MaxBack Frequently Asked Questions

What is MaxBack?

MaxBack is a great way to help the environment while putting money in your pocket! We pay cash for your new and used cell phones, tablets, and wearables.

With consumer electronics being one of the fastest growing amenities, it's important to know where unwanted cell phones, tablets, and wearables end up. MaxBack carefully inspects items to verify the condition is consistent with the consumer’s assessment and that the gadget can be remarketed.

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What happens to my items after I send them in to MaxBack?

MaxBack takes your new and used cell phones, tablets, and wearables and makes sure that they are given a second life.

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Does participating in MaxBack cost me anything?

No, MaxBack is completely free! Nothing comes out of your pocket. We pay for all shipping and postage. Just send us your used cell phones and electronics free of charge, and we'll send you the cash.

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What items can I sell to MaxBack?

You can sell cell new and used cell phones (Android, Blackberry, iPhone, Windows Phone), tablets, and wearables to MaxBack.

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How much can I expect to get for selling my cell phone, tablet, or wearable?

The values of items will vary. The cell phone and consumer electronic markets grow rapidly so newer devices will fetch a higher value than older ones. We update our pricing regularly to offer you the most competitive value for any of your cell phones, tablets, and wearables.

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What accessories must I include in my MaxBack shipment?

MaxBack requires that you include a functional battery with your complete device, plus all chargers and accessories for any wearables, to qualify for payment. AC adapters and charging cables are preferred but not required for cell phones and tablets.

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How do I redeem a promotion code?

If you have a promotion code, it can be entered on the last step of the sale process before confirming your transaction:

Enter your promo code and click the "Apply" button before clicking "Confirm Exchange" to make sure your promo code gets applied.

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How long are quotes valid?

Once a quote is initiated (this is done when you complete the checkout process), we honor that quote for a period of 30 days. This is from the time of the quote until your package is scanned into the system at our warehouse. You will receive an email from us when your item(s) arrives here at MaxBack.

Please note that MaxBack is closed on weekends and holidays. If your item arrives on a Saturday, it will not be received into our warehouse until the following Monday, so please mail far enough in advance to ensure a weekday, non-holiday delivery.

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Why does MaxBack limit the amount of items I can include in a transaction?

MaxBack is tailored for use by the individual customer. We limit transaction volume to one exchange per calendar month of up to four items per transaction so that we are able to ensure our customers have the best experience and fastest payment possible. This attention to the individual seller allows us to complete transactions and pay faster than any other option we are aware of.

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What if I have more than four items to sell?

MaxBack will accept up to four items per calendar month for our standard account holders. If you have more than four items to sell you must wait until the next month to make another exchange. Please note that the devices you wish to sell will be quoted at their current market value at the time the new exchange is made. It is for this reason we recommend upgrading your account to a Volume Seller account to avoid these exchange limitations if you have more items to sell.

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What is a “wearable” aka “wearable tech”?

This is technology you wear such as smart watches, smart glasses, activity trackers, etc. For MaxBack it is an evolving category so keep a close eye on it as it could change often.

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Does MaxBack buy wearables in bulk?

Absoutely! If we buy it, we also buy it in bulk. If you have an order of 20+ give us a shout!

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What should I send with my wearable tech?

MaxBack requires that you include a functional battery with your wearable(s), plus all chargers and accessories, to qualify for payment.

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How much will it cost to ship my device(s) to MaxBack?

Nothing! MaxBack covers the cost. We're happy to provide our customers with a free printable USPS Priority label. Please print the label once and affix to your box. (Do NOT reuse labels on multiple boxes, please!) MaxBack is not responsible for a lost shipment where a label is used more than once.

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Can I still mail my item to MaxBack if I don't have a printer and can't print a label?

MaxBack no longer provides physical labels or shipping kits. We provide a link to a pre-paid USPS Priority label that you can print on-demand. If you do not have access to a printer, we recommend asking a friend to print it for you or visiting your local library to print your label.

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What happens when Maxback receives my item(s)?

When your shipment arrives at MaxBack we begin processing right away. We start by verifying the item you sent us. We use the manufacturer’s sticker to cross reference your item for complete accuracy. Next, if necessary, we charge your device. If you send us a cell phone we first verify your phone’s ESN number. This number is unique to your cell phone and it allows us verify that your cell phone is available for activation by another person. Once everything is verified and clear, we begin our inspection process. This process is comprehensive and tests both the cosmetic and functional condition of your item(s). Finally, when the inspection is completed you will receive notification through email that your item has been accepted. In some instances, you may receive a re-quote. This can happen if we determine that either the cosmetic or functional condition is different than you indicated. If this is the case, you are given the option of either accepting or declining the re-quote. If declined, we will mail your item back to you at our cost. If accepted, this finalizes your transaction and a payment is issued to the method you requested.

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What is an ESN, MEID, or IMEI?

The ESN stands for electronic serial number and is the standard of reference for your cell phone’s identity to your wireless service provider. IMEI and MEID are other acronyms that reference essentially the same number. These numbers are generally located in a cell phone’s battery compartment on the manufacturer’s sticker. Some cell phones, without accessible battery compartments, require accessing the ESN through the menu of the cell phone, typically in the settings category. If you can’t find your ESN for your cell phone, you can also contact the wireless service provider for which you had the account. They can provide you the ESN if you were the account holder for the cell phone. They can also tell you if your cell phone is clear for activation.

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How do I know if my cell phone's ESN is clear?

You can verify that the cell phone’s ESN is clear by contacting the wireless service provider.

AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
Verizon: 1-800-922-0204
T-Mobile: 1-800-866-2453
Sprint: 1-888-211-4727

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I received an email that my cell phone's ESN is invalid. What should I do?

Your cell phone’s ESN is typically invalid for one of three reasons; it is still active to an account, it has been reported lost or stolen, or still has an account balance with the wireless service provider. In any of these instances we cannot purchase the cell phone from you until it is cleared by the wireless service provider. Prior to sending us the cell phone, contact the wireless service provider to verify that your cell phone’s ESN is clear for activation.

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What is a "re-quote"?

A re-quote may occur after an inspector has examined and tested the item you submitted. We offer a re-quote in the event that our inspector finds a difference between the condition you specified when quoting your item versus the actual condition of the product. You will then have the option of accepting or declining the price-adjusted offer. If you decline the offer, we will simply return your item at no charge to you!

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I received an email that my quote expired? What do I do now?

This happened because there was a period of more than 30 days between the time your quote was first submitted and the time we received your item. If it was mailed by the "mail by" date then the quote will be unaffected. If not, and you have already mailed the item, it will be re-quoted at the current market value. (See the above question, What is a "re-quote", for more information.)

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How long will it take for me to get paid once I have mailed in my item(s)?

We want to get you paid ASAP! Typically items mailed from within the United States take 2 to 5 business days to reach us, depending on where you live. Once your item arrives, we will inspect it within 1 to 2 business days and you will be paid via the method you specified.

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How do payments via PayPal work?

Once all the items in your transaction are processed and accepted, you will receive an email notification that your exchange is completed. MaxBack will then submit your PayPal payment request which will be paid within 24 hours of your completed exchange. Payment will be sent to your PayPal account using the email address you provided us. From there you can login to your PayPal account and spend or withdraw the balance as you see fit.

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Is MaxBack a safe website for kids?

MaxBack is a safe and reliable site to sell new, used, or broken cell phones and tablets. We require parental permission for our users under 18 years of age. We do not share any user information for third party distribution and are COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) compliant.

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What should I do about the personal data on my devices?

We advise you to delete all personal data from your devices, remove any SIM cards, and restore your devices to factory settings. It is our policy to destroy any SIM cards we receive for your protection and we cannot return any that are included in your shipment.

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