1. Check whether your decommissioned computers can be sold
Before you try to sell old hardware, it’s a good idea to first determine whether it still has any value. This will prevent you from wasting time trying to sell outdated equipment. Buyers of used hardware have strict criteria and will not make an offer on equipment that is significantly outdated or has no market value. Although there are stories circulating about the value of precious metals in old computers, this is often overestimated. Therefore, check first to see if your hardware has any resale value. On our website, you’ll find a useful overview to quickly determine which equipment is still worth selling. If your old hardware is listed as “NOT for sale,” you’re wasting your time. Not sure if your batch of old PCs is still worth anything? Call IT Recycling and you’ll get an answer right away.
2. Is it just a single device? List it on Marktplaats
Do you have a single laptop, a single printer, or are you a private individual? If so, the question is whether it’s worth investing time in selling it. Often, it doesn’t yield much, and it may be more efficient to simply dispose of it along with other computer waste. Still, there is an option: if you want to sell a single device, Marktplaats is a good choice. Experience shows that selling through Marktplaats works well, provided the price is realistic. If it doesn’t sell, the device is likely no longer in demand or the price was too high.
3. Never sell to your own employees
It’s certainly nice to help your coworkers, of course, but we know from experience that very few coworkers are eager to take on their colleagues’ cast-offs. Technology evolves at lightning speed, and professional equipment from companies isn’t usually very welcome in people’s living rooms. Furthermore, you’ll have to provide a warranty, as this is required by law. And, of course, the data must be properly erased. All in all, selling to your own staff is far too labor-intensive. We advise against it. What does work well, however, is selling the equipment to a professional buyer. You can then use the proceeds to fund the staff’s barbecue fund or donate it to a charity.
4. Ensure secure data destruction
Old computers often still contain confidential data, and securely erasing it has become a specialized skill. Although an experienced IT professional can wipe a hard drive, this takes a lot of time, and it’s questionable whether it’s truly done securely. For just €5 to €8 per computer, you can have all data professionally destroyed. The best buyers even offer on-site shredding. An on-site software wipe is not recommended, as it takes far too much time and is no more secure than a standard wipe. If you’re unsure, on-site physical destruction is the most reliable choice. We’ve written a blog post about this topic.
5. Create an overview (with images)
We regularly get calls from customers who know nothing more about their old computers than the brand and color. With so little information, it’s often impossible to provide a valuation. My advice: start by making a list. The buyer will definitely want to know the following in order to give you a price:
Brand – Model – estimated quantity. Exact specifications aren’t really necessary, but it’s helpful if you know what kind of processor is in it. Taking a quick photo with your phone is a good idea. You can send the photos directly via WhatsApp through our website!
6. No cash, shady deals, or unnecessary invitations
The days of cash payments in buyback deals are long gone. Selling IT equipment is a serious matter, with rules governing data destruction and responsible data handling. If a buyer comes by and wants to pay in cash, it’s time to question their reliability. A professional company uses a clear valuation process and pays by invoice. This often results in a better price and prevents hassle later on.
7. Don’t fall for it: they’ll take the best parts and leave you with the leftovers!
Some potential buyers only take hardware with an attractive residual value and leave behind surplus hardware. The result? You’re left with a mountain of unusable material. Make sure everything is taken away in one go. A professional buyer clears out everything and doesn’t leave you with the leftovers. At IT Recycling, we always take everything with us—without exception.
8. Don’t lug around hardware yourself
Need to get rid of old PCs or other electronic waste? That’s a job for the buyer, not for you. A reputable buyer will handle the entire transportation process: from pickup and packing to safe transport. Want to sell your computers? Make clear arrangements in advance that they’ll come pick everything up and pack it properly on pallets or carts. That way, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle.
9. Ask for a reasonable quote
Don’t do business without a quote. The quote must specify exactly what was agreed upon. What about data destruction? Who is responsible for what? What happens if equipment doesn’t work or doesn’t meet the agreed-upon specifications? Clear agreements make for good friends.
Sometimes people send quotes that are 35 pages long or more. On the first page, you’ll see a very attractive price, but as you read on, it suddenly turns out that extra charges are being added for all sorts of things—it’s too good to be true. The key is to read carefully.
10. The last tip is the best one: do business only with WEEELABEX-certified companies.
Are you planning to sell old computers? Find a buyer with WEEELABEX certification. This is a LEGALLY required certification that companies must have in order to purchase used hardware or destroy data. But be aware: many buyers do not have WEEELABEX certification. WEEELABEX sets high standards for environmental protection, transparency, quality, data destruction, and fair trade. If a company is WEEELABEX-certified, it will be listed on their website, but you can also verify this in this overview.