This is a box full of iPhones that we managed to snag for just $500. But how did we get such a deal? Let’s dive into the journey of how we scored these phones so cheaply and see if it was worth it.
We started our adventure on liquidation.com, an insane liquidation website that sells huge lots of various products, including Apple devices, at incredibly low prices. This platform is a treasure trove of tech goodies: you can find two iMacs for $285, 18 iPhone 11s for $900, and even 100
iPhones for $1,600. It all sounds too good to be true, right? Well, we're here to find out.
Our goal was to find the most iPhones for the least amount of money. Spending $3,000 on phones that might not work was out of the question. We browsed through numerous listings: 17 iPhone 13s for $3,000, iPhone 11 Pro Maxes unlocked for $2,800, and another lot with 30 units for $1,200. Finally, we found a listing that piqued our interest: 50 units of mixed iPhones for a current bid of $465. We placed a bid of $550 and crossed our fingers. A couple of days later, we received the news: we had won the bid for $550, bringing the total to about $587 with tax. This meant we got these iPhones for a little over $10 each. Now, the real test began.
We received the box of iPhones and eagerly started examining them. However, our excitement quickly turned into concern. None of the phones turned on initially. It was a mix of older models, including
iPhone 4s, 5s, 6s, and even an iPhone 3. Many were in poor condition, with notes indicating they didn’t charge or had screen issues. Our hopes were dimming.
As we continued, we found a few promising models: an iPhone XR and some iPhone 6s that looked decent. We tried charging them, but most remained stubbornly dead. One XR turned on but was iCloud locked, rendering it almost useless. Another iPhone 11 turned on but had severe screen damage. We were starting to regret our purchase.
Determined to salvage something, we plugged in an iPhone 14 Plus, the newest phone in the box. Miraculously, it turned on and was not iCloud locked! This was a major win. Additionally, an iPhone 12 turned on and seemed to work, despite some cosmetic issues. These two phones were our best hope of recouping our investment.
After examining all the phones, we had a pile of 42 completely non-working phones and 8 phones that showed potential for resale. Our next stop was the EcoATM, a machine that buys used and broken phones. We fed our phones into the machine, hopeful for a
positive outcome.
In the end, we made $560 from the EcoATM. This meant we made a $20 profit from our $500 investment. While it wasn’t a huge gain, it was a victory considering the initial condition of the phones.
Reflecting on this adventure, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. The thrill of bidding, the anticipation of receiving the box, and the disappointment of non-working phones were all part of the experience. Yet, the joy of finding a working iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 12 made it worthwhile.
For those considering diving into the world of liquidation, it’s essential to manage expectations. The allure of cheap prices can lead to mixed results. However, if you’re lucky and persistent, you might find a few gems among the junk.
Additionally, websites like GadgetKingsPRS.com.au can be valuable resources for tech enthusiasts. They offer a range of products, from phones to accessories, and provide a more reliable option for purchasing tech without the gamble of liquidation sites.
In conclusion, our $500 investment in 50 iPhones was an enlightening experience. We learned about the risks and rewards of buying liquidation products and ended up with a small profit. If you’re up for an adventure and can handle a bit of uncertainty, exploring liquidation sites might just be for you. But if you prefer a safer bet, websites like GadgetKingsPRS.com.au are the way to go.