The main places to sell a tablet are online marketplaces, trade-in programs, local buyers, and specialty retailers
You have several routes depending on how quickly you need to sell and whether you want to handle shipping yourself. Online platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace let you set your own price but require you to manage the listing and delivery. Trade-in programs at retailers and carriers offer lower prices but handle everything for you. Local options like pawn shops and used electronics stores give you cash on the spot. The choice depends on your tablet's condition, how much time you have, and whether you prefer convenience or maximum payout.
Key Takeaways
- eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist let you set your own price, but you handle shipping and buyer communication yourself.
- Trade-in programs at Best Buy, Amazon, and your tablet's carrier offer lower prices in exchange for no shipping hassle or waiting for a buyer.
- Local pawn shops and used electronics stores buy tablets on the spot for cash, though they typically offer the lowest prices.
- Condition matters significantly—a working tablet with original packaging sells for 40 to 60 percent of retail, while one with screen damage may sell for 20 to 30 percent.
- Wiping your tablet completely before selling it protects your personal data regardless of which route you choose.
Selling on eBay and Facebook Marketplace
eBay and Facebook Marketplace are the most common online platforms for individual sellers. You create a listing with photos, describe the tablet's condition honestly, set a price, and wait for buyers. eBay charges a final value fee (around 12 percent of the sale price) plus payment processing fees. Facebook Marketplace is free to list but offers no buyer protection, so you handle disputes directly with the buyer.
Both platforms require you to ship the tablet to the buyer unless you arrange local pickup. Take clear photos of the front, back, and sides, and mention any scratches, dents, or software issues. Describe the storage capacity, color, and whether you have the original charger and box—these details affect price significantly. Expect the listing to stay active for one to three weeks before selling, depending on your price and the tablet model.
Trade-in programs at retailers and carriers
Best Buy, Amazon, and your tablet's carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) all run trade-in programs. You can start the process online by entering your tablet's model and condition, and the program will quote you a price when ready. If you accept, you ship the tablet to them for free, and they deposit money into your account once they inspect it. The entire process takes one to two weeks.
Trade-in prices are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than what you might get selling privately, but the convenience is significant—no shipping costs, no waiting for a buyer, no negotiation. Best Buy's program accepts tablets with minor cosmetic damage. Amazon's trade-in program is straightforward but offers lower payouts than eBay. Carrier programs often give you a credit toward your next phone or bill instead of cash, so check whether that works for you before starting.
Selling locally to pawn shops and electronics stores
Pawn shops and used electronics retailers like Decluttr (which also buys by mail) or local computer repair shops will buy your tablet on the spot. Walk in with your tablet, they inspect it, and you leave with cash the same day. This is the fastest route if you need money when ready and do not want to deal with shipping or waiting.
The tradeoff is price. Pawn shops typically offer 20 to 40 percent of the tablet's original retail value because they need margin to resell it. Condition matters—a tablet with a cracked screen or battery problems will be worth significantly less or rejected entirely. Call ahead to confirm they buy tablets and ask what condition they require. Some shops specialize in electronics and offer better prices than general pawn shops.
Specialty buyback sites and mail-in programs
Services like Decluttr, Gazelle, and Swappa focus specifically on electronics. You enter your tablet's details on their website, they quote a price, and you mail the device to them. They inspect it, confirm the condition matches your description, and deposit money into your account. The process takes one to two weeks from when they receive it.
These sites are middle ground between eBay and trade-in programs. Prices are usually higher than pawn shops but lower than selling privately. They handle all the reselling work, so you do not need to manage listings or communicate with buyers. Swappa is peer-to-peer like eBay but focused on electronics, so buyers there specifically want tablets. Decluttr and Gazelle are buyback services, meaning they buy from you directly and resell themselves.
Preparing your tablet for sale
Before selling, wipe your tablet completely to remove all personal data. On an iPad, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data. This removes your accounts, photos, messages, and browsing history. Do this step regardless of which selling method you choose.
Clean the screen and body with a soft, dry cloth. Test that the power button, volume controls, and charging port work. If you have the original charger, box, or accessories, include them—they increase the resale value by 10 to 20 percent. Take honest photos in good lighting showing any scratches or damage. Buyers will inspect the tablet when it arrives, so misrepresenting its condition will result in returns or disputes.
Comparing prices across platforms
| Platform | Time to Payment | Price Range | Shipping Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eBay | 1–3 weeks | 40–60% of retail | You pay | Newer tablets in good condition |
| Facebook Marketplace | 1–3 weeks | 40–60% of retail | Varies (local pickup available) | Local sales, avoiding shipping |
| Best Buy Trade-In | 1–2 weeks | 20–40% of retail | Free | Convenience, no haggling |
| Carrier Trade-In | 1–2 weeks | 15–35% of retail | Free | Bill credit, existing customer |
| Pawn Shop | Same day | 20–40% of retail | None | when ready cash, no shipping |
| Decluttr/Gazelle | 1–2 weeks | 25–45% of retail | Free | Hands-off selling |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my tablet has a cracked screen?
A cracked screen reduces the value significantly—expect 50 to 70 percent less than a working tablet. Pawn shops and trade-in programs may reject it entirely. Your best option is eBay or Facebook Marketplace, where you can describe the damage honestly and let buyers decide. Price it accordingly so it sells.
Can I sell a tablet that's still on a payment plan?
No. If the tablet is financed through a carrier or retailer, you do not own it outright until the plan is paid off. Pay off the balance first, then sell it. Selling a financed device is fraud and can result in legal action.
How do I know what price to ask?
Search for your exact tablet model on eBay (completed listings) and Facebook Marketplace to see what similar devices sold for recently. Check the trade-in value on Best Buy and Amazon's websites. Subtract 10 to 15 percent from the highest eBay price to account for fees and shipping. Start at that price and lower it if it does not sell within a week.
Is it safe to sell on Facebook Marketplace?
Facebook Marketplace has no buyer protection, so disputes are handled between you and the buyer. Meet in a public place during daylight, bring someone with you, and do not accept payment methods you cannot reverse (like wire transfers). Cash or PayPal are safest. Inspect the buyer's profile for reviews before agreeing to meet.
What if the buyer claims the tablet arrived damaged?
On eBay, you are protected by seller guarantees if you ship with tracking and signature confirmation. Take photos of the tablet before packing it and use a padded box. On Facebook Marketplace, you have no recourse unless you used PayPal Goods and Services. Always ship with tracking so you can prove delivery.