Swappa is a US marketplace for used phones, tablets, laptops, consoles, smartwatches and other tech, running since 2010. Listing is free. When an item sells, the seller pays 3% of the asking price and the buyer pays a separate 3% fee. Staff review every listing, and phones need a clean IMEI, which keeps out stolen and blacklisted devices.
At a glance
| What it is | Marketplace for used phones and tech |
| Listing fee | Free |
| Seller fee | 3% of the asking price |
| Buyer fee | 3%, added to the listing price |
| Payment processing | PayPal 3.49% + $0.49, or Stripe 2.9% + $0.30 for select sellers |
| Listing checks | Staff-reviewed; clean IMEI required for phones |
How it works
You create a listing with the device model, storage, carrier, condition, photos and your asking price. Swappa staff review it before it goes live, and phones must pass an IMEI check. When a buyer purchases, they pay through PayPal, or Stripe for select sellers, and you ship within two business days to the address on the payment.
What it costs
You pay a flat 3% of your asking price to Swappa, plus the payment processor’s standard fee on the total payment. With PayPal that is 3.49% plus $0.49. Swappa’s own example: on a $100 asking price, the buyer pays $103 and the seller takes home $92.92. Total seller cost with PayPal works out at roughly 6.5% plus $0.49 per sale.
Returns
Buyer’s remorse returns are at the seller’s discretion. When a refund is properly processed through PayPal, Swappa returns its 3% seller fee, while PayPal’s own refund policy applies to its processing fee.
What sells well
Recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones sell fastest. Unlocked phones, MacBooks, iPads, consoles and smartwatches also do well. Devices with cracked screens, activation locks or bad IMEIs can’t be listed.
Getting paid
Buyers pay you directly through PayPal or Stripe, so the money reaches your account at the time of sale. Ship quickly with tracking to keep your rating high and protect yourself in any dispute.
Common mistakes
Sellers often skip required photos, such as the device powered on, or list without wiping and signing out of accounts. Others cancel after a sale, which is binding on Swappa: you must refund in full and PayPal keeps its fee.
Getting started
Back up and wipe your device, sign out of iCloud or your Google account, and remove any SIM card. Check Swappa’s price guide for your exact model, take clear photos with the screen on and list it. Have a box ready so you can ship within two business days.
Is it worth it?
For a working phone or laptop, yes. You usually keep more than on general marketplaces and avoid most of the scams common on local classifieds.
Keeping records
Note your asking price, the model and the date of each sale. Over time this shows which devices sell fastest and at what price, so you can time your next upgrade and sale better.
Owen’s take
Swappa is where I’d sell a used phone in the US. The low fees and staff checks make it safer and cheaper than most alternatives.
Who it suits
It suits anyone in the US upgrading a phone, tablet or laptop who wants more than a trade-in offer. It suits less well sellers of broken devices or non-tech items.
Similar options
- eBay reaches buyers worldwide.
- Facebook Marketplace is free for local sales.
- OfferUp focuses on local US sales.
- Mercari sells tech and general items.
More options are in Reselling.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free listings and a 3% seller fee
- Staff-reviewed listings
- Clean IMEI checks reduce fraud
Cons
- Payment processing on top of the fee
- US only
- Broken devices can’t be listed
FAQ
How much does Swappa charge sellers?
3% of the asking price, plus payment processing.
What are the payment processing fees?
PayPal charges 3.49% + $0.49; Stripe charges 2.9% + $0.30 for select sellers.
Is listing on Swappa free?
Yes, you only pay when your item sells.
How fast do I need to ship?
Within two business days of receiving payment.
Does Swappa check for stolen phones?
Yes, phones need a clean IMEI to be listed.
