Swappa Review 2024: Our Experience Selling Used Tech

As someone who regularly buys and sells phones on popular buyback sites like Decluttr and Gazelle to review these platforms for consumers, I’ve noticed that while these sites offer convenience, they often come with a catch: lower-than-ideal payouts.

These companies typically flip the phones for a profit, meaning sellers usually get less than what their devices are worth. To explore a different option, I decided to try a consumer-to-consumer marketplace where I could potentially get more for my phone. That’s when I turned to Swappa.

After successfully buying and selling a phone using the platform, I’m ready to share the pros and cons of my experience. Whether you’re looking to get the best price for your old tech or considering Swappa as an alternative to buyback sites, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, I’ll walk you through my journey and offer tips on how to maximize your earnings.

What Is Swappa?

Swappa is a consumer-to-consumer marketplace that launched in 2010 as an alternative to platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. The platform was designed to address concerns about counterfeit devices and fraudulent listings by focusing on security and transparency.

Swappa operates differently from traditional buyback sites that typically offer lower payouts because they resell devices. Instead, it allows users to list their own devices, set prices, and sell directly to other consumers. Each listing undergoes manual review to ensure it meets Swappa’s quality standards, accepting only fully functional devices that are not blacklisted or broken.

Transactions on Swappa are conducted through PayPal, which offers a level of protection for both parties. Users have noted that while Swappa’s process may be slower than instant buyback options, it can potentially result in higher payouts.

The Buying Experience on Swappa

For the purpose of later reviewing the seller experience, I purchased an Apple iPhone 7 Plus (T-Mobile/Sprint, Rose Gold, 32 GB) for $66.95, listed in “Good” condition. The seller shipped the phone within two business days, and it arrived within a week.

Upon arrival, the phone was actually in better condition than would be expected. Despite being listed as “Good,” it was in near-perfect aesthetic condition and was fully functional. (They had a perfect 5-star rating across 383 sales and 84 reviews.)

As previously noted, the transaction was processed through PayPal Goods and Services, which offers the option to open a case if an item isn’t as described. Choosing sellers with high ratings can help minimize the risk of issues, but as with any peer-to-peer marketplace, some due diligence is required. Overall, the transaction was efficient and I didn’t encounter any issues.

The Selling Experience on Swappa

Swappa offers a unique combination of being both a buyback aggregator and a dedicated consumer-to-consumer (C2C) marketplace. For sellers, this means you have the option to receive immediate cash offers from nearly 100 buyback sources or choose to list your device directly on the platform for a potentially higher return.

The buyback option is typically faster, though it yields lower payouts since these sites need to resell the device for profit. In my case, I opted to sell directly on Swappa’s peer-to-peer marketplace.

Swappa has fairly strict criteria for listing phones, ensuring that only fully functional devices in good condition can be sold. If your phone doesn’t meet these requirements, you’ll likely need to consider other platforms or the buyback options available through Swappa.

Getting Started with Listing

Listing a phone on Swappa is a straightforward process. To begin, I entered the details of my device—carrier, color, model, storage capacity, and battery health.  One of the things I appreciated was the transparency regarding fees; before finalizing the listing, Swappa clearly displayed the seller fee, so I knew exactly how much I would earn after the sale, excluding the shipping cost, which sellers are responsible for.

After providing the required details, I snapped a few photos of the phone and submitted the listing. Swappa’s team manually reviews each submission to ensure it meets its standards, which adds a layer of security for buyers. My listing was approved within 10 minutes, but the platform advises that if your listing isn’t approved within an hour, you should check your email for further instructions, as they may need additional details.

Once the listing was live, I noticed an initial surge of views within the first few hours, a common occurrence on many sales platforms. Swappa allows listings to stay active for up to 60 days, giving plenty of time for potential buyers to consider the purchase.

Setting Competitive Prices

Pricing your device competitively is key to attracting buyers on Swappa. In my case, I opted to price my iPhone 7 Plus on the lower end of the market at $55, slightly below what I had initially paid ($66.95), with the goal of facilitating a quick sale. Swappa does provide some guidance on pricing, showing recent sale prices for similar devices, which can help in setting a realistic price. However, the ultimate decision is left to the seller, allowing for flexibility based on your goals (quick sale or maximizing profit).

Despite having the lowest-priced iPhone 7 on the platform, my phone did not sell in the first two weeks. This likely reflected the declining demand for older models rather than any issue with the platform itself. I decided to drop the price to a ridiculously low $25 when I renewed the listing, just to get the phone out the door. This adjustment made a significant difference, with the phone selling that same evening. The buyer, who was looking for a basic phone for his young daughter, left a 5-star review for the straightforward experience. 

Swappa’s transparent pricing structure includes a 3% seller fee, which is relatively low compared to other platforms like eBay, where fees can reach 15% or more. This low fee structure can help sellers retain more of their earnings, though it’s important to account for additional costs like shipping, which you’ll need to cover as the seller.

Managing Communication with Buyers

Swappa facilitates this through an on-site commenting system, where interested buyers can ask questions directly on your listing. These comments trigger email notifications, making it relatively easy to stay engaged with inquiries and respond promptly.

During my selling experience, I didn’t encounter an overwhelming number of questions, likely due to the straightforward nature of the listing. In my case, the buyer who ultimately purchased the phone didn’t require much additional information but did reach out after the sale to confirm shipping details, which was easily handled through the platform.

Finalizing Sales

After the phone sold, I received immediate payment via PayPal Goods and Services. (I paid just over $4 to ship the phone the next day.) Swappa doesn’t provide specific shipping labels, so sellers must arrange shipping on their own, which can affect your overall earnings. Understanding the most cost-effective shipping options will be key to maintaining your profit margin.

After two business days, the buyer received the phone and was seemingly satisfied with its condition, leaving a 5-star review for the transaction. Notably, Swappa’s system encourages these reviews, and positive feedback can significantly influence future sales.

Pros & Cons of Swappa for Sellers

Here are some key pros and cons to consider when using Swappa, based on both my personal experience and general user feedback.

What We Like

What We Dislike

Maximizing Profit as a Seller

Successfully selling your device on Swappa involves more than just creating a listing; a strategic approach can help you achieve the best possible return. Here are some tips to maximize your profit when using the platform:

• Research Market Prices. Before setting your price, look at recent sales of similar devices on Swappa (or eBay) to understand the current market value. This helps in pricing your item competitively while ensuring you don’t undervalue it.
• Provide Detailed and Accurate Descriptions. Clearly describe your device’s condition, including any minor scratches or wear. Honesty builds trust with potential buyers and can justify your asking price.
• Include High-Quality Photos. Upload clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles to showcase your device’s condition effectively. Good visuals can attract more interest and potentially higher offers.
• Choose Cost-Effective Shipping Options. Research and select reliable yet affordable shipping services; I’ve found USPS Ground Advantage to generally be the most cost-effective option (it usually comes in at less than $5).
• Time Your Listing Strategically. Consider listing your device during peak buying seasons or shortly after new device releases when demand for used devices may increase. Similarly, time of day matters too, as buyers tend to be more active in the evening hours EST.

Pitfalls to Avoid

While aiming for maximum profit, it’s important to be aware of common pitfalls that could negatively impact your selling experience. Overpricing your device, for instance, may deter potential buyers and result in your listing remaining active for an extended period without interest. This is especially true for older models where the market demand is lower.

Neglecting to disclose all relevant information about your device’s condition can lead to disputes and returns, ultimately costing you time and money. Always provide complete and accurate details to avoid misunderstandings and maintain a good seller reputation. Additionally, using poor-quality photos or insufficient images can make your listing appear unprofessional and less trustworthy, reducing buyer interest.

Lastly, ignoring buyer messages or delayed responses can lead to missed opportunities; staying responsive and engaged is key to facilitating successful transactions on Swappa.

Related: 56 Legit Ways to Make Money Online

Swappa vs. Other Selling Platforms

When exploring options for selling used tech, it’s important to consider the other selling apps available, each with its own strengths and user base. Here’s a look at some of Swappa’s main competitors and how they compare in terms of size, popularity, and features.

1. eBay is one of the largest global online marketplaces, offering a platform for buying and selling a vast range of products, including used tech. With millions of active users worldwide, eBay provides sellers with access to a vast audience, increasing the likelihood of finding a buyer. eBay charges listing fees and takes a 10-15% commission on sales.

Related: 21 eBay Alternatives for Sellers Looking to Increase Profits

How Users Feel About Swappa

Swappa generally receives positive feedback from users across the web. On Trustpilot, Swappa holds a solid 4.8-star rating (out of 5) across 30,000+ reviews with many users appreciating the platform’s strict listing criteria and PayPal integration.

Similarly, Swappa holds a 4.6-star rating on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, with users frequently praising its ease of use and safety features, though some note the smaller user base as a potential drawback. Swappa maintains a B-rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

To give you a better idea of what it’s like to sell on Swappa, here are some user reviews from Reddit (the linked thread reveals an extremely positive sentiment overall).

• “I’ve sold a few phones on Swappa, and it’s been a smooth experience. The buyer pays, and once I ship the phone and the buyer confirms they received it, I get paid. The process feels safer compared to Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.”*
  — u/SirHennington on Reddit
• “As someone who’s used Swappa to sell, I appreciate their strict listing requirements. It keeps out a lot of the scammers you see on other platforms. Plus, the PayPal integration means there’s some recourse if something goes wrong.”*
  — u/Pacovilla on Reddit
• “I’ve sold a couple of phones on Swappa and felt it was a pretty secure platform. Their process for approving listings and using PayPal helps prevent a lot of the issues you might encounter on other sites.”*
  — u/TheotherJD on Reddit

Verdict

Overall, Swappa is a reasonable and safe platform for buying and selling used tech, especially for those who like to comparison shop or cross-list when selling. Its low fees make it an attractive option for sellers looking to maximize their earnings, though it may not be the quickest platform to offload devices due to its smaller user base when compared to Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Volume sellers will most benefit from including Swappa in their cross-listing strategy because of the additional exposure.

One of the standout features is the PayPal Goods and Services integration, which offers both buyer and seller protections—an added layer of security that isn’t always available on other peer-to-peer marketplaces. For sellers, this protection is particularly valuable as it covers disputes, such as claims that an item wasn’t received or issues with unauthorized transactions, without any dollar limit on the coverage. This makes Swappa a reliable option for tech transactions, even if it’s not the fastest in terms of sales turnover.

Related: 

• 11 Best Places to Sell Your Phone for Cash
• 16 Legit Ways to Make Money From Your Phone

FAQs

Swappa Rating Methodology

My rating of Swappa is derived from a detailed analysis across five key areas. Each area is scored individually, contributing to the overall rating.