How to have a virtual garage sale

Technology changes fast. And that means most families have electronic clutter — cellphones, cameras and calculators, laptops, tablets and e-readers, talking toys, video game systems, and media players. One website estimates that the average American household has no less than 24 electronic devices, many of them sitting unused in drawers and cupboards.

Such items aren’t likely to sell well at a traditional garage sale, but they can be a source of cash, sometimes surprising amounts of cash. The market for refurbished and rebuilt devices is strong, especially overseas, and a flourishing community of buyback websites will pay for unwanted gadgets without the hassles associated with real-world garage sales.

Getting rid of electronic debris is an ideal end-of-summer project. Not only will you declutter the house, but you’ll probably earn enough to defray at least some of the costs for new back-to-school gadgets as well. Enlist your kids to go through closets and play areas, gathering up any unused object that needs a battery, a charger, or a power cord. Even items that no longer work may have value. Use a damp cloth to clean off grime and fingerprints. Locate cords, accessories and, if possible, manuals and original packaging.

Then, head to the websites below to see what your items are worth. (You may want to recruit an adolescent to do this research. Just offer a percentage of the proceeds.) Because prices vary a great deal, it’s a good idea to start at Pricenomics.com, a website that quickly surveys the Internet to determine a fair price range for used items in a wide range of categories. Usell.com is also helpful. By aggregating information from a number of reliable buyback sites, it helps you zero in on the best offer.

Buyback websites accept different items. Most provide a detailed list with menus that help you identify the precise model you have in your possession. (For videos and games, you may also need the ISBN number.) You, in turn, answer questions about the condition of what you have to sell. The more accurately you answer these questions, the more likely it is that you will get the full price offered by the site.

If you agree to the price, the company should pay for shipping, either by providing a mailing label or by sending a carton for larger items. Before shipping, erase personal data from computers and cellphones. Even though some companies promise to do this for you, you don’t want to take the chance that information will wind up in the wrong hands. To find instructions, search for “wipe data” and the name of your device.

For peace of mind, make sure the website you use has a customer service phone number, as well as a street address, just in case you need to track down payment. Because payment procedures vary, you’ll want to keep copies of shipping labels and other paperwork. Some companies send a check; others deposit funds into a PayPal account. A few offer gift cards to Amazon, Target, or other companies, and some give credit toward new merchandise. Bestbuy.com, for example, will trade in anything it has ever sold for a store credit. The website you choose depends in part on what you have to sell. Here are some suggestions:

• Cellphones. Apple products, including iPhones and iPads, are in high demand at sites like Newtonshead.com and Tunecycle.com. Swappa.com specializes in Android devices. For cellphones of all kinds, check out Securetradein.com, Cellitused.com, or Gazelle.com. Gazelle allows you take payment in the form of an Amazon giftcard and also makes it easy to donate the value of your phone to one of its approved charities.

• Video games. Secondspin.com offers cash for used games, CDs, and DVDs. Spun.com gives credits that can be used toward other games. Amazon also has a trade-in site that accepts all kinds of media, including books.

• Electronic toys. Interactive toys like Leapster and Hexbugs sell reasonably well on Ebay. Checking Whatsellsbest.com will give you an idea of which items are worth listing and will help you avoid selling valuable collectibles for less than they are worth. The site also has a Toy Selling Guide with useful pointers. To avoid the hassle of setting up an auction, check to see whether an electronic item is eligible for Ebay’s Instant Sale option (instantsale.ebay.com).

• Gadgets of all kinds. If you have a grab bag of items, you’ll do best with a site that accepts everything from camcorders to headphones. Buybackworld.com has a good reputation for paying as promised, and it offers a fundraising option for parent clubs and other organizations. Nextworth.com has a partnership with Target that allows you take electronic items directly to a store and get a giftcard on the spot. Buymytronics.com has the endorsement of the Better Business Bureau and offers to match prices from other sites. Guzu.com plants a tree for every successful transaction.

Electronic devices don’t belong at the back of the closet or the bottom of the toy box. Someone, somewhere, wants your stuff and, with the help of these websites, you can enjoy the financial rewards of a garage sale without ever setting up a card table.

Carolyn Jabs, MA, raised three computer-savvy kids, including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for 10 years. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

The Coding Space

<p>The Coding Space, a leading provider of coding education, proudly presents Camp Coding Space Online for ages 8+. These virtual group classes combine project-based coding, exciting STEM-based electives, hands-on and off-screen activities, and more. With Monday-through-Friday full- and half-day options and a flexible refund poicy, Camp Coding Space Online will fit your schedule and give your child an unforgettable summer adventure.</p>

Friends Academy

<h1>Since 1876, Friends Academy has set the standard of academic excellence on Long Island.</h1> <p>Since 1876, Friends Academy has set the standard of academic excellence on Long Island. Our timeless values elevate our outstanding academic program to create a unique educational experience, where our students are empowered to inquire, reflect, and engage in real-world, life-changing ways. Friends Academy graduates are exceptionally prepared for college and the world.</p> <p>Friends Academy educates students, ages 3 through 12th grade. We offer outstanding experience in our Little Friends Daycare program, and a best-in-class education for every level of your child’s development in our Early Childhood, Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. At every step of our students’ journey, they are seamlessly prepared for the next grade, division, and challenge in life. Our students are known, embraced, and loved by a community of dedicated, experienced teachers who provide individualized attention through our small class sizes and outstanding curriculum.</p> <p>Founded 148 years ago, we are the #1 ranked private school on Long Island by Niche.com and have been ranked #1 in the following categories for four years in a row:</p> <p>#1 K-12 private school</p> <p>#1 private College Prep HS</p> <p>#1 private High School</p> <p>Please visit our website @ friendsacademy.org or call our Admissions team at 516-676-0393 to schedule a visit and find out how Friends Academy might be the smartest investment you can make for your child's future.</p>

Rella’s Spielhaus Summer Camp

<h1>2024 Rella’s Summer Camp</h1> <p>Guten Tag! Rella's Spielhaus Summer Camp is New York's premier German Summer Day Camp, excited to be back for the 10th summer in a row!</p> <p>Located on 50 West 97th Street, half a block away from Central Park, we offer 9 weeks of summer camp between June 24 th and August 30 th . Kids 1-12yrs are invited to enroll week-by-week. Sibling/twin discount.</p> <h3>Daily schedule:</h3> <p>Mon – Fri: 9am – 3pm <br /><br />Early Drop-off Mon - Thu: 8:30am <br /><br />Aftercare Mon - Thu: 3-5pm </p> <p>Any level of German welcome, no potty training required. The younger kids can nap.</p> <p>Be it the kids’ favorite "Fussball" , an introduction to the mighty music of "Mozart" or a magical week of wizardry during “Abrakadabra”, the children will be immersed in singing, dancing, arts & crafts, and reading and writing - all tailored to their age group and level of German. In the second part of the morning, we will head out to nearby Central Park and enjoy the sprinkly summer activities.</p> <h3>Testimonial of a 2023 Rella’s Spielhaus Summer Camp Parent:</h3> <p>Rella’s is awesome! We started off with Saturdays and now our 3+ year old daughter is going to the summer camp every day and loves it. The entire team lead by Barbara genuinely cares and if you would see the level of thought and attention to detail, they put in each week is incredible. The kids spend so much time outside, are active and come back home happy and excited… couldn’t ask for more.</p> <p>M-A. B.</p> <p><strong>It is our goal to instill a life-long joy in the German language and culture and create a summer experience for your child she will remember for a long time.</strong></p> <p><strong>Call us today, wir freuen uns!</strong></p>