Technabob » used

EcoATM Recycles Your Gadgets, Gives You Some Cash While You’re at It

Hazel Chua — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:00:41 +0000

Gadgets like mobile phones and tablets have a quick turnover rate. By that, I mean you can expect a newer version of that cellphone you just bought after a couple of months or so.

So if you’re the type who’s always buying new phones and updating your devices, then it’s time you head to the ecoATM nearest you to start recycling your old gadgets.

Not only will you be doing good old Mother Nature a favor here by recycling old stuff that you might no longer need or use, but you’ll also get some quick cash in return.

The ecoATM is an automated gadget recycler with a touchscreen and a metal tray below where you’re supposed to put your smartphone, MP3 player, or other device to be recycled.

The ecoATM then uses its camera to determine what kind of device you’re recycling by comparing it to its database that’s been inputted with over 4,000 different gadgets. It will then ask you to plug your device in so it can check if it still works or not. When it’s done with its analysis, it then displays a quote for your gadget, which you can either accept or reject.

If you accept its offer, the ecoATM then dispenses cash in return for your device. The ecoATM already has some machines up and running in California, while more will be rolled out across the country gradually.

[via Daily Mail]

7-Eleven Adds Used Games Next to Slurpee Machine

Shane McGlaun — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:28:14 +0000

I am not a big fan of buying used games. Anytime I can get the same thing new for only a few bucks more, I go new. I know some folks – like my mom – will do anything to save a buck so my kids come home with used games from Grandma all the time. The next time you drop in at 7-Eleven to get your daily ocean of soda and snack, you can also pick up a used video game.

Last year 7-Eleven was trialing the sales of used video games at 600 of its stores. Apparently, the trial went well because they’re now selling used games in 3000 of their locations around the country.

The price of the used games will vary between $9.99 to $19.99, depending on the game and how new it is. You can get games for all consoles including the PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, PSP, Wii, and DS. It’s more than a bit strange to be able to get games at a gas station to me.

Amazon Wants Your Used Games

Alisha K. — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:21:12 +0000

Here’s a development for Amazon lovers (and shut-ins) everywhere: the online retailer has decided to get into the used game trade-in… uh, trade. Just search for the game in question, print a shipping label, and send it in. Step two (or, actually, four)? You get money.

Of course, you’re probably wondering whether or not there’s a catch, and the answer is yes, of course there’s a catch. There’s always a catch. Instead of cash, they put Amazon Gift Cards into your account. You can’t even turn around and use ‘em as a gift for someone else (though you could use them to buy a gift).

However, sending in the games? Free. If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper, that makes the process pretty painless. The service is still new, though, and there are sure to be a few kinks.

[Amazon via Obsessable]

Eb Games Charging More Than Retail for Some Used Games

Technabob — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 16:21:18 +0000

Every time I’ve ever sold a used game to EB Games, I usually get about 20% to 30% of the retail price for it, then it shows up in the store for 80% to 90% of the retail price, which gives them a pretty decent profit margin already. Now, here’s a case where they’re charging MORE than retail for used copies of those Burger King games for the Xbox 360.

These games were retailing for $3.99 when they came out back in November, and are now on clearance for just 99 cents each. Apparently EB Games thinks that a used copy is worth $7.99. I’ve seen these kind of problems with free pack-in games as well. Now I understand they need to make money, but maybe they just shouldn’t even bother trying to resell games that cost less than $10 new.

[via Digg via Destructoid]