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3 Options for Getting Rid of Your Old Computer Parts

13 May 2015 by Linda Holmes

Have you done some of your own computer repair in the past? Do you have an inventory of old parts that are now obsolete? Technology changes fast. It doesn't take long for a processor, motherboard, and other parts to become irrelevant. A manufacturer may go out of business or simply stop producing certain types of computers. That can make all of the supporting parts completely obsolete. The good news is that you don't have to just throw those parts out in the trash. You have options, some of which may actually generate some cash. Here are three tips for getting rid of your old computer parts

Use an online auction or classified website.

This may be the fastest and easiest way to connect with potential buyers. Take a few pictures, create your sales post, and you can have your parts available online in a matter of minutes. Of course, you may not get top dollar for your parts on these sites. That's especially true on classified type websites, where the transaction can be largely anonymous. The buyer won't know you and won't have any assurance that your parts actually work, so they may be reluctant to pay a high dollar amount.

On auction sites, you may have a better chance if you have a solid history as a seller. That will give your buyers greater confidence that you'll actually deliver on your promises. If you don't have a seller's history, you may want to work with a consignment company. They'll sell it for you and leverage their strong ratings. They may also handle shipping and payment collection.

Hook up with a local computer or hacker club.

Long before the Internet existed, people used computer or electronics clubs to get together and trade and sell parts. Many of these clubs still exist. Search online for computer clubs in your area. They may have regular meetups or even an online forum where you can post the parts you have and see if there's any interest. The benefit of going this route is that you can handle the transaction face-to-face, so the buyer can test the parts and you can get paid on the spot. 

Sell to a surplus electronic component buyer.

There are many companies that specialize in the purchase and resale of surplus electronic parts. They buy parts from manufacturers when the manufacturer produces too much inventory. They then resell those parts on a secondary market. Some of these buyers will also buy parts from individuals. A quick search online should bring up a numerous options.

For more information, contact a surplus electronic component buyer and describe the parts that you have. They can advise on whether they're interested and what your other options may be.

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