Trading in your old phone: how does it work and what does it get you?
Trading in your old phone is easier than you think — and often more rewarding than you'd expect. We explain how the process works, what determines the price, and how to get the most out of your trade-in.
Door The Phone Shopper
Gepubliceerd: 2026-05-02
Your old phone has been sitting in a drawer for months. Or worse: you upgraded to a new model, but that drawer is now packed with three generations of forgotten devices. Sound familiar? Trading in your phone is simpler than most people think and often pays out more than expected. We'll walk you through exactly how it works, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your trade-in.
Quick summary: When you trade in your phone, you receive a fair valuation on the spot based on brand, model, condition, and storage capacity. At The Phone Shopper, you're paid out within 24 hours — no hassle, no surprises.
Why your old phone is worth more than you think
We see it every week in our workshop: customers bringing in an iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy S21 convinced it's worth nothing. In practice, that's rarely the case. An iPhone 11 in good condition still fetches a decent amount, and a Samsung Galaxy from the S22 range can be worth quite a bit depending on storage and screen condition.
Phones hold their value longer than most people realise, especially Apple models. iOS support often continues for years, which means a three-year-old device is still perfectly resellable. Wait too long, though, and the value does drop: every new iPhone announcement pushes the price of the previous model down a little.
Got an older device lying around, like an iPhone 7 or Galaxy S10? Those can still be worth something too, though more modestly. And even if the value is low, trading in is still better than doing nothing. A phone collecting dust in a drawer earns you exactly nothing.
How does trading in your phone work at The Phone Shopper?
We've kept the process as straightforward as possible. No complicated forms, no waiting weeks for an offer. Here's how it goes:
- Bring in your device — Visit our store at Willem Alexanderstraat 11 in Nijverdal. No appointment needed.
- Instant valuation — Our staff assess the device on the spot: screen, housing, battery condition, software version, and any damage.
- A fair offer — You'll receive a concrete figure straight away. No hidden costs, no surprises down the line.
- Agree and get paid — Happy with the offer? You'll be paid out within 24 hours. It's that simple.
- Or: use it as a discount — You can also apply the trade-in value directly towards the purchase of a refurbished device from our range.
Would you prefer an estimate of the value before coming in? Give us a call on 0548-549536. We're happy to help.
A real-life example
Take a customer who came in last month with a 128 GB iPhone 12. The screen was flawless, but the battery health was sitting at around 82%. Not a dealbreaker — but when we refurbish a device, we replace the battery, and those costs are factored into the offer. The customer still received a solid amount, chose to put it towards a refurbished iPhone 13, and paid a small top-up. He walked out with a newer device, more storage, and a fresh battery — having spent barely an hour in the store. That's where trading in really proves its worth: no waiting, no uncertainty.
What determines the trade-in price?
In our experience, people are sometimes disappointed by the trade-in price — not because it's unfair, but because they didn't know which factors affect the value. Transparency makes all the difference. Here are the key ones:
- Brand and model — Apple and Samsung retain the most value. Lesser-known brands depreciate faster.
- Screen condition — Cracks or deep scratches directly lower the price. A cracked screen takes a significant chunk off the value.
- Battery health — A battery below 80% will be replaced during refurbishment. Those costs are factored into the offer. A healthy battery means a better price.
- Storage capacity — 256 GB will get you more than 64 GB, simply because the resale value is higher.
- Accessories — Got the original box, charger, or earphones? That can add a small bonus.
- Market conditions — Right after a new iPhone launch, prices for the previous generation tend to dip slightly.
A practical tip: make sure your device is clean and unlocked. Remove your iCloud account (on Apple) or Google account (on Android) before you come in. It saves time and can positively affect your valuation.
How each factor broadly affects your trade-in value
To make it more concrete: here's how the key factors play out in the offer. Exact amounts vary by model and timing, but the direction is always the same.
| Factor |
Effect on trade-in value |
| Pristine screen, no scratches |
Highest valuation |
| Cracked or deeply scratched screen |
Noticeably lower (repair costs factored in) |
| Battery health above 85% |
Full value, no deduction |
| Battery health below 80% |
Deduction for replacement |
| Large storage (256 GB or more) |
Premium over entry-level model |
| iCloud or Google account still active |
Significantly lower or unusable for resale |
Trading in vs. selling privately: which is smarter?
The honest truth: on platforms like Marktplaats or eBay, you can sometimes squeeze out a bit more than a trade-in will get you. But it doesn't come without effort. Taking photos, writing a listing, responding to enquiries, arranging viewings, dealing with the risk of scammers — and then waiting weeks with no serious interest.
Last week, a customer came in who'd had his Galaxy S23 listed on Marktplaats for two months. Not a single serious buyer. He traded it in, walked out with cash in hand and a refurbished Samsung under his arm. His reaction: "Should have done this sooner."
Trading in isn't always the option with the highest payout — but it is the option with the least stress and the most certainty. For most people, that's the better deal.
What can you do with your trade-in value?
You have two options. The first: receive the amount as a direct payout and do whatever you like with it. The second — and the one most customers choose — is to put the trade-in value towards another device.
At The Phone Shopper, we sell refurbished iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices that have been fully restored, extensively tested, and backed by a 2-year warranty by our own technicians. That means you can trade in your iPhone 11, pay a small top-up, and go home with a newer device in top condition — for a fraction of the new price.
Don't need a new phone? You can also put your trade-in value towards accessories or a on another device. Need spare parts for a project? We can help with that too. Flexible, as it should be.
Tips to get the highest trade-in value
A few small things can make the difference between a lower and a higher offer. Our technicians see this every day — and these are exactly the points where people tend to leave money on the table:
- Clean your device — A clean, well-maintained phone looks better and suggests careful use.
- Sign out of iCloud or Google — An active activation lock makes the device unusable for the next owner, and that significantly reduces the value.
- Factory reset your device — Restore to factory settings before you come in. It also protects your personal data.
- Don't wait too long — Phones lose value after every new product announcement. The sooner you act, the better.
- Don't try to hide damage — If the screen is cracked, it'll be visible. A case won't hide it during our assessment, so be upfront about the condition.
Trade-ins from across Twente
The Phone Shopper is based in Nijverdal, but we serve customers from across the region. Whether you're coming from Almelo, Rijssen, Wierden, Hengelo, or Enschede, the trip is well worth it. Many customers combine it with other errands in Nijverdal town centre. You'll be done in under 15 minutes.
Would you rather not come in? You can also send your device to us. We offer free shipping across the Netherlands, assess your device as soon as it arrives, and pay you out within 24 hours. Check out the options on our trade-in page.
Frequently asked questions
What is my phone worth when I trade it in?
That depends on the brand, model, storage, screen condition, and battery health. A well-maintained Apple or Samsung device from a few years back often still holds a solid value. Bring your device into The Phone Shopper in Nijverdal for a free, on-the-spot valuation, or call us on 0548-549536 for an initial estimate.
How quickly will I be paid after trading in?
At The Phone Shopper, you'll be paid out within 24 hours of accepting the offer. If you trade in at the store in person, it often happens even faster. You can also apply the trade-in value directly to a purchase, so there's no need to wait for a separate payment.
Does my phone need to be in perfect condition to trade in?
No. We also accept devices with damage, such as a cracked screen or worn housing. The damage will be taken into account during the valuation. A device with a cracked screen will fetch less than one in top condition, but it's certainly not worthless. Our or can repair it first if doing so would significantly increase the trade-in value.
Can I also trade in a MacBook or iPad?
Yes. In addition to smartphones, we also buy MacBooks and iPads. The valuation process works the same way: we assess the device, give you a fair offer, and pay you out. If you're unsure, get in touch for an initial estimate.
What happens to my data after trading in?
Always perform a factory reset yourself before trading in your device. That way, you can be certain all your personal data has been wiped. Forgotten to do so? Our staff can help you reset the device, but responsibility for data security lies primarily with you as the owner.
Is trading in better than selling privately on Marktplaats?
That depends on what you value more: the highest price or the most convenience. You can sometimes get more through Marktplaats, but it takes time, effort, and comes with risks. Trading in at The Phone Shopper gives you certainty, speed, and zero hassle. For most people, that's the better choice — especially if you want to put the trade-in value straight towards another device.
Want to know what your device is worth right now?
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