If you are like most Americans, you will have several cell phones lying around the house doing nothing but collecting dust. You don't want to throw them out because you know how bad they are for the environment. But what can you do with them? There are many online websites that are eager to buy your used or old cell phone. Several of them have been around since the year 2000 when this new market was still in it's infancy. But no matter who you chose to sell your cell phone to, there are certain things you must keep in mind that ring true for all of them.  Generally, they all require your cell phone to be in "mint" condition in order to get the full amount they are offering. Mint condition usually means that they are cosmetically "near perfect" with minimal signs of use (i.e., no scratches, dents, scuffs, cracked LCD's, etc.). If you send in a phone that is all beat up, do not expect a 100% payout. Additionally, it must be fully functional. So if the web browser or camera (for example) does not work, you can expect less money. That also means it should power up and make a test call to its service provider at 611. Secondly, be aware that none of them will buy a non-SIM card phone (Sprint and Verizon are the big ones) if it has been reported lost, stolen or has an unpaid balance. The reason being is that it simply cannot be reactivated. All it is good for is parts. Be aware, some companies will report you to your local police if the ESN (electronic serial number) is reported stolen. So do not attempt to make extra money by stealing cell phones, because you will likely be caught eventually.You must come to understand and accept that no matter how much money you may have paid for your particular phone when it was new, it will not be worth that at the time of resale. New cell phone models are born every day rendering previous models less valuable. All the sites pay about the same amount, some a little more and some a little less.  Also, most companies will not pay out on a phone that is missing the ESN sticker located behind the battery, inside the phone. Without this number, non-SIM card phones cannot be reactivated. Also true are phones exposed to water as indicated by the red dot inside the phone. Initially it is white, but turns red when exposed to moisture or water. But don't think you can fool them; if you send in a phone missing the moisture indicator it is likely to be rejected.  When you send in a phone, be sure to include at least one charger as most of the online companies consider this part of the phone. Some are more particular then others in this situation. Read more about Sell your cell phone. Most companies do not want the instruction manual, CD's, ear piece, holster, or any other devices that may be associated with that phone unless it is a high end phone like newer PDA's. Some other issues that are important to remember are to erase all your pictures and contact information. You do not want someone getting your personal number and making prank, harassing phone calls. Payments generally run about 30 days from the date of receipt as these companies require time to process each phone. Finally, should your phone be rejected, some companies will flat out keep them while others offer the opportunity to recover them at your expense. That may range anywhere from $10.00 to $20.00 which would cover the shipping costs (both ways) and the time spent dealing with them. If you would like more information on how this works visit by clicking below and take a look. It is a great way to rid yourself of used cell phones and make some extra cash at the same time.For more info visit Sell your cell phone.