If you have old electrical appliances at home, you may be able to turn them into food.
Costco offers an electronics trade-in program where you can send in your old devices and receive a store gift card in return—you don’t even have to be a Costco member.
Also: There is currently a free $20 gift card available with a Costco membership. Here’s how to get it
This is how it works:
A third party called Phobio manages Costco’s electronics trade-in program. to the trade-in siteSelect your device type and model from a list. The site will ask you questions such as whether the device turns on, works, and is in good working order. Phobio will make you a quote based on your answers.
The program accepts a wide variety of devices, in some cases even devices as old as 2013. The general rates are:
- Phones: Up to $750
- Laptops: Up to $1,080
- Tablets: Up to $400
- Smartwatches: Up to $200
- Desktops: Up to $1,025
- Monitors: Up to $400
- Media Player: Up to $40
Even if your device is not in perfect condition, it may still be worth a try.
To test the potential value, I checked the offer for a Pixel 8 Pro in good condition. Phobio offered a Costco card worth $350. For comparison, the current price on eBay is around $400-$500, and the trade-in price on the official Google store is $699. You get about 85% of the value you would get if you sold it, but you don’t have to deal with the hassle.
I also tried trading in the oldest Pixel phone I could get, the Pixel 5. Selling that phone on eBay could get you $100, Google is offering $245. Phobio offered me $30.
Also: Exchange old electronics for Amazon gift cards. How it works
If you accept the offer, you can either print a prepaid shipping label and mail it in your own package, or wait to receive a prepaid shipping package. You can choose between a physical Costco Shop card, which you’ll receive in 1 to 2 weeks, or a digital Costco Shop card, which will arrive in 3 to 5 days. You can use either version online or in-store – no membership required.
Costco’s trade-in program is obviously not the best solution if you want to get maximum value, especially if you’re looking to upgrade your phone, but it’s still a great way to easily snag a gift card for something you have lying around your house while also saving on grocery shopping.
