Trade-in or sale: what is the difference?
| Trade-in | Sale | |
|---|---|---|
| You get | A value taken off another phone | Money |
| Paid as | Credit (Apple, carriers) or a lower price on your next phone (SubSell) | Cash or transfer |
| Best when | You are buying a phone anyway | You want the money |
| At SubSell | A trade-in value above our cash price; if your phone’s cash price is higher than the phone you take, the difference is paid in cash (the bonus never is) | Cash on the spot, up to $1,950 for a sealed iPhone 17 Pro Max |
Where to get money for your phone
- SubSell, in store: cash on the spot after a 5-minute check.
- SubSell, by mail: Interac e-Transfer or bank wire once the phone is received and checked, anywhere in Canada.
- A private sale: cash or a transfer, if the buyer is serious.
Where you get credit instead
- Apple Trade In: Apple credit or an Apple Gift Card.
- Carriers: bill or device credit.
- Big-box store trade-in programs: generally a gift card or credit toward a purchase.
The best of both at SubSell
The trade-in calculator shows right away what you pay, or what we pay you: your phone’s trade-in value comes off the price of one of our refurbished iPhones, and if it is higher than that price, the difference is paid to you in cash, at the cash price. The trade-in bonus itself is never paid out in cash.