Selling a TV comes down to choosing the right platform, pricing it competitively, and making it easy for the buyer to say yes. Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or clearing out space, a used television in good condition can still fetch a reasonable price, especially if it’s a well-known brand or a larger screen size. Here’s how to handle the entire process from start to sale.
Where to Sell Your TV
Your best options fall into two categories: local sales and online marketplaces. For TVs, local sales almost always make more sense because shipping a large, fragile screen is expensive and risky. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are the most popular choices for local pickup sales, and neither charges seller fees on local transactions. OfferUp is another strong option with built-in messaging and buyer ratings that make coordinating pickups easier.
If you’d rather sell on a national marketplace, eBay gives you the widest audience but charges a final value fee (typically around 13% of the sale price). You’ll also need to handle packing and shipping, which for a TV can cost $50 to $150 or more depending on size and distance. For most sellers, the math works out better selling locally unless you have a high-end or rare model that would attract more competitive bidding online.
Trade-in programs at major electronics retailers might seem convenient, but most don’t accept televisions. Best Buy’s trade-in program, for example, does not list TVs as an eligible category. You’re better off selling directly to another person.
How to Price a Used TV
Start by searching your exact model number on the platform where you plan to sell. Filter for completed or sold listings when possible to see what buyers actually paid, not just what sellers asked for. A used TV typically sells for 30% to 50% of its original retail price if it’s one to three years old and in good condition. TVs older than five years lose value quickly unless they’re premium OLED or QLED models from top brands.
Screen size matters more than almost any other factor. A 55-inch or larger TV holds its value better than smaller models because the price gap between used and new is more meaningful to buyers. A 32-inch TV that originally cost $200 might only sell for $40 to $60 used, while a 65-inch model that retailed for $800 could fetch $300 to $400 if it’s in solid shape.
Price your listing about 10% to 15% above the lowest amount you’d accept. Buyers on local marketplaces expect to negotiate, and building in a small cushion gives you room to agree on a price without feeling shortchanged.
Create a Listing That Sells
A good listing needs four things: clear photos, the exact model number, honest condition details, and a firm but fair price. Take photos with the TV powered on showing a bright, clean image. This instantly proves the screen works and has no dead pixels, discoloration, or cracks. Also photograph the back panel showing the ports, any cosmetic scratches, and the remote control if you have it.
In the description, include the brand, model number, screen size, resolution (1080p, 4K, 8K), and whether it’s a smart TV. Mention which streaming apps are built in, since buyers care about whether they can use Netflix, YouTube, or other services without an extra device. Note how old the TV is and why you’re selling it. A simple “upgrading to a larger size” reassures buyers that nothing is wrong with it.
Be upfront about anything that isn’t perfect. A small scratch on the bezel or a missing remote is fine to disclose. Buyers who show up and discover a flaw you didn’t mention will either walk away or demand a lower price on the spot.
Wipe Your Personal Data First
If you’re selling a smart TV, it likely has your streaming accounts, Wi-Fi passwords, and possibly stored payment information. You need to factory reset it before handing it over. The process varies slightly by brand, but the general approach is the same: open the settings menu, find the reset option, and confirm.
On Samsung TVs, go to Settings, then General & Privacy, then select Reset. You’ll need to enter a PIN (the default is 0000). The TV will restart with all your accounts and data removed. On older Samsung models, the reset option is under Settings, then Support, then Self Diagnosis. Most LG, Sony, and other smart TVs follow a similar path through the settings menu. Look for “Reset to Initial Settings” or “Factory Data Reset.”
Before you reset, sign out of individual apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Some streaming services limit the number of devices linked to your account, and a factory reset doesn’t always deauthorize them on the service’s end. Log into each app and sign out manually, then perform the full reset.
Preparing the TV for Pickup or Delivery
If you still have the original box, use it. The retail packaging was designed to protect the screen during shipping and transport, and buyers appreciate seeing that you stored it carefully. If the box is gone, keep the TV upright at all times. LCD and LED screens aren’t built to handle pressure when laid flat, and even a short car ride on its side can cause internal damage.
For local pickup, have the TV clean, powered off, and ready to go when the buyer arrives. Wipe the screen with a microfiber cloth (no harsh chemicals). Wrap the screen in a soft blanket or towel for the trip to the buyer’s car. Coil cables neatly with ties and put the remote, any mounting hardware, and the original manual in a bag.
If you do need to ship, invest in a TV-specific box. Wrap the screen in a thin foam sheet taped around the edges, and use foam corner protectors to keep the TV from shifting inside the box. Line the bottom of the box with bubble wrap. Place accessories like the remote (batteries removed), stand, and mounting bolts in separate bags behind the screen, never in front of it where they could press against the display. Keep the box upright and label it clearly so carriers handle it correctly.
Handling Buyers and Closing the Sale
For local sales, meet in a safe, well-lit location or have the buyer come to your home if you’re comfortable with that. Many sellers prefer their own home since the buyer can see the TV working before they pay. Power it on, cycle through a few channels or apps, and let the buyer inspect the screen for any issues. This builds trust and reduces the chance of disputes after the sale.
Accept cash or a verified digital payment through Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. Avoid personal checks. Count the cash or confirm the payment has cleared before the buyer leaves with the TV. If a buyer asks to pay in installments or sends a payment that looks suspicious, walk away.
Expect some no-shows and lowball offers, especially on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Respond politely to reasonable negotiations, ignore the rest, and don’t take the TV off your listing until money is in your hand. Posting on multiple platforms simultaneously increases your chances of a quick sale, just remember to remove listings everywhere once it’s sold.