The average lifespan of a cell phone in the US is about 2-3 years. Consumers replace tablets around 6-7 years.
After that, you can try to trade-in or sell your phone, though there may not be obvious buyers. Unfortunately only 20% of electronic waste is recycled, according to The Telegraph.
EcoATM offers a self serve kiosk that's completely automated, powered by advanced machine vision, diagnostics, and artificial intelligence. The no contact service allows you to sell your devices at your convenience.
The following EcoATM review will show the process and highlight what you need to know.
Get An Estimate
After your phone has slowed to a halt, it's easy to assume that it's not worth anything anymore.
EcoATM has a pricing engine online to provide a sample quote. The logos shown are only a sampling of the brands available. Try the dropdown menu in the search box to view other brands.
The quote given may not be exactly what you will receive since it's purely an estimate. We've seen pricing range from $1-$300.
Try To Keep It Physically In Great Shape
Cracked screens can often be avoided with a cheap glass protector. Better yet, have a case for that mini computer you're carrying around in your pocket every single day! It's bound to slip out of your hand and fall to the ground. Even the most careful folks will not be able to avoid some contact sports for a phone.
Acceptable Phones
EcoATM will still accept phones that don't work, though obviously you will get a higher amount of cash for ones that do. You cannot sell a phone that you've been leasing from a carrier and haven't fully paid off.
Also, EcoATM does not seem to accept new devices that have been released within the last 60 days
Prep Your Device
To get ready for the sale, first prepare your device with the following
- iPhones should have “Find My iPhone” disabled
- Try to charge the phone ahead of time if possible, though the kiosk does have usb cables. You don't want the machine to think the phone doesn't work just because it's out of batteries!
- Transfer content you still want to keep and disconnecting from your carrier. With an iPhone you can backup your device to iTunes.
- Reset to factory settings. Your device will have an option to reset everything to factory settings. This should also erase data on the device.
Process For Selling Your Phone
- Locate an EcoATM, which can be found typically at Walmarts and shopping centers around the country. There should be a kiosk near you.
- Bring your device and US state issued ID after preparing the phone (as per above)
- Scan your ID
- Put the device into the test station for analysis. After the scan you will see a quote. If that quote works for you, it takes 3-5 minutes to finish the transaction. After that you are paid and the phone will be reused or recycled.
For an end of summer cash bonus, use the code BYESUMMER for 10% more cash! Offer valid on all devices valued at $5 or more, expiring 9/8.
EcoATM Security Standards
EcoATM verifies the seller's ID just in case of foul play. Not only does the machine scan the ID and verify it, but there's a remote attendant that does a final check.
ecoATM uses a state-of-the-art ID scanner and validation software that not only photographs the ID but validates for authenticity by examining the ID for holograms, watermarks, or other specific authentication methods used in all 50 states. Images of these IDs are collected, stored, and are available as part of the daily reports provided by ecoATM to your precinct. Once the ID is verified, the user is permitted to proceed; however, this does not mean that the person has been approved to complete a transaction.
Prior to completing the final transaction, using the kiosk’s built-in webcams, a remote attendant in San Diego, CA compares the photo ID with the user’s face in real-time to confirm or deny every transaction. In order to pass verification, a person must provide a valid ID and must be at least 18 years of age. The attendant will verify the age on the license and make sure it has not expired before the consumer is allowed to move forward in selling back the device.
What Happens To the Phones
The phones are cleared from the machines around once a week, and then EcoATM typically holds the phones for 30 days. If law enforcement determines that any phones were stolen and authorizes their release, the original owner can get the phone back for free.
How Smart Are These Machines
There are Youtube Videos showing people trying to trick the machines.
Don't actually try to sell anything this way – there are cameras installed, they will scan your ID, and there are people remote monitoring these kiosks.
EcoATM Alternatives
- Amazon Trade In
- Apple Trade In
- Best Buy Trade In
- Craigslist
- Nextdoor
- BuybackBoss
- Decluttr
- GadgetGone
- Facebook Marketplace
- USell
- NextWorth
- Best Buy online trade-In
- Target
- Swappa (Marketplace, more like eBay)
- eBay
- Trade In With Your Carrier
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Instant cash
- Takes a few minutes to process -Easy and convenient
- No need to wait to deal with shipment of phone or wait for buyers to receive phone through the mail
Cons:
- You will probably get a better price selling directly to an in person buyer
- Can't sell recent phone releases
Conclusion
EcoATM kiosks offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to dispose of used cell phones, tablets, and mp3 players.
What was your experience with EcoATM like?
Good One, You really did a fantastic job, Thanks for so much info
Great article . Extremely helpful .