Selling a used MacBook Air can be a lucrative endeavor, but there are some things you need to know in order to get the best price for your device.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to find buyers, how to prepare your laptop for sale, and how to negotiate the best price. We’ll also provide tips on how to make sure you get the most money for your old computer.
How Much is a Used MacBook Air Worth?
The market value of the newest generations of MacBook Air between 2019 to 2020 is worth between $600 to $800. The average 2015-2018 Macbook Air is around $200 to $450, and older generations of Macbook Air between 2009 to 2014 are worth around $50 to $200.
| Year | Generation | Market Value | Model | Specs |
| 2020 | MacBook Air M1 | $700-$950 | MacBookAir10,1 | Specs |
| 2020 | MacBook Air Retina, 13-inch | $600-$800 | MacBookAir9,1 | Specs |
| 2019 | MacBook Air Retina, 13-inch | $450-$599 | MacBookAir8,2 | Specs |
| 2018 | MacBook Air Retina, 13-inch | $300-$450 | MacBookAir8,1 | Specs |
| 2017 | MacBook Air, 13-inch | $250-$400 | MacBookAir7,2 | Specs |
| 2015 | MacBook Air, 13-inch | $200-$300 | MacBookAir7,2 | Specs |
| 2015 | MacBook Air, 11-inch | $150-$200 | MacBookAir7,1 | Specs |
| 2014 | MacBook Air, 13-inch | $150-$250 | MacBookAir6,2 | Specs |
| 2014 | MacBook Air, 11-inch | $100-$170 | MacBookAir6,1 | Specs |
| 2013 | MacBook Air, 13-inch | $129-$250 | MacBookAir6,2 | Specs |
| 2013 | MacBook Air, 11-inch | $100-$150 | MacBookAir6,1 | Specs |
| 2012 | MacBook Air, 13-inch | $100-$200 | MacBookAir5,2 | Specs |
| 2012 | MacBook Air, 11-inch | $80-$150 | MacBookAir5,1 | Specs |
| 2011 | MacBook Air, 13-inch | $90-$169 | MacBookAir4,2 | Specs |
| 2011 | MacBook Air, 11-inch | $80-$150 | MacBookAir4,1 | Specs |
| 2010 | MacBook Air, 13-inch | $70-$130 | MacBookAir3,2 | Specs |
| 2010 | MacBook Air, 11-inch | $70-$100 | MacBookAir3,1 | Specs |
| 2009 | MacBook Air | $50-$100 | MacBookAir2,1 | Specs |
In general, a used MacBook Air with no visible wear and tear, a 128GB SSD, and a faster processor will be worth more than one with visible wear and tear, a 64GB SSD, and a slower processor.
At the time of writing, a used MacBook Air M1 is selling on eBay for between $750-$850. A 2018 MacBook Air is about $450, and a 2020 MacBook air is about $700.
Of course, you should check what the exact model MacBook you have is selling for, so you know what you should set your price at.
However, the final price will also depend on how much buyers are willing to pay for your particular device.
How to appraise your MacBook Air’s value
When you’re trying to figure out how much your MacBook Air is worth, the first step is to appraise its condition.
Start by taking a close look at the device. If it’s in good condition, with no scratches or scuffs on the casing, then it will be worth more than a MacBook Air that has visible wear and tear.
The condition of the screen is also important. A MacBook Air with a cracked or damaged screen will be worth less than one with a pristine display.
If your laptop is in good condition, then the next step is to check how much storage space it has. A MacBook Air with a 128GB SSD will be worth more than one with a 64GB SSD.
The same goes for the processor. A MacBook Air with a faster processor will be worth more than one with a slower processor.
Once you’ve taken all of these factors into account, you should have a good idea of how much your MacBook Air is worth.
How to find buyers for your MacBook Air
Once you’ve determined how much your MacBook Air is worth, the next step is to find buyers who are willing to pay that price.
The best place to start is with friends and family. Ask around to see if anyone is in the market for a used laptop. If you have a friend or family member who is looking for a new computer, they may be willing to pay top dollar for your gently used MacBook Air.
If you can’t find any buyers among your personal contacts, the next best place to look is online. There are a number of websites that specialize in buying and selling used electronics, including laptops.
Sellmac, for example, is a website that allows you to sell your MacBook Air for cash. You can also try Craigslist or eBay.
Preparing your MacBook Air for sale
Once you’ve found a buyer for your MacBook Air, the next step is to prepare the device for sale.
Start by backing up all of your files and data. This is important because it will allow you to wipe the hard drive clean before you sell the laptop.
You should also disable any security features, such as FileVault or Find My Mac. This will make it easier for the new owner to set up their own security on the device.
Finally, make sure to remove any personal items from the laptop, such as photos or documents. You don’t want to leave any sensitive information on the device before you sell it.
How to negotiate the best price for your MacBook Air
Once you’ve prepared your MacBook Air for sale, the next step is to negotiating the price with the buyer.
If you’re selling to a friend or family member, they may be willing to pay the full price you’re asking. But if you’re selling to a stranger, you’ll likely have to negotiate in order to get the best price.
Start by coming up with a fair price for your MacBook Air. You can use the appraised value from earlier as a starting point.
Once you’ve come up with a price, be prepared to negotiate. The buyer will likely try to lowball you, so be ready to haggle.
If you’re selling online, you can also try listing your MacBook Air for a higher price than you’re actually willing to accept. This will give you some wiggle room in the negotiation process.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you’re happy with the price you receive for your MacBook Air.
How to get paid for your MacBook Air
Once you’ve negotiated a price with the buyer, it’s time to get paid.
If you’re selling to a friend or family member, they may be able to pay you in cash. But if you’re selling to a stranger, you’ll likely have to accept payment in the form of a check or money order.
If you’re selling online, you can also try using a service like PayPal or Venmo. This will allow you to get paid electronically, which can be more convenient than dealing with cash or checks.
No matter how you receive payment, make sure you deposit the money into your bank account as soon as possible. This will help to avoid any potential problems in the future.
