US Postal Service offers cash for iPhones

(AP)

The U.S. Postal Service launched its buyback program for used electronics on Friday, including pretty generous pricing for old iPhones, along with free shipping.

The Postal Service is working with MaxBack, an electronics recycling company. Like with other buyback services, people get their quote online and then ship their phones (or other personal devices, such as digital cameras) to MaxBack. Once the condition of the device has been confirmed, they receive payment.

MaxBack provides a reassuring feature not found on similar sites — the number of days until you'll receive payment. For instance, if you get your quote, print your shipping label, choose PayPal payment, and ship your package today, payment will arrive on Sept. 26. Free shipping envelopes are available at most post offices.

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Better yet, USPS MaxBack prices can be higher than other buyback services. For a 16GB iPhone 4 for AT&T (the most popular trade-in since the iPhone 5 was announced earlier this month) in good condition fetches $163, compared with $145 from Gazelle. However, Gazelle pays $5 more than MaxBack for a broken phone, so comparison shop before you decide on a service.

Get started at http://www.usps.com/ship/recycle-through-usps.htm.

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