Are you getting damaged/working smartphones? Would you like a >scrap $$$ buyer?

So 1st question - Are you guys seeing more smartphones (Blackberrys, iphones, samsung galaxy's, Droids) and tablets (iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tabs...not those $75 Walmart ones) sent in for scrap? I am really interested more in the ones that might work, but just have issues (say broken glass, LCD, not charging etc). If you are, what are you doing with them? Scrapping for $5/lb or similar? Already have an outlet for them?

2nd question - So the more obvious point is if you are just scrapping them or selling to some kiosk in the mall, would you be interested in a buyer for them at potentially ALOT more than scrap value (working but damaged of course would be more $$$ than a non working model)??

My point is, I have alot of experience in my past with cell phones (I worked for both Verizon and ATT for a total of 8 years) and I have developed a niche in my area on buying damaged cell phones / tablets (the higher end ones). I did not really see a buyer in the buyer's section for phones other than for scrap, so I am contemplating becoming a buyer for these...maybe on a limited basis, but we will see how it goes. As an example, even an older iphone 4 with a cracked glass front, I can pay $20+ on EACH if they come on and basically function, but just need a new glass front. Different ones of course are priced differently and it all depends on the issues with the phone. Even non working ones have some value above scrap that I can pay.

I am just testing the waters to see if people are even getting them in. I know I been seeing more in my recycle events and I buy them almost every day in my area. Give me some feedback and maybe I can be another income source for those items....and help you make more than $5/lb on them...LOL.

Thanks in advance and if you have something you aren't sure about, then email me and I can answer any questions at charlesjones@webuyselltradestuff.com (note: I am redesigning the website, so nothing really up yet...just in case you wondered).

Occasionally but there are so many sites that buy the big name brand ones like Iphone, Samsung Galaxy that you rarely get these (or at least I don't)...........The few higher end ones I have gotten I usually just sold on EBAY as is because I didn't want to test, guarantee them etc.......There was probably a reason they ended up in my scrap pile

+1 for what Mike said. They are rare, and I usually pay for them. Being a smart phone user, it's not too hard for me to test them and sell on Ebay.

sure, I was asking in general because alot of people don't know how or just don't want to...and some don't sell on Ebay...and yes the big places do buy them, but I tend to pay more than they do (ie lower overhead LOL). I mean I will pay you more than the mall kiosks and probably Gazelle etc for older phones (the mall kiosk was offering $0 on a 3G with a cracked glass...I can offer more than that of course...and more than the $2.50 you will get in scrap).

I was just testing the waters in general on here...I know both you guys from the forum and I know you do alot in ewaste etc.

Guess we shall see if there are enough who don't want to deal with it or it's just not their thing.

Count me in on the eBay bandwagon. If I get an iPad, it's going there. Broken screen or not.

I've had exactly one iPad brought in for recycling, though. Now, generic Android tablets from Wang Chung industries? I have two on my desk right now.

Sadly, they seem to be worthless.

I say go for it.....You are a SCRAP ROOM MEMBER so you can post an ad to buy........Just because I or someone else does not get that many does not mean that a lurker may not contact you ...........It can't hurt!!!!

I say go for it , you will never know unless you try . Some people don't use ebay like you said . And there is always room for another bucket on my work bench if the price is right . I get them on occasion , and they will just increase in the numbers obtained as almost all phones sold in stores are of the smart variety. I say go for it , put a bug in their ears and hope for the best . That and the fact I'd rather deal with a fellow forum member than pay a corporation 16% of my sales price . But that's just me .