Don't Throw That Away! Old Tech Edition

Tim Morrison| September 30, 2020

kid with a walkman portable radio

Let’s face it, we’re living in an ever-evolving, tech-driven world that will leave us in the dust if we don’t keep up with it. From new cell phones coming out a few times a year to video games and TV’s, new technology always seems to be popping up. When we decide it’s time to upgrade to the latest and greatest, what do we do with the old stuff? We are big fans of recycling your old electronics but you might want to wait before you ditch that old tech. Let's take a look at some of the electronics you may own or see at an estate sale that could bring in some serious cash.

1st Generation iPhone

Released in the summer of 2007, the iPhone would change the mobile game forever. For over a decade, Apple has stayed consistent with its release of new iPhones, giving us a new one every year since its inception. While some of the newer models don’t come with a very good return on investment, if you’re lucky enough to have one of the 1st generation models in perfect condition and in its original packaging, you could be looking at a resale value of well over $10,000.00. Not bad for something that came with an initial price tag of $500.

Source: Business Insider

#### Nintendo (Various Models)

Opening my first Nintendo Entertainment System still remains one of the best days of my life. I spent a ton of time in the early 90s playing Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt with my older brother, and I really wish I held onto my systems over the years. I think we can agree that video game consoles have come a long way since the NES was released, but I don’t think the original Nintendo ever went out of style. With the Gameboy, SNES, and Nintendo 64 following, Nintendo has always found a way to feed all the gamers' appetite out there. If you’re lucky enough to have held onto a few of these games, you’re in for a nice payday. As far as the consoles themselves go, they can bring a premium as well if they’re in the right condition. Ranging in value between $75-$300, having one of these nostalgic consoles in good condition could definitely put a little cash in your pocket.

Source: Cata Wiki

Sony TPS-L2 Walkman

With the unlimited access to music right on our phones, it’s hard to think of a time when we would have to pop a cassette tape into a Sony Walkman if we wanted our music on the go. The first Sony Walkman I ever got came from a flea market in my hometown, and I immediately paired it with George Strait’s Ocean Front Property. The Walkman was introduced to the world in 1979 and was the first mainstream way to take your music with you. They would go on to sell over 200 million units until discontinuing the Walkman in 2010. The Walkman would see a rise in popularity due to the 2014 blockbuster, Guardians of the Galaxy. With an original sticker price of $150, a Sony TPS-L2 in great condition could fetch upwards of $700 in today's resale market.

Source: Business Insider

1st Generation iPod

Sticking to the topic of mobile music, Apple is back on the list with another game-changer. In 2001, Apple released the 1st generation of one of their most popular gadgets, the iPod. Although the iPod wasn’t the first mp3 player on the market, Apple’s design prowess gave us something that was less bulky and more portable than its competitors. With the ability to store up to 1,000 songs, the days of flipping your tape over when side A was finished were long gone. Apple would go on to release several updated versions of the iPod but eventually phase the stand-alone MP3 players out in 2014. If you paid the sticker price of $399 for an iPod in 2001 and never took it out of the package, you’ve got something special on your hands. Mint condition iPods have been known to sell for over $20,000.00. With only 25,000 units sold, these gems will be tough to track down, but keep looking!

Source: Money.com

When writing these articles, I know the things that I mention aren’t easy to find. But in the industry we’re in, you never know what you’re going to come across in the wild—or even in your own junk drawer at home. I know what you’re thinking, "Tim, how do I know what sales on EstateSales.NET might have some of these valuable electronics?” I’m glad you asked! Adding the word electronics to your Treasure Tracker and checking our Marketplace frequently will keep you up to date. Happy Hunting!

Love all things estate sales? Us, too! Head over to our blog to learn about all things vintage, DIY, and more!

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