I was checking trade-in values the other day over at Amazon for Kindle ebook readers and Fire tablets, and was surprised to find that trade-in values have fallen off a cliff since the last time I checked.
Most models aren’t even available for trade-in anymore. Last year I traded in a couple of old Kindles for a pretty good stack of cash (well, Amazon store credit anyway).
I was able to get a little over $80 for the first generation Kindle Fire HD, and another $70 for the first gen Kindle Paperwhite.
I was hoping to find similar trade-in values this time around, but unfortunately that is no longer the case.
In fact I found a couple trade-in prices so ridiculously low that they warrant being publicly laughed at and mocked in an article like this.
First up, the trusty Kindle Keyboard. They haven’t been made for years but you can still buy one used in good shape for about $60-$65. If you want to trade-in a Kindle Keyboard at Amazon, however, you’ll be lucky to get $3. And that’s if it’s in “like new” condition. One in good working condition will only get you $2 to spend.
Just when I thought that was bad, I scrolled down the page a little further and saw the first generation E Ink Nook for trade-in with a $1 value. Yep, just one measly dollar for an old Nook.
Somehow, it gets even worse. The Aluratek Libre has a trade-in value of $0.25.
At least they’ve got a $15 value on the old Sony PRS-900 and PRS-600. And somehow almost $50 for an outdated Book 60.
The funny thing is they expect these trade-in devices to be fully functional and in good working order; you can’t just send an old broken device to unload, not even for a quarter.
I mean really? Who’s going to even bother taking the time to authorize a trade-in, print out the shipping label, package the device up, and drop it off at a UPS location for at best $3.
Nuts to that. I guess I’ll just sell my older devices on eBay instead.
You make excellent points. Thank you.
I have traded in a few items over the years and consistently have them downgraded by Amazon. This does not bother me much when the difference Like new and good is 5-10%, but sometimes its quite material. The items are being used by an adult, in a smoke free home, with a cover, have no scratches and they still deduct. Not cool.
I have started giving my old ereaders and electronics to charity. They either use them or auction them and make some money. something to consider if you want to do some good and not give anyone the satisfaction of taking for ereader for $2.
It will be good to have articles here regarding, exchanging, gifting, buying, selling, repairing, sharing, lending, old, used ereaders on ebay, inperson etc., This will be a good learning experience for all.
The trade in prices are likely in most instances calculated by algorithm autonomously. Meaning there is no human intervention (i.e. someone somewhere who is available to blame for insulting you!)
The algorithm probably calculates a price based on the sell rate that has already taken place for used ereaders. The fact is new ereader sales cut into used sales.
I strongly suspect that ereaders are now into two groups. Those without lights, and those with the light e.g. the paperwhite. This feature is probably so highly desired that compelling prices for used ereaders are not enough to change people’s buying decision away from the models with lights.
So, Amazon needs to protect themselves from all the thrift stores that are in the process of collecting boxes of these things and sending them in all at once. The thrift stores probably want the quick cash/credit rather than hassling with holding on to inventory that takes weeks to sell.
So, even if your sensibility is insulted, I bet a number of recyclers are not so offended and have the packing tape ready. And Amazon takes advantage of that. That’s my theory at least.