SellCell

What: SellCell is a comparison site for selling a used cell phone. 

Expected pay: NA

Husl$core: $$$

Commissions & fees: Not applicable

Where: Nationwide

Requirements: none

Review:

SellCell is a shopping comparison site for people who want to peddle a used cell phone. When we first tested the site, it appeared to bring up the same group of not-so-terrific buyers. But, at their request, we revisited our review in early 2019. That test found that the site accurately reflected offer prices from at least a half-dozen sellers, several of which are well-regarded. As a result, we hiked SellCell’s Husl$core.

That said, the site does not necessarily bring up the top buyers for your phone. And because SellCell is not the actual buyer — just a comparison site —  it does not take responsibility for the transaction. From the site’s terms: “Information on this Website is provided for general information purposes only...” In other words, you may click on the highest offer listed at SellCell, but its an estimate not an offer. And the offer is not coming from SellCell.

You should independently check out any buyer you select before you send in your phone. Some of these third-party sites have engaged in bait-and-switch tactics, where they rescind seemingly high offers once the cell phone is in their hands. To be sure, subjective decisions about the condition of a used cell phone can have an impact on pricing. But, some sites are far more likely to generate complaints about those subjective decisions than others. 

Not guaranteed

What of SellCell’s  guarantee that you’ll get the most cash for your cell through this site? In our opinion, this guarantee is worthless. The terms of the deal require that you (a) sell your phone through a link on their site even though you know you could do better; (b) file a claim within 24 hours; (c) meet a bunch of other terms and conditions. And THEN, says their guarantee: “The decision whether or not to honour a claim is at the sole discretion of SellCell.com Ltd.” 

Also troublesome: Given that SellCell shows up high in Google searches and has been around for years, you would expect to see lots of reviews from happy/unhappy clients. But, search for reviews of SellCell and you’ll find almost nothing. The reason why may be reflected in the reviews –and response from SellCell — below. The short version: SellCell introduces you to potential buyers. It is not affiliated with them, nor does it help if the transaction sours. If it is mentioned in a complaint with a reseller, it may ask to have any mention of SellCell removed from the site.

Recommendations

Flipsy is another shopping comparison site that appears to do a better job. You can also go directly to resellers, such as ItsWorthMore, and MaxBack , which have good reputations and are less likely to generate complaints. But, if you’re willing to do some work, you are likely to get more by selling direct to the final buyer through sites such as Swappa and Amazon. 

What their users say: (from RipOffReport)

SellCell’s response:

“This report contains false information….SellCell is a price comparison site only and does not accept phones direct. Please remove any mention of SellCell.com in this complaint as we have no legal connection to Flipswap.com”

A similar complaint, also from RipOff Report

“Orange Offer and SellCell. This company is a rip off scam artist. They will take your phone and pay you nothing.

SellCell response:

“In this report we have been connected with Orange Offer for the services they provide. SellCell.com is a completely separate company to Orange Offer. SellCell.com acts as a comparison website for cell phone recycling, and compares a range of phone recycling companies such as Orange Offer.”