After moving into our first home Paul thought we had scored the jackpot: the previous owners left their kegerator in the garage for our enjoyment. It had been fashioned out of an old refrigerator, and even bore a painted stencil of the logo from Paul’s favorite football team (the Texans). Unfortunately for us, it had not been used in such a long time that the product inside the keg was ruined, the tubing was moldy, and the refrigerator itself only worked when it was cranked up on the highest number (9). In other words, we needed to get rid of our newly found treasure, and seeing how it was an energy-guzzler, we needed to do it as soon as possible.
We did not have a truck at the time so I was very happy to find out that there was a company who was not only willing to come and pick the kegerator up from our home, but would also pay us $25 for doing so! It was a win-win situation as the kegerator was no longer our headache, we earned $25, and this company could recycle the parts for a profit.
If you have old appliances you need to get rid of, there are several ways to do so where you can earn money in the process like we did. Read below to find out how you can extract value out of your old working or non-working appliances.
- Donate for a Tax Break: If the appliance is in a usable condition, you can donate it and take a tax deduction (if you itemize your taxes). Some places will pick the item up from you, while others you will need to drop it off. Also, don’t forget to ask for a donation receipt if you plan to take a tax deduction.
- Sell the Appliance: Once again, if the appliance is still in a usable condition you can sell it on Craigslist or through a local pamphlet/ad for a small amount (depending on the condition and age). This option is good for those that do not have a way to transport the appliance as the person can come and pick it up as part of the transaction. Also call your local used appliance shops and see if they will purchase the appliance from you.
- Sell the Parts: Repair shops may be looking for some of the parts in your appliance. Call around to repair shops and local appliance technicians to see if there is interest. You will probably have to bring the parts in for an appraisal.
- Scrap the Metal: If the appliance cannot be used or fixed, you can scrap it for the metal. Scrap metal is actually quite lucrative right now; the shop that we use has doubled their paying price from one year ago.
If you ever sell things you no longer want, look to use a cheap parcel delivery service.
Have you had luck in getting paid to get rid of your old appliances?
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I feel for your husband…I would have had a hard time getting rid of that treasure no matter the condition. Actually, I just finished my own basement and toyed with the idea of a kegerator…..instead i shopped around for weeks comparing mini-fridge prices and bought one of the cheapest i could find (that would hold the most beer
).
Car Negotiation Coach recently posted..5 Overused Negotiation Strategies
Hahaha! We bought a used (but it is brand new) mini fridge where he can put a mini keg in to brew his own beer…so I think that made him feel better:).
Amanda L Grossman recently posted..Getting Rid of Old Appliances for Money
I donate a lot of my appliances… I don’t do it for the tax break but that is a pretty good incentive to do so.
Bank Guru recently posted..TD Mobile App ReTweet Contest
Nice. Where do you donate to?
Amanda L Grossman recently posted..Getting Rid of Old Appliances for Money
Local church, they take anything. Well the one down the street from me does.
Bank Guru recently posted..TD Mobile App ReTweet Contest
It sure would be nice to be paid for old appliances. I have an old dead refrigerator in the garage right now. Even a few bucks would be useful.
optionsdude recently posted..Collapse of the Silver Price- Heads I Win Tails I Win
Hi optionsdude! I hope you trade it in or scrap it or do something–any plans?
No particular plans, but will recycle at a minimum.
optionsdude recently posted..Collapse of the Silver Price- Heads I Win Tails I Win
I bought my first home last year…and a relative gave me a new washer/dryer. I took the existing washer/dryer and sold it on craigslist for $100. I made a few bucks from something I wouldve thrown away, and I didnt even have to make the effort to move those heavy things to the curb!
MoneyIsTheRoot recently posted..Penny Auctions…Are They Really Worth It
Score! Thanks for sharing.
Amanda L Grossman recently posted..Is Frugality an Anti-Aphrodisiac
My wife and I ended up buying our first home last year. When we opened the storage locker it looked like the previous tenant forgot to clean it out. At first blush it all looked like junk but after a little cleaning posting a few things on craigslist we were able to come away with a nice $240 profit (not too bad!!).
Nice score!
Loved reading the content to bits….Last month I disposed up some of my old appliances in order to buy some fresh ones….You can say I replaced it as it saved me a lot in terms of money.
Marie
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