Can you sell electronics that are scratched or dented but still work?

Think a cracked bezel or dented case kills the sale? Not always. Many devices still fetch cash if they power up and pass basic checks. But the damage changes risk and price.

Low risk: small scuffs, hairline scratches

These are surface marks that don't touch screens or ports. If the device turns on, charges, and the main buttons work, it stays in the low risk tier. You can expect close to normal resale offers, minus a small cosmetic discount.

Medium risk: dents, deeper scratches, minor screen marks

Dents or a light screen scratch that doesn't affect touch or display fall here. They need more honesty in listing and a clearer price cut. Expect buyers to ask to test functions and battery health. You will lose more than for scuffs, but many shops still buy these.

High risk: cracked screens, missing parts, exposed internals

Cracked screens that affect touch, missing screws, loose backs, or any sign the internals are exposed are high risk. These require repair or parts work. Offers drop sharply because repair costs become unknown until opened.

Negotiation levers

• Point out a clean power-on and full boot

• Show intact serial/model stickers and original ports

• Demonstrate working camera, mic, and speakers

• Offer original charger or cable with the device

• Be honest about battery life and any random shutdowns

• Remove personal accounts and show factory reset

• Note recent repairs and provide receipts if available

How to test and what to show

Do quick checks in front of the buyer. Turn the device on and off. Charge it for a few minutes and show the battery indicator rising. Open the camera app, play a short video, and test the speakers. Plug headphones into the jack if present. If the screen has marks, swipe and tap in different spots so the buyer sees touch still works.

Micro-moment: You meet a buyer in a parking lot. You hand over the phone, they plug in the charger, and you both watch the battery go from 10% to 14% in a few minutes. The buyer nods—proof beats claims.

Pricing expectations by tier

Low risk items often lose 5–15% from a pristine price. Medium risk sits at 20–40% off, depending on how many features still work. High risk can push 50% or more off, or make the item worth only parts value. These ranges change with brand, age, and model popularity.

How to present cosmetic damage honestly

Start with clear, short notes. Say: "Has a dent on left edge, screen intact, battery lasts about X hours." Be ready for the buyer to inspect closely. If you hide a major flaw and it shows up during testing, the buyer will drop the price fast.

When repair first makes sense

If a replacement screen or battery costs less than half the value difference, repairing can raise offers enough to pay off the repair. For older or low-value items, repairs often cost more than the benefit.

If the console can’t be signed out and reset cleanly, treat it like a risk item and price it accordingly.

Today’s takeaway: Be ready to prove the device works; small wear costs little, but cracked parts or exposed internals cut offers hard.