If you have a MacBook that you don’t need anymore, there is bound to be someone else who would like to purchase it! However, the question is: what is the best way to sell your MacBook?There are a lot of different options out there for you to choose from, so it is imperative to narrow down your search effectively. With that in mind, we are going to take you through the different options that are out there, as well as providing you with some top tips on how to sell your MacBook.

Determining the models and specs of your MacBook

Before we delve into the different options that are available when it comes to selling your MacBook, you need to ensure you determine the model and specs of your current MacBook. After all, this is imperative when getting an accurate quote for your MacBook.

The good news is that Apple has made it easy for you to determine the model of your MacBook. All you need to do is head to the Apple menu in the upper-left-hand corner of your screen, and then select the About This Mac option. Once you have done this, click on More Info, and you should be able to view all of the information you need about your laptop, including the model and the model year.

If you have not had much success with this approach, it is a good idea to follow the steps again, but jot down your serial number. The serial number can also be found on your original packaging and the back of your MacBook. You can then simply head to the Apple website and enter your serial number to get all of the information you need about your model.

What are the different options for selling your MacBook?

There are many different ways that you can sell your MacBook, which can often make it a little bit overwhelming because you do not know where to begin. However, there is no need to worry, as we are going to take you through the different options, revealing the pros and cons that are associated with them so that you can make the right decision for you.

Sell your MacBook on an auction website, such as eBay

This is the first option that people tend to consider when they are looking to sell their MacBook or any other gadget for that matter. MacBooks hold their value very well, and using an auction website, such as Craiglist or eBay is a great way for you to get the highest possible value for your Mac.

However, there are a few drawbacks that are associated with going down this route, and it is important to be aware of them. For example, a lot of effort is required to go down this route. You will need to create an account on the platform and you will need to put together an accurate and enticing listing, which needs to include a number of quality photographs as well.

If you are not experienced, these platforms can be a bit of a headache. This is especially on the security front, as there is always the risk of fraud if you do not know how to protect yourself. Plus, don’t forget that auction websites charge fees, and so you will need to factor this into the overall profit.

Trade-in websites

Another option is to use a trade-in website. If you are looking to get a good return for your website but you want a smooth experience and no-hassle, a trade-in website is always the best approach to go down.

Trade-in websites offer industry know-how and volume discounts so that you can have a hassle-free experience, which is quick and smooth. You may end up getting a smaller payout than you would with an auction site, yet a lot of people prefer the ease associated with this process.

Plus, it is worth noting that nothing is guaranteed with an auction site. If you put your laptop up for auction and it simply does not attract a lot of views on eBay, you will have to sell it to the highest bigger if the reserve has been met, irrespective of whether or not you are happy with the price.

Trade-in your MacBook directly at Apple

Apple, as well as other big-box retailers, do offer the option of trading in your MacBook directly here. However, it is worth noting that you will typically get offered the lowest possible payout if you go for this option. Plus, you will typically receive a gift card, rather than getting cash for your laptop.

Recycle your MacBook

Aside from the suggestions that have been mentioned so far, another option that you can go for is to recycle your Mac. There are some MacBooks that do not have the greatest resale value, especially older models. Therefore, the best option in this regard can be to recycle your Mac. This is a great way to do your bit for the environment too, as you can keep lead and other toxic pollutants out of the environment. Plus, we are sure that there are a lot of people in your community who would love to have some form of computer to further their education, so giving your laptop to the less fortunate in society is a great way to help out others, especially when you know you wouldn’t really make much money from your laptop anyway.

What do you need to do before selling your MacBook?

There are a number of different things that you need to do before selling your MacBook to ensure that you are protected and that you don’t lose any of your files. So, let’s take you through the important steps:

  1. Create a backup

    • Backing up your important files is the first step to take to ensure that you do not lose anything prior to selling your Mac.

  2. Sign out of iMessage

    • You are going to need to sign out of all of your accounts, so let’s start with iMessage. You can do this from the Messages app.

  3. Sign out of iCloud

    • The next step is to sign out of your iCloud. You can do this from your System Preferences. If you are using macOS Mojave or earlier, you simply click iCloud from System Preferences and then sign out. If you have macOS Catalina or later, you can click Apple ID from System Preferences. In the sidebar, select Overview and then you can sign out from here.

  4. Sign out of your iTunes account

    • This is an important step if you are utilizing macOS Mojave or earlier. All you need to do is head to iTunes. From here, you can select Account, followed by Authorizations, and then Deauthorize This Computer. You will need to enter your password and your Apple ID to complete the process.

  5. Reset NVRAM

    • Once you have signed out of all of these accounts, you should reset NVRAM. To do this, you will need to shut down your MacBook. Next, turn it back on, but immediately press and hold the following four keys: R, P, Command, and Option. Hold the keys for about 20 seconds. This is imperative because your user settings will be cleared from the memory and security features will be restored that may have been altered.

  6. Erase the hard drive and reinstall macOS

    • This is the most effective way to ensure that your MacBook is restored to the factory settings. Once you have installed macOS, you will be asked to select a region or country via the set-up assistant. You should not continue the set-up so that your Mac is ready for the next person to use. Instead, just shut down the Mac by pressing Command-Q. This will ensure that the next user is able to complete the set-up process to suit them once they open the MacBook for the first time.

How to package your MacBook safely

Finally, if you are going to sell your MacBook, you need to make sure that it is packaged correctly and safely. The last thing you want is for it to get damaged while it is in transit. There are three critical things you need to do to prepare your package for posting. Firstly, you should use soft packaging material, such as bubble wrap, to package your laptop. When wrapping the laptop with the bubble wrap, make sure all of the sides are covered, including the bottom and the top, and ensure the bubble wrap is at least 5 cm thick. You should also seal the packaging to prevent the laptop from moving.

So there you have it: everything that you need to know about selling your MacBook. We hope that this guide has been helpful when it comes to getting the best price for your Mac and ensuring that you package it correctly.