Don’t throw away these boxes: How you can sell them for money in the United States
Empty iPhone boxes, often discarded by users, are becoming valuable items in the U.S. resale market, with prices varying widely depending on the model and condition.
In the resale world, you never know what will have value. Something that seems like trash could be worth a lot more than you would think. Even in the United States, empty boxes — that's correct — empty boxes could also be worth a lot of resale value.
There are millions of iPhones that have been sold online, and hold value to a dedicated group of buyers. This niche group of buyers has grown slowly behind the scenes to form a dedicated market.
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Why do people buy empty iPhone boxes?
This might seem odd to a lot of people, but there is a legitimate market for empty iPhone boxes online. A quick check on eBay will reveal several types of buyers with different intentions for their purchase.
- Collectors: Those who sell Apple products would want the original packaging. Apple packaging is also minimalist in design, and is sometimes used for decorative purposes or as props for photos and videos.
- Resellers: As used phone sellers would note, phones that come with original packaging can be sold at a higher price because, “an iPhone with a box conveys better care, thus enhancing the device's resale value,” according to digital commerce experts.
How much does an empty iPhone box sell for?
The worth depends on the condition, model, and whether any accessories are also included (stickers, manuals…) According to a report in AppleInsider, a sealed original box from a first-generation iPhone can command as much as $30,000 (that's a rare collectible).
In the general marketplace, recent model boxes can typically command prices like:
- $10-$50 boxes for recent model boxes
- $5-$20 boxes for older models (iPhone 6, 7, 8…),
- $3+ for boxes in poor condition
To determine good pricing or for current pricing, check sold listings of similar models online.
Where to sell iPhone boxes in the United States
Some of the more popular platforms for this unique transaction include eBay and various online sales sites and apps.
Here are a few tips from a naive newbie to sell an empty box:
- Be clear that you are only selling the box, sans the phone.
- Specify the model and condition of the packaging.
- Take clear photos from multiple angles.
- Add in accessories; If you have them!
