Smartphones have an unpredictable release cycle, quickly becoming last year’s model and quickly outclassed by more affordable used phones that provide great software support and affordable monthly plans.

Swappa is one of the leading user-to-user marketplaces for purchasing and selling pre-owned tech, such as smartphones. All listings on Swappa are verified by humans, with many offering warranties or returns policies.

1. Swappa

Selling an old smartphone can be tricky, so taking the time to compare prices on sites like Swappa can give you a good indication of its true value. When pricing it out, be sure to consider shipping fees as well.

Swappa is a peer-to-peer marketplace that enables consumers to sell technology directly to other consumers. The platform offers some of the highest returns for used phones, while offering seller and buyer protection through PayPal transactions for added peace of mind.

For your device to be listed on Swappa, it will require both photos and an honest description of its condition. When detailing its state, make sure to note any damage or other notable features; and submit a verification code provided with new devices.

Make the most of your sale by exploring similar smartphones on Swappa and eBay, before listing it yourself and sharing on social media platforms to increase visibility. Be sure to return often as listings typically last ten days before expiring!

2. eBay

eBay has long been one of the premier e-commerce platforms on the web for buying and selling used mobile phones, serving as one of the oldest and most successful e-commerce marketplaces around. Its decentralized model enables people from all over the globe to trade items safely among themselves while taking advantage of buyer protection programs and payment processing services offered through PayPal division.

Listing on eBay is an effortless process that only takes a few steps to complete. Sellers can upload photographs and provide detailed product descriptions while the website offers tips and suggestions to create compelling listings. In turn, buyers can filter listings based on price, condition, carrier and other criteria.

However, not all devices are eligible to be sold on eBay. Certain items – counterfeit products and those with high fraud risks as well as products requiring special licenses such as tobacco/alcoholic beverages/firearms/ammunition and knives are ineligible for sale on this platform.

No matter whether you’re searching online or in stores, finding an affordable used smartphone or tablet is easily possible at an affordable price. But before making a purchase decision it is vitally important to understand how the device operates as well as any possible problems it might present.

3. Amazon

Amazon provides a selection of pre-owned phones at discounted rates, with buyer ratings and detailed descriptions being accessible prior to making their decision. Amazon also provides a money-back guarantee. However, buyers should be wary of scams when purchasing from this online retail giant; for added peace of mind consider paying with PayPal instead.

If you are purchasing a used iPhone, make sure that it comes equipped with a Liquid Contact Indicator to ensure it is free from moisture damage. Moisture can damage internal components of phones and cause them to stop working properly, potentially rendering the phone useless.

Be certain to purchase an unlocked and contract-free used phone when looking for used models. Otherwise, activation could prove challenging when switching carriers; additionally, remaining payments will likely need to be covered in order to complete the lease agreement.

Kelsey Sheehy is a senior writer for NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post and Nasdaq among others; she holds both a bachelor’s degree in journalism as well as being certified financial planner. You can follow Kelsey on Twitter at @kelseysheehy for updates! Tommy Thayer covers savvy spending practices as well as how to plan for a prosperous future at NerdWallet.

4. Best Buy

Best Buy is an internationally acclaimed consumer electronics retailer with headquarters in Richfield, Minnesota and stores and an online presence worldwide. Offering products such as mobile phones, digital cameras, video games, music downloads and home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines as well as installation and repair services at some stores – not forgetting exceptional customer service and competitive prices – Best Buy stands out among its competition as an outstanding consumer electronics provider.

Best Buy was an industry powerhouse during the 1990s, outstripping most competitors and inching closer to Circuit City for market share. Best Buy expanded aggressively over that timeframe; reaching 151 outlets by 1993 alone. More Concept III stores featuring prerecorded music and computers were opened along with expanding presence in key markets like Chicago and Cleveland.

Best Buy started expanding internationally during the early 2000s by purchasing Magnolia Hi-Fi of Seattle and Burnaby Future Shop of Burnaby British Columbia chains. Magnolia operated 19 high-end consumer electronics stores throughout Washington State, Oregon and California while Future Shop had more than 100 outlets throughout Canada; both chains provided a wider selection of products than its traditional stores which focused exclusively on electronics and computer accessories.