It has become increasingly common to trade in old phones for new ones. It’s not always a good deal compared to selling it used, but if you can get a good deal, it can definitely be worth it. But what happens to the phone once you’ve turned it in?
Joanna Stern became curious and got a behind-the-scenes look at a company that deals with this. They take in the phone, make sure it’s really cleared of personal information, reset it, check all the parts, and then grade its condition. Depending on the grade, the phones are given different prices by the places that sell refurbished phones.
