Earn Some Green From Old Gadgets

Whether you're lusting for the new Google phone or just looking for some extra cash, the solution may be in the several generations of gadgetry shoved in junk drawers and boxes in your home.

While that old Motorola 5.10, RAZR and first-generation iPod may seem like worthless relics from another era, a bevy of new web sites and retailer programs want to convince you otherwise. These programs offer to buy all sorts of old electronics. They even accept items with no resale value and will recycle them for you.

"[These programs] recognize in this economy that consumers aren't wanting to trade up for something new unless they can get some money back for something old," says Michael Gartenberg, research director for market research firm Jupiter Research.

The process is also quick and easy. You'll receive an estimate on how much your item is worth in a couple of minutes, and receive the payment in as little as two days. "There's no learning curve or waiting for a buyer like eBay or Craigslist," says Ted Kristonis, a columnist with tech education site DemystifyingDigital.com.

Here's how it works: Sellers answer a few simple questions about the item they want to get rid of and its condition. The site then assesses its current market value. If you accept the offer, you'll receive a prepaid shipping label (and sometimes even a box) to mail in the gadget. The company then verifies the condition of the item and processes the payment.

While selling old gadgets can help pad your wallet, don't expect to get rich. With the exception of a used first-generation iPhone — which is the only way to get the device without an AT&T contract — electronics don't usually retain much value once they're out of the box, says Gartenberg. Even a pristine 20GB, fourth-generation iPod with all the accessories would only fetch $38, or 13% of its original $299 purchase price, on trade-in site Gazelle.

That said, with so many sites clamoring to take old gadgets off your hands, spend a few extra minutes to collect estimates from them all before you settle on one. Also, keep in mind that sites will vary regarding the type of electronics they buy and the type of payment (check, gift card, charitable donation, etc.) they offer. RadioShack, for example, offered $8 for an old Kodak DX3500 digital camera that every other site passed off as scrap-worthy:

BuyMyTronics.com

What they buy: Apple iPods and iPhones, Microsoft Zunes, select models of cellphones, PDAs and game consoles.

Payment methods: PayPal or check. Usually processed within 48 hours.

Costco Trade-In and Recycle Program

What they buy: Most desktop and laptop computers, MP3 players, LCD monitors, game systems, camcorders, digital cameras, smartphones and PDAs. The warehouse club also recycles CRT monitors, printers and fax machines.

Payment method: Costco gift card. Usually paid within four weeks.

Gazelle

What they buy: Cellphones, MP3 players, digital cameras, laptops, GPS units, game consoles, satellite radios, portable hard drives and camcorders. Also buys some videgames and Blu-ray movie disks. If you own an item within these categories but the particular model isn't listed, Gazelle will create a personalized quote.

Payment methods: PayPal or check. Payments are processed within 10 business days. You can also opt to donate the trade-in value to one of 30 associated nonprofits, including the American Red Cross and Operation Smile, which provides reconstructive surgery to children in developing countries.

MyBoneYard

What they buy: Most brands of MP3 players, laptop and desktop computers, flat-screen monitors and cellphones.

Payment method: Visa gift card.

NextWorth

What they buy: Only iPods.

Payment method: By check. Payments usually sent within three days. Or trade in your iPod at bricks-and-mortar partner stores, including Circuit City (select Massachusetts and New Hampshire locations only) and J&R, for store credit on the spot.

RadioShack

What they buy: Most MP3 players, cellphones, cameras, camcorders, GPS units, car audio, laptop computers and game consoles. Also buys some videogames.

Payment method: Receive the value of trade-ins as a Radio Shack gift card. Payment is usually sent within 10 to 14 days.

Toshiba Trade-In Center

What they buy: Most brands (not just Toshiba) of desktop and laptop computers, tablet PCs, camcorders, digital cameras, servers, monitors, multimedia projectors, home audio receivers, cellphones, car audio, game consoles, PDAs, MP3 players and GPS units.

Payment methods: By check. Payments are usually mailed within a week. Toshiba also offers a free $25 Starbucks gift card with any trade-in, while supplies last.

VenJuvo

What they buy: Most game consoles, MP3 players, digital cameras, digital camcorders, GPS units, smartphones, laptop computers and HDTVs.

Payment methods: PayPal, check or charitable donation. Payments usually sent within five to 10 days. Click on the site's Trade4Credit feature, and you can also receive your total as a gift card from retail partner Sears.