Why pay full price for a new phone when a used phone is cheaper and can work just as well? Even better, did you know you can earn extra cash by selling the old phone that’s taking up space in your drawer?
If you’re looking for an easy way to buy or sell a used phone, tablet or MacBook, make sure to check out Gazelle. It’s a top-rated marketplace that makes browsing for used electronics easy, safe and straightforward. It’s also ideal for people looking for a convenient way to trade in their electronics for cash.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about Gazelle.
- Free shipping on items valued over $1
- You can finance your phone
- Discounts available for new phones
- No mobile app
- Mixed customer reviews on fair valuation
Gazelle Ratings at a Glance
How Does Gazelle Work?
Gazelle works differently depending on whether you're a buyer or a seller. Gazelle is an online marketplace for buying and selling smartphones, tablets and MacBooks.
Every tech product is inspected before it’s sold and is always certified pre-owned. This allows buyers to get a good deal on electronics without having to compromise quality. Buyers also get additional peace of mind because Gazelle offers a 30-day return policy.
Gazelle also purchases used electronics directly, making it a fast, simple and straightforward way to sell a used phone. All you have to do is visit the Gazelle website and select the type of device you’d like to sell. You’ll have to answer some questions about the device’s condition, and within minutes, you’ll receive an offer.
Should you accept the offer, Gazelle will provide a free shipping label (for gadgets worth $1 or more). Once your item ships to Gazelle, its team will inspect the device to ensure it matches the condition you described. After the inspection is completed, it’s time to get paid! You can choose to receive your payment via Amazon Gift Card, PayPal or check.
Seller’s FAQs
What condition can the used phone be in?
Gazelle will ask you to describe your device’s condition in simple terms. It does accept broken devices, but you may receive less money due to the condition of your device. Remember, you should do your best to be as accurate as possible to avoid issues on the back end after the transaction is complete.
Does Gazelle accept phones from outside the United States?
No. In order to avoid compatibility issues, phones can’t originate from outside the United States. Remember, even if you have a phone that has been somehow reprogrammed to work in the United States, Gazelle needs a phone that was originally designed to operate in the American market.
Does Gazelle buy all types of electronics?
Gazelle buys a wide range of electronics, including smartphones, tablets, iPads and MacBooks. Reach out to the company for more information if you want to know if they will accept your device.
How can I track my payment?
If you opted to receive your payment via check, you’ll be able to track it through USPS. Gazelle ships payment via USPS first class mail, and it usually takes within 7 to 10 business days to arrive. This is after accepting the final offer.
Buying a Phone With Gazelle
Customers can search Gazelle’s website and purchase any phone they like for a sizable discount. Just keep in mind that Gazelle is a fluid marketplace. There’s no guarantee that the device you’re viewing today will be there tomorrow. Often, there’s only 1 device behind each listing.
Buyer’s FAQs
Could the phone I buy be lost or stolen?
No. Gazelle uses a tool called CheckMEND, which verifies the information on a device. CheckMEND shows whether the device has been reported stolen or lost. If this is the case, Gazelle makes sure to cooperate with carriers and law enforcement to get the device back to its rightful owner. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Gazelle if you have a problem or believe your phone was stolen and listed on the site.
Is a Gazelle phone compatible with my carrier?
Gazelle offers a large variety of both locked and unlocked devices. You will need to select your specific carrier before purchasing a device. Unlocked devices are typically GSM and CDMA compatible and will work on all major U.S. carriers (Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile).
How do you activate a Gazelle-Certified Device?
You may be able to replace the old SIM card with the new one. However, it’s usually recommended you visit your carrier's website or store for specific “Bring Your Own Device” instructions.
Can I finance my phone?
Yes! Gazelle allows you to finance your devices with Affirm. Affirm is automatically integrated with Gazelle. It’s a buy-now-pay-later app that allows you to receive your purchase now, and pay for it via fixed monthly installments over the course of 3, 6, 12 or 18 months. Learn more about financing with Affirm here.
Gazelle makes selling old electronics a straightforward process. Buyers browsing second-hand devices also will appreciate the simplicity of the website’s layout.
Easy navigation is one of Gazelle’s hallmarks and one of the reasons the platform is a top contestant for certified pre-owned devices. However, Gazelle doesn’t offer a mobile app, which some users might find frustrating.
Even so, this site is one of the best places to go when you change phones or devices and want to get something out of that old device. You might have thought you couldn’t do anything or might want to sell the device for pennies on the dollar locally, but you can do much better using a global platform like Gazelle.
Gazelle prides itself on helping people get a fair value for their used phones and other devices. Sellers can access free shipping on items valued over $1 and can choose their preferred payment methods.
However, Gazelle won’t lock in your valuation for a set period of time so you’ll need to send the device immediately or risk losing your initial offer.
Gazelle also offers low prices, multiple carrier options, condition selection and 30-day return policy for buyers. Phones are always inspected prior to being sold, giving buyers additional peace of mind.
There are multiple ways to contact Gazelle customer service representatives. You can get in touch via email, phone (available daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT) or through live chat directly on the website (available daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT).
Gazelle is listed on the Better Business Bureau website as EcoATM. Unfortunately, the company received a score of 1.71/5 as a result of numerous complaints. There have been disputes over sellers receiving a valuation, only for the same valuation to be lowered after the device arrives at Gazelle’s facilities.
Gazelle is a 1-stop shop for buying and selling used phones and other electronics. Its platform is easy to use, and the process of buying and selling devices through Gazelle is fast and straightforward.
All devices are inspected before they’re sold, and buyers receive additional protections such as a 30-day refund policy. Sellers also have the benefit of free shipping and instant quotes.
Despite these benefits, there have been customer disputes over fair pricing and the quality of used electronics. Nonetheless, Gazelle remains a top contestant for buying and selling used electronics.
Gazelle Promotions
Gazelle offers a wide selection of used phones and devices you can access at a discount.
Need another reason to check out Gazelle? Right now, Gazelle is offering discounts for students, military personnel, medical staffers, teachers and first responders. New customers can also receive $20 off their 1st order of $200 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good used cell phone to buy?
Newer phone models in better condition will always cost more. Even though they’re more expensive, investing in higher quality phones is worthwhile. Used phones in poor condition aren’t the most durable option.
How can I sell my old cell phones?
Come to Gazelle! If the company doesn’t accept the phone, we recommend recycling as an eco-friendly option. Take a look at ecoATM for a simple way to recycle your device and get paid.
User Reviews
Aram
Terrible experience. Arrived earlier but my "Excellent" iPhone 13 had multiple scratches on the screen