YouTuber’s $75 Apple Haul Yields Unexpected Profit

A tech enthusiast’s gamble on a bulk purchase of used Apple products from an online seller resulted in a surprising return, demonstrating the potential for profit in the resale of refurbished electronics.

The Risky Purchase

YouTube content creator Hugh Jeffreys @HughJeffreys purchased a collection of 20 older Apple devices for just $75 from a seller on Facebook Marketplace. The seller advertised the devices as “unlocked and working,” but Jeffreys acknowledged the inherent risk in buying used electronics from an individual.

The transaction took place in a parking lot, adding another layer of uncertainty to the deal. Jeffreys suspected the seller may have been a repair shop offloading trade-ins or electronic waste.

What Was in the Bag?

The haul included a variety of iPhones, such as the XS, 11, 12 Pro, 8, and 7. Jeffreys found classic iPods, including a 5th-generation model and an iPod Touch 2nd-generation, along with three iPads.

Not All Devices Were Functional

Despite the seller’s claims, not all of the devices were fully functional. Two of the iPads and one iPhone 7 Plus were locked, rendering them unusable. However, the majority of the other devices worked, though some required repairs before resale.

A Substantial Profit

Jeffreys’ $75 investment proved remarkably profitable. The resale value of the unlocked iPhone XS alone was estimated at $100. The classic iPods also held significant value, and a still-functional iPhone 4S running iOS 5 was identified as potentially valuable to collectors.

In total, Jeffreys estimated the bag of Apple products to be worth approximately $800, resulting in a profit exceeding $700.

The Appeal of Refurbishing and Reselling

This incident highlights the growing trend of repairing and reselling used gadgets as a means of generating income. The practice can be lucrative for those with the technical skills to restore devices, and it also contributes to reducing electronic waste. Some individuals even purchase pallets of returned tech with the aim of profiting from resale.

As reported by Supercar Blondie, Jeffreys’ story is just one example of the potential rewards – and risks – associated with buying used tech.