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Gazelle is a trade-in platform that enables users to sell their used electronics such as smartphones and tablets for cash. The company has been around since 2007 and some of the value added services the platform offers sellers include instant online quotes and free shipping. The platform also has an eCommerce store that enables customers to purchase certified pre-owned devices instead of new ones.
Pros
- Sell your electronics with no fees – the platform will pay for shipping to their warehouse so you will pay $0 in shipping fees when selling them.
- Get an offer instantly – simply provide the details and the online quote system will provide you with a price for your device in under 1 minute.
- Reject revised offers – if Gazelle lowers your offer amount after inspection, you have up to 5 days to reject it and get your item back for free.
- 3 different payment options available – choose to get paid via check, PayPal transfer, or an Amazon electronic gift card sent to your email.
Cons
- Relatively low quotes – you are likely to get up to 50% more if you sell your device to other consumers on other peer-to-peer marketplace platforms.
- Long payment processing time – checks may take up to 10 business days to reach you, although PayPal and gift cards are processed within 2 days.
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What is Gazelle?
Essentially, Gazelle is a website that buys and sells gently used electronics. This includes iPhones and Android devices. You can trade your old technology for money.
However, there are some restrictions. Gazelle only buys certain brands of tablets and smartphones. For example, you can only sell your laptop if it is a MacBook. Additionally, Gazelle gives preference to Samsung Galaxy, Nokia, iPhone and Google devices.
Is Gazelle Safe & Legit?
Gazelle is certainly a legit platform that will pay for your used technology. The team inspect each device and runs them through a security check before it goes live on the site.
The company itself has been operating since 2006. It boasts payments of over $40 million to over 300,000 customers. The Gazelle team also claims that 9 out of 10 customers report an excellent experience with the company.
Additionally, Gazelle has an A+ BBB rating. It is also a BBB accredited business. The company has examined over 900,000 devices. In many cases, the Gazelle team agrees with customer estimates for the value of their items. Unfortunately, the Trustpilot reviews do not support these claims.
The company has a “poor” reputation with a score of just 2.4 out of 5. However, most of the complaints appear to relate to postal delays. There are some complaints about valuations, but this could be down to the customer not adequately describing the condition of their item.
How Does Gazelle Work?
Gazelle is essentially a marketplace. The team buys gently worn items from sellers. They then evaluate each item. Buyers on the marketplace can expect certified quality and a 30 day return policy with free shipping.
This creates a win win scenario. If you have unwanted electronics, you can turn them into cash. But, if you’re looking for a lower cost electronic item, you can shop for one on the platform.
How to Sell Your Phone via Gazelle?
Gazelle aims to make selling your phone as simple and easy as possible. There is a basic four step process to sell your device.
Find Your Product
The first step in the selling process is to choose what brand of device you’re looking to sell. There are several options including:
- iPhone
- Samsung
- iPad
- MacBook
- iPod
Determine Value
The next step is to determine the value of your item. Gazelle accomplishes this by getting you to answer a few basic questions.
This includes:
- Your carrier
- The model number
- If the device powers up
- Is it fully functional with full screen lighting?
- Are there any cracks?
- The overall cosmetic condition
Once you provide all the information, the Gazelle site will generate a quote. You will also need to confirm that the device is not reported lost or stolen. Once you accept the price, click Get Paid. Gazelle will require an email address to send drop off details and instructions.
Ship Your Item
Gazelle will send you a prepaid shipping label. So, all you need to do is box up your device, along with any associated items. You will then need to print and attach the shipping label to your packaging.
After the team receives your item, they will verify the original estimate. If the item is worth more or less than the initial quote, they will email a new offer.
If you’re not happy with the new offer, Gazelle will return your item without any fees or charges.
Get Paid
If you’re happy with the offer, you can quickly get paid. There are three payment options:
- PayPal payment
- Check
- Amazon gift card
It typically takes three to five days for the phone inspection. Once you accept the terms, you can expect your PayPal or Amazon payments in 2 days. Checks typically take 7 to 10 days.
How Long Does Gazelle Offer Good for?
Gazelle provides a 30 day grace period for you to decide if you want to accept its offer.
Gazelle Features
Gazelle also offers other features that make this platform more attractive.
Loyalty Program
No Gazelle review would be complete without discussing this company’s loyalty program. This is an impressive rewards system that provides one point for each dollar value of your device. You can redeem your points for additional cash next time you trade in or sell a device.
You can also earn points by connecting with Gazelle. You can connect on social media or visit the website each day. You even get 100 points as a welcome bonus for registering with the loyalty program.
Enterprise Trade In
The Enterprise Trade In allows business owners to bulk sell their unwanted devices. The process operates in the same way as a standard sale. But, there are great rates, since you are dealing in minimum quantities of ten devices
Gazelle For Good
Gazelle For Good is a charitable cause that the company supports. It provides technology grants, gadget donations and other community fundraising projects to help local communities.
Gazelle Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free shipping: Regardless of the item you want to sell, there is free shipping. Gazelle will email you a prepaid shipping label that you just need to print and attach to your parcel.
- No fees: After the team receives your item, it will be checked. If you are unhappy with any amendments to the initial offer, you can reject it. Gazelle will return your device free of charge.
- Increases to original quotes possible: Unlike many platforms, if your item is found to be in better condition than you originally said, Gazelle will increase the offer.
- Genuine recycling: Since you’re not using your device, Gazelle provides a greener solution than allowing it to sit in a drawer or even throwing it in the trash. Gazelle checks and services items before offering them for sale. So, it is genuine recycling.
Cons
- Low Trustpilot rating: While Gazelle does have a solid BBB rating, it does have a low Trustpilot rating. This indicates customer services issues at some point in the process.
- Users report new damage: In some Gazelle review comments, users complain about the team documenting scratches or damage that they claim were not there before sending. However, you can avoid this issue by photographing your item thoroughly before shipping.
- No international shipping: Gazelle services are only available in the USA. So, if you’re outside the U.S, you’ll be out of luck and need to search for another option.
- Select brands only: Gazelle is quite picky about which brands of device the company will accept.
Gazelle Alternatives
Gazelle vs BuyBackBoss
BuyBackBoss is a decent alternative to Gazelle. Review comments for this platform are quite positive overall. Like Gazelle, you can sell with just a few details about your device. You’ll receive an instant quote and a prepaid shipping label.
Where BuyBackBoss stands apart is that there is a highest price guarantee. This means that if you do find a higher offer on another site, the company has a promise to offer it.
Just be aware that unlike Gazelle that provides 30 days to accept an offer, BuyBackBoss only allows 14 days.
Gazelle vs EcoATM
EcoATM is actually a network of kiosks where you can trade in your devices. This brand is actually part of the same parent company as Gazelle. It offers a great solution if you prefer to deal face to face rather than online.
You can find the kiosks in grocery stores, malls and Walmart. You can trade in phones, MP3 players and tablets. There is no need to worry about packing the phone and shipping. You can simply call in to your local kiosk.
The selling process involves plugging the device into the kiosk, so it can be evaluated. You’ll then get a quote. If you’re happy, you’ll receive cash immediately.
Gazelle vs BestBuy Trade In
If you have an electronic device, but you don’t want to use Gazelle, an alternative is to take it to your local Best Buy. You can sell it in person without needing to mail it. The only downside is that you’ll receive payment via a Best Buy gift card. This can be problematic if you don’t typically shop in Best Buy or you need immediate cash.
Is it Worth Selling Your Electronics with Gazelle?
Gazelle is a marketplace to buy and sell electronic devices. It offers competitive pricing when you want to sell your items. However, there are restrictions on what phones and tablets Gazelle will buy.
Additionally, the Gazelle has high standards for the items it purchases. While you may think that your phone is in like new condition, the Gazelle team may still find issues with it.
Bear in mind that it is free to send your device for inspection. So, if the team does find any faults and offer a lower quote, you can reject it and have your item returned for free. So, if you do have a Samsung phone, iPhone or other qualified device, it is certainly worth giving Gazelle a try.
