Selling computer parts is one of the most surefire ways to make money in 2023.
Countless people are scrambling to see how much their graphics cards and monitors are worth after they’ve either upgraded their systems or swapped parts.
This is how to sell used computer parts for top dollar, and why it’s a worthy endeavor.
Are old computer parts worth anything?
Many older computers can seem like they’re not worth the time of taking them apart to look for parts: but old computer parts are still valuable.
Regardless of whether they’re three years old or ten, you can find a motivated buyer in the current market.
If your computer parts are older than fifteen years, you’re more likely to find a hobbyist building their first PC or someone who is loyal to their older computer and just needs occasional items replaced to ensure it continues to run.
Parts between 0 to 5 years old are the main event, though. These are parts that buyers are actively seeking out, viewing them as upgrades and boosters that will take their PC to the next level.
These might be of interest to people who make money building computers, or recycle old computers for cash.
Even if all you have is the charging cords: this can still have value in the current market.
Although you can absolutely sell brand new technology and parts, the overhead cost of these isn’t worth it unless you’re a retailer who can get it at cost and mark it up however you want.
There’s more money in used parts for any solitary seller, with the main question suddenly becoming where to sell computer parts.
Trend on the Rise
Nearly 50% of eBay shops are reporting that they’re selling far more used goods than ever before. This means they’re able to source items like computer parts for cheaper and price them however they want.
Is it better to sell a whole computer or parts?
If you have a computer that’s a couple of years old, and you’re considering selling it as one piece: you may wonder if your computer would be worth more as pieces.
Generally, if you have a name-brand computer that’s brand new, you shouldn’t part it out. Instead, it’s better to list it on marketplaces to sell used stuff.
If you built this PC yourself or someone built it for you, you could have some major money on your hands.
Consider these pros and cons.
Simply put, it depends on the amount of time you have to devote to selling the PC piece by piece or if you’d rather just get one flat amount of cash and be done with it.
Tactic for Success
If you’re selling computer parts, take the time to clean them and make them look new. Check that everything works before and after the cleaning process to ensure that it isn’t damaged while you’re making sure it looks its best.
Where can I sell my computer parts online?
Selling your computer parts online is the immediate option for most people.
Not only does it open you up to a world of buyers, but you get to stay home and simply ship the package when it’s time, with the money getting deposited directly into your PayPal or bank account.
There are plenty of options for selling online, with many of them giving you the chance to even start auctions to allow buyers to race to the top dollar.
Even if your computer is out of date, many recycling businesses are still interested in parts.
These are some of the top sites to consider.
Top Sites to Sell Computer Parts in 2022
- eBay – Perhaps the most popular option; eBay is the largest customer base and will quickly help you sell your parts.
- Facebook Marketplace – Facebook allows you to include shipping in your listing, enabling anyone in the world to buy your PC parts.
- Reddit – Many gamers and PC players find a lot of luck selling through forums on Reddit.
- SellGPU – If you simply want to sell your parts as quickly as possible while losing some of your profit, SellGPU is a fine option.
- Etsy – Although this isn’t a super common idea: if you have more retro and older computer parts, they often sell well on sites like Etsy.
If you’re unsure about which site to pick, look up one of the parts you have on each of these sites, and see how their prices and fees stack up. This is one of the simplest ways to price used items.
There are faster options on this list, but you need to weigh if you’d rather have more time or money.
Trend on the Rise
The computer accessories market is expected to grow another 4.28 billion this year, encouraging anyone to get into the game. If you can price well and buy or source your items for cheap enough, you’ll be able to make some major money in this game.
Where can I sell my computer parts in person?
Selling your computer parts in person is another great option! This means you get cash in hand instantly and that you don’t have to deal with shipping, packaging, advertising, or selling fees.
Craigslist
Listing things on Craigslist is one of the most well-known ways to sell items in person while also getting the ease of listing them online.
You simply list it, wait for replies, meet with buyers, and accept the payment for your items. Many prefer this over sites like eBay because it can be a faster sale.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace also allows you to complete sales in person!
This means you can list your item, meet up locally, and then complete the sale in the same way you would on Craigslist.
Thrift Markets
Thrift markets allow you to set up a stall and sell your computer parts like an old-fashioned store.
The one thing to be aware of with this option is that it does charge fees to run a stall, which is something none of the other in-person options do.
It can be worth it if you have enough items to sell.
Don’t Sell to Pawn Shops
Although you may assume the best way to make some quick cash is to sell to a pawn shop, they’ll pay you at least 30% less than the value of your item.
Instead, maximize your payout by selling through other methods on this list. Stick to these tips about how to sell to pawn shops for your other items.
Tactic for Success
If you’re selling in person, offer payment over PayPal or Venmo so that they won’t try to short you with cash. Be clear on how the item works, and meet in a public space where people can see you.
How To Get More For Parts
If you’re worried that you’re not getting enough for your parts, you’re not alone. There are some things you can do to make sure your buyers spend as much as possible.
One of these is listing your items on Thursdays or Fridays at the beginning of the month when buyers have a larger cash flow, and by making sure, your listings are awesome.
Use clear pictures and a clear description, and make sure to use keywords that pertain to the item within your listing.
Another idea that can help is to focus on items that are simply worth more.
Which Parts Are Worth the Most:
- Gamer PC Brands – Despite carrying some of the same items as general brands, gamer brands come with a brand-love price hike in the same way Apple phones can be pricier.
- Items With More Power or Memory – As a general rule of thumb, the more powerful or capable a part is, the more people are willing to pay for it.
- Graphics Cards – Despite the fall of crypto, graphics cards are still in incredibly high demand in 2022.
- Custom Tower Cases – Custom and interesting tower cases are incredibly popular in 2022, selling for larger sums than ever.
- Extended Monitors – The larger and more crystal clear a monitor is, the more valuable it is.
- Fantastic Processors – In 2022, one of the top processors is the Intel Core i9-12900K, which is selling for between $600 and $900.
Another good idea is to watch the market and make listings when they bring in the most money.
Pay attention to how much your parts are going for, and list them above the average price when you notice the market is rising.
Here are some baseline prices for used computer parts.
This will ensure your item is purchased soon and that you don’t have to worry about the fight to the bottom that happens in some markets.
It’s also vital to remember to source your items for cheaper and try to avoid spending too much when buying them.
Try to spend no more than 66% of what you think you might be able to sell an item for. This will allow you to always come ahead with a great payout.
Wrapping Up
Although technology loses value the moment it’s been used, it still has some resale value.
If you have extra parts laying around, or you’re considering starting your own business, consider selling computer parts!
Erin is a business teacher and mother of three. When she’s not in the classroom or fulfilling her obligations as an A+ hockey and lacrosse mom, she’s working on her latest article.
