  • Take clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles (front, back, sides, and any ports).

  • Highlight any upgrades, like a new SSD or additional RAM.

  • If there is any wear or damage, show it clearly — buyers appreciate honesty.

Good images help your listing appear more trustworthy and give buyers the confidence to make a purchase.

9. Choosing the Wrong Platform to Sell On

Not every platform is ideal for selling laptops. Some may have higher fees or a smaller audience interested in tech. Two popular platforms where you can sell used or old laptops and Macbooks are OLX and Facebook Marketplace. However, there is a lot of risk involved when you are selling in such places. You never know what type of person you will encounter.

To avoid any such inconvenience, it is often smarter to sell them to companies like Mobilegoo. On our platform, you can sell laptops from almost all brands available in India and get the best value. Even if there is any damage or issue with your laptop, do not worry — you can still sell it to us online. Just select the laptop model, answer a few questions about its condition, and confirm the sale. Our expert will pick up the device from your location and process the payment instantly. It will only take a few minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Laptops or Macbooks

1. Why do MacBooks have high resale value?

It is no surprise that MacBooks often have a higher resale value compared to many other laptops. Firstly, Apple is known for building premium and long-lasting devices. Hence, people are willing to pay a higher price for the product. Additionally, they are excellent for running heavy editing software. Another aspect that makes Macbooks a better option is the macOS. Apple’s operating system is optimised specifically for its hardware, so older models often run smoothly even after several years. You can also expect regular software updates and support for older devices.

2. Is selling a MacBook safe?

Yes, selling a MacBook can be safe. But, it requires taking a few precautions to ensure your data is secure. The mistakes mentioned in this blog will help you to avoid any issues. Make sure to follow them when listing the device. Or, you can just sell it to reputed companies like Mobilegoo. We take extra precautions to ensure that data from any of the devices is not leaked.

3. What are the risks of selling a laptop?

Selling a laptop, while generally safe, comes with a few potential risks:

  • Data Privacy: If you do not properly wipe data from your device, personal information could be recovered by the buyer, putting your privacy at risk.

  • Fraud and Scams: Selling online may expose you to scammers who might try to offer fake payments. Or, they might just try to steal from you.

  • Shipping Damage: If you are shipping your laptop, improper packaging can result in damage during transit. It can lead to disputes with the buyer. 

  • Undervaluation: Without proper research, you might sell your laptop for less than its worth. It is important to assess the market value of your device and be cautious about accepting lowball offers.

While there are risks associated with selling your laptop, you can easily avoid them by selling it to a trusted buyer like Mobilegoo.

 

Quick Links
Sell Old OnePlus Sell Old Poco Sell Old Realme Sell Old Vivo Sell Old iQOO Sell Old Nothing Sell Old Apple Sell Old IBM Sell Old Nubia Sell Old 10.or Sell Old Asus Sell Old Blackberry Sell Old Coolpad Sell Old Gionee Sell Old Google Sell Old Honor Sell Old HTC Sell Old Huawei Sell Old Infinix Sell Old InFocus Sell Old Intex Sell Old Itel Sell Old Karbonn Sell Old Lava Sell Old LeEco Sell Old Lenovo Sell Old LG Sell Old Lyf Sell Old Motorola Sell Old Nokia Sell Old Panasonic Sell Old Sony Sell Old Tecno Sell Old Xolo Sell Old Yu Sell Old 24MC Sell Old Acer Sell Old AGB Sell Old Alienware Sell Old AVITA Sell Old Champion Sell Old Dell Sell Old Fujitsu Sell Old HCL Sell Old HP Sell Old iBall Sell Old iLife Sell Old Microsoft Sell Old MSI Sell Old NotionInk Sell Old RDP Sell Old Reach Sell Old Smartron Sell Old Toshiba Sell Old Venturer Sell Old Samsung Sell Old Xiaomi Sell Old Redmi Sell Old Oppo Sell Old Vox Sell Old Fitbit Sell Old Fossil Sell Old Noise Sell Old Mobvoi Sell Old Syska Sell Old Corseca Sell Old Boat Sell Old Micromax Sell Phone in Bangalore