Broken TV? Here’s How to Sell It and Earn Extra Money

Selling a broken TV can actually yield a reasonable amount of extra cash, instead of just tossing it out. Modern televisions contain valuable components like boards, processors, and screens that often still work perfectly fine, even if the TV itself is non-functional as a whole.

For example, if the power supply is broken but the screen is intact, the screen could be sold to someone looking for a replacement part. Or if the inputs are damaged but the LCD panel still displays, that panel could be sold to electronic repair shops.

Savvy buyers are always on the lookout for broken televisions they can purchase to strip for working parts. Selling yours allows you to recover some value, as opposed to letting the broken device collect dust

With the availability of online marketplaces connecting sellers to motivated buyers, pricing and listing a broken TV can be simple. As long as you accurately describe the condition and highlight what’s not working, you can usually command competitive prices and turn your broken electronics into cash.

Where Can You Sell a Broken TV?

You can sell your broken TV as a whole or as spare parts. Many online and offline options are available. Here are some of them:

1. Facebook Marketplace 

Facebook Marketplace is a great option to sell your broken TV locally. Simply create a Facebook account if you don’t already have one. Take clear pictures showcasing the condition of your TV from multiple angles.

Write an accurate and detailed description mentioning the TV brand, model, age, any issues or damage, and still functioning parts. List your asking price and mention that the sale is for local pickup only.

The best part is that Facebook does not charge any listing fees to sell products on the Marketplace. Once your listing is live, interested buyers will contact you via Facebook Messenger to ask questions or negotiate prices.

You can then coordinate a convenient local meetup to complete the sale. Payment can be handled in cash upon pickup for simplicity and security.

2. 5miles.com

5miles is a mobile app marketplace that makes selling locally quick and easy. Download the 5miles app on your smartphone and create an account.

Take quality pictures of your broken TV and input the relevant details like brand, model, age, and description of the damage. 5miles has an Electronics category perfect for listing non-working TVs.

You can list your broken TV for free on 5miles, but paying a small optional listing fee (starting at $1.99) gets you more visibility. Local buyers near you who are browsing 5miles for TV parts will see your ad.

You can coordinate pickup locations and pricing within the secure 5miles messaging system. To provide peace of mind, buyers pay 5miles, and you get paid after confirming the pickup.

3. Craigslist

Craigslist is a popular classifieds site to sell locally. Go to the Craigslist website or app and create a free account.

Navigate to the for sale section and select electronics as the category. Draft a post with a title, description, and pictures showing damage, and list your asking price for the broken TV. You can also state your willingness to negotiate the price in the description.

List your city/region for local pickup. Craigslist itself does not charge any listing fees. Once your ad is live, interested buyers will contact you to arrange to see the TV.

You’ll need to handle payment privately – cash upon pickup is recommended. Meet the buyer at a public place to complete the transaction.

4. eBay

eBay is an online auction marketplace with a wide range of buyers looking for electronic parts. To sell on eBay, you’ll need to create a seller account.

Take high-quality pictures of your broken TV and accurately describe the damage and any parts that still function properly. You can choose to list at a set Buy It Now price or minimum opening bid for an auction-style format.

eBay charges both insertion fees to list and final value fees on sale price. But it gives your listing huge exposure to motivated buyers seeking TV components. Once sold, you’ll ship the TV safely to the buyer and get paid securely via eBay’s payment system which accepts credit cards.

5. Television Repair Shops

Local TV repair shops always need spare parts, some of which may buy your broken TV. Search for TV repair shops in your area online or in directories like Yellow Pages. Call around to inquire if they purchase broken TVs and get quotes.

If interested, they’ll assess the damage and make an offer based on usable components. You simply drop off the non-working TV at the shop and collect payment onsite, typically in cash. No fees are involved apart from potential repair cost quotes.

6. OLX.com

OLX is an online classifieds platform popular internationally. Visit OLX.com and create an account. Follow the steps to create a new ad listing in the electronics category.

Add photos clearly showing the TV damage, model details, and description of faulty components. Choose whether you want to list for auction or at a set price. OLX itself does not charge listing fees.

Interested local buyers will contact you via OLX’s messaging platform. You can then arrange to meet up to complete the transaction. Payment is handled directly between you and the buyer – cash is recommended for simplicity.

7. Yard Sale

Holding a yard sale is a classic way to sell your broken TV locally. Advertise your yard sale online through platforms like Craigslist and Facebook, or with printed flyers around your neighborhood.

On the day, display your non-working TV with a clear “as-is” sign and price tag. Be prepared to negotiate if needed. Accept payment in cash from interested buyers who stop by. The only costs involved are your time and nominal advertising.

8. LG Recycling Program

If you have an old broken LG TV, consider recycling it through the LG Electronics Recycling Program instead of selling it. Visit www.lgrecyclingprogram.com, submit your TV’s info, and print a prepaid shipping label.

Ship your TV to their recycling center for responsible disposal at no cost to you. As an incentive, they offer an account credit towards a new LG product purchase. This eco-friendly option ensures your TV doesn’t end up in a landfill.

How to Sell a Broken TV

To sell your damaged TV, follow these steps:

1. Assess the Damage

Be honest with yourself about the extent of the damage. Is it a cracked screen, audio issues, power problems, or something else? The severity will impact who might be interested and at what price.

If you’re unsure of the problem, consider taking it to a technician for a diagnosis. Knowing the specific issue can attract buyers who specialize in repairs.

2. Research Your Options

Explore different platforms for selling your TV. Online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace offer wide reach, while local classifieds or electronics buyback services might be faster.

Compare prices for similar broken TVs to get a realistic idea of what yours is worth.

3. Price It Right

Be fair and realistic when setting a price. Remember, buyers are looking for a bargain on a broken TV. Account for the damage, model, age, and any repair costs involved.

Always start slightly higher than your minimum acceptable price to leave room for negotiation.

4. Clean and Photograph

Give your TV a thorough cleaning to remove dust and fingerprints. A presentable appearance makes a better impression on potential buyers.

Take clear, well-lit photos from various angles and close-ups of the damage. Don’t try to hide any flaws – transparency is key.

5. Write an Accurate Description:

Be honest and upfront about the TV’s condition, including the specific issue(s) and any known problems.

Highlight any positive features, like the brand, size, or any working components. Use clear and concise language, avoiding technical jargon that might confuse buyers.

6. List Your TV

Choose the platform that best suits your needs and target audience. Use an eye-catching title and keywords to attract potential buyers.

Don’t forget to include all relevant information in the description, including dimensions, model number, and your preferred payment method.

7. Communicate Effectively

Respond promptly to inquiries and questions from potential buyers. Be polite and professional in your communication. Negotiate fairly and honestly.

8. Arrange a Safe Meet-Up (If Selling Locally)

Choose a well-lit public place for the meet-up, like a coffee shop or police station. Bring someone with you if you feel uncomfortable meeting alone. Test the TV with the buyer to ensure it’s working as described.

9. Get Paid and Finalize The Sale

Agree on a payment method before finalizing the sale, then ensure you receive the agreed-upon amount before handing over the TV.

Provide the buyer with any necessary paperwork, like receipts or manuals.

Should You Repair Your Broken TV Instead of Selling It?

To answer this question, you should think of the following:

• Consider the cost of repair versus the TV’s value: If the repair cost is close to the TV’s resale value, selling it might be more economical.
• Think about the age of the TV: If it’s an older model, even fixing it might not be worthwhile. Upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient TV could be a better option.
• Evaluate your DIY skills: Do you have the skills and tools to repair the TV yourself, or will you need to hire a professional? This will impact the cost and feasibility of repair.
• Think about your needs: Repairing the broken TV might be the best solution if it still meets your needs. But if you’re looking for an upgrade in features or performance, selling it and buying a new one might be a better choice.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to sell or repair depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. By carefully considering these factors, you can make the best choice for your needs.

Final Words

In conclusion, selling a broken TV can be lucrative, turning what might be considered electronic waste into cash. Various platforms, from Facebook Marketplace to specialized apps like 5miles and established sites like eBay, offer avenues for selling either the whole TV or its salvageable parts.

Transparency, fair pricing, and effective communication are key in this process. Moreover, for those with environmentally conscious considerations, options like the LG Recycling Program provide an eco-friendly alternative to responsible disposal.