FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The questions we hear most often, answered plainly.
What we buy
- What electronics do you accept?
- Phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and lenses, smartwatches, game consoles, video games and controllers, VR headsets, drones, headphones and speakers, and computer parts. We also buy luxury watches and gold. If you are not sure whether something fits, tell us what you have and we will look at it.
- What don’t you buy?
- We don’t buy TVs, monitors or desktop computers. We don’t buy stolen devices. Laptops, MacBooks and computer parts are still welcome. If you are not sure whether something fits, text us and we will tell you straight away.
- Do you buy broken devices?
- Often, yes. A cracked screen, a dead battery, or a device that will not power on does not automatically rule it out. Tell us honestly what is wrong with it and we will look at it in person and make the call from there.
- Do you buy in bulk or estate lots?
- Yes, bring the whole lot. A drawer full of old phones, a closet shelf, or an estate cleanout is exactly the kind of thing worth calling ahead about so we can plan enough time to look at everything.
- Who buys used tablets and iPads in the Albany area?
- We do. Cash For Electronics Albany buys iPads, Galaxy Tabs and Fire tablets, cellular or wifi-only, older models included. Tell us the model and condition through the tablets page and we will let you know the same day whether it is something we can buy.
- Where can I sell a PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch for cash near Albany?
- You can sell it to us, in person, for cash. We buy current and older consoles, with or without controllers and cables, along with games and accessories. The game consoles page lists what helps us give you an answer quickly.
- Do you buy VR headsets, drones and headphones?
- Yes, all three. Each has its own page with the details that matter for that kind of device: the VR headsets page, the drones page, and the headphones and speakers page.
- Can I sell an iPad or iPhone that is locked to an Apple ID?
- No. A device still locked to an account through Activation Lock or Find My is not something we, or anyone after us, can use, whatever its condition. If the account is yours, recover the password and sign out first; our before-you-sell guide walks through it.
Where to sell
- Are you a pawn shop?
- No. We only buy electronics outright; we do not make loans against them, so there is no ticket and no deadline. If you want your item back later, a licensed pawnbroker is the right place. Our pawn shop guide explains the difference.
- How is selling to you different from an ecoATM kiosk?
- A kiosk is a machine that handles phones, and tablets at some locations; we are people who look at whatever you bring. That includes laptops, consoles, cameras, computer parts and mixed lots, none of which fit in a kiosk. Our ecoATM guide compares the two step by step.
- Do you pay in cash or in store credit?
- Cash, in person, the same day. There is no store credit, no gift card and no payment app. Our trade-in guide explains how that differs from a retail trade-in program.
How it works
- Where are the meetup locations?
- By appointment only. We meet at 6 Northway Ln, Latham, NY 12110, which is a meetup point and not a walk-in location, so please do not come by without a confirmed time: we meet one seller at a time, and an unplanned visit can interrupt someone else's sale. We also come to you when that spot is inconvenient. Text or call to set a time.
- How do I get a quote?
- You tell us the make, model and condition through the quote form on this site, or text us a photo. We look the device over with you in person and give you a firm cash number on the spot. If it is not something we can buy, we tell you right there and you keep it.
- How fast do I get paid?
- The same day, at the meetup. If it is something we can use, you are paid in cash before you leave. Nothing is shipped and there is no waiting period afterwards.
- Do you come to me?
- Yes, when that is easier for you. We meet sellers by appointment in the Albany area, or drive out to you across the Capital Region, including Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park, Latham, Colonie, Guilderland, Delmar, Rensselaer, Cohoes, Niskayuna, Ballston Spa, Halfmoon and East Greenbush.
- What are your hours?
- Appointments Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Every meetup is by appointment, so text or call first and we will set a time that is yours.
Getting ready
- What do I need to bring?
- Bring the device itself, charged if possible, with any SIM or memory cards already removed. Sign out of iCloud, Google, or Samsung accounts and factory reset it before the meetup. Our before-you-sell checklist walks through every step.
- Is my data safe when I sell you a device?
- Yes. We confirm the device is signed out and wiped in front of you before you leave. It is still best to back up, sign out and factory reset it yourself beforehand; our before-you-sell guide covers each kind of device.
- Do I need the original box, charger or cables?
- No, they are not required. Bring them if you have them, and mention what is missing when you tell us about the device, so there are no surprises at the meetup.
Getting ready to sell? Read before you sell and how it works, or contact us directly.