MaxBack Frequently Asked Questions

What is MaxBack?

MaxBack is a great way to help the environment while putting money in your pocket! We pay cash for your gently used cell phones, iPods and tablets.

What happens to my items after I send them in to MaxBack?

With consumer electronics being one of the fastest growing amenities, it's important to know where unwanted cell phones and electronics end up. MaxBack carefully inspects items to verify the condition is consistent with the consumer’s assessment and that the gadget can be remarketed.

Gadgets that are damaged or retired are remanufactured or recycled by MaxBack’s parent company Environmental Reclamation Services, Inc., a zero-landfill, ISO-14001-certified, reverse-logistics company owned by Clover Technologies Group, Inc. ERS has been in business in Erie, Pa., for two decades and is the premier recycler of printer cartridges and small electronics.

(Back to Top)

Does participating in MaxBack cost me anything?

No, MaxBack is completely free! Nothing comes out of your pocket. We pay for all shipping and postage. Just send us your used cell phones and electronics free of charge, and we'll send you the cash.

(Back to Top)

What items can I sell to MaxBack?

You can sell cell phones (including Android, Blackberry, iPhone and Windows Phone 7 devices), iPods and tablets to Maxback.

(Back to Top)

How much can I expect to get for selling my cell phone, iPod or tablet?

The values of items will vary. The cell phone and consumer electronic markets grow rapidly so newer gadgets will fetch a higher value than older ones. We update our pricing regularly to offer you the most competitive value for any of your cell phones, iPods or tablet computers.

(Back to Top)

What happens to my items after I send them in to MaxBack?

MaxBack takes your used cell phones, iPods and tablets and makes sure that they are given a second life (depending on the condition). For those items that are beyond repair, we'll make sure the electronics get recycled per our ISO 14001 Certification and Green Policy, which means 100% recycle and 0% landfill.

(Back to Top)

What if my items don't work?

With consumer electronics being one of the fastest growing amenities, it's important to know where your used cell phones and electronics end up. When MaxBack receives your old cell phones and electronics, we carefully inspect them to verify the condition is consistent with your assessment and that the cell phones and electronics can be remarketed. Devices that are damaged are recycled by MaxBack’s environmentally responsible electronics recycling vendors.

Cell phones and electronics that are damaged and unusable are remanufactured or recycled by MaxBack’s parent company Environmental Reclamation Services, Inc., a zero-landfill, ISO-14001-certified, reverse-logistics company owned by Clover Technologies Group, Inc. ERS has been in business in Erie, PA for two decades and is the premier recycler of printer cartridges and small electronics.

(Back to Top)

How do I redeem a promotion code?

If you have a promotion code, it can be entered on the last step of the sale process before confirming your transaction:

Enter your promo code and click the "Apply" button before clicking "Confirm Exchange" to make sure your promo code gets applied.

(Back to Top)

How long are quotes valid?

Once a quote is finalized (this is done when you complete the checkout process), we honor that quote for a period of 14 days. This is from the time of the quote until we receive the item from you. You will receive an email from us when your item(s) arrives here at MaxBack.

(Back to Top)

Why does MaxBack limit the amount of items I can include in a transaction?

MaxBack is tailored for use by the individual customer. We limit transaction volume to two transactions per calendar month of up to five items per transaction so that we are able to ensure our customers have the best experience and fastest payment possible. This attention to the individual seller allows us to complete transactions and pay faster than any other option we are aware of.

(Back to Top)

What if I have more than five items to sell?

MaxBack will accept up to five items per transaction, per calendar month however; if you have more than five items you may initiate an additional transaction containing up to 5 additional items in that same calendar month. If you have even more items to sell you must wait to create an additional transaction until the 1st day of the next month. Please note that all future transactions will be quoted at the market value at the time that transaction is initiated and will not be retroactive to the time of your previous transactions. All quotes are locked in for a period of 14 days from the time a transaction is initiated.

(Back to Top)

How do I qualify for free shipping?

Shipping is free for items with a value of at least $1. When you finalize your transaction, you’ll have the opportunity to print instructions, a packing slip, and pre-paid USPS Priority postage to mail your items.

If your transaction qualifies (see question below) you can also request that we send you a box in the mail for your items. However, this will slightly delay shipping since the box has to make a round trip. Plus - if you have an extra box laying around your house, why not reuse it to send your items to MaxBack!? It’s environmentally-friendly and fast!

Unfortunately, we cannot provide free pre-paid shipping for items worth less than $1. You are still welcome to send those items at your cost and we will ensure they are responsibly recycled by MaxBack’s parent company, Environmental Reclamation Services, Inc., a zero-landfill, ISO-14001-certified, reverse-logistics company. Mail them to:

MaxBack Electronics Recycling
380 East Bayfront Parkway
Erie, PA 16507

(Back to Top)

What is considered a "qualifying transaction" for free shipping materials?

MaxBack is happy to provide qualifying transactions with all of the shipping materials (self-adhering box, labels, instructions) needed to send in your items. "Qualifying transactions" are transactions that contain items with a total value of $10 or more.

(Back to Top)

How many items can I put in the MaxBack Return Mailer Box for my transaction?

The MaxBack Return Mailer Box dimensions 8" x 6.75" x 3" of usable space. It can hold several items per transaction. If you have more items to sell then can fit in the standard Maxback shipping box we offer the option of printing your own shipping materials. The printable shipping label is pre-paid for weight so it may be affixed to any box that fits the needs of your transaction. Please be sure to only print this label once and affix only to one box. We are not responsible for a lost shipment where a label is used more than once.

(Back to Top)

What is the "mail by" date?

This is the latest date we suggest mailing your items to guarantee your quote will not expire due to the transit time via USPS. It is usually 3 days prior to your quote expiration date.

(Back to Top)

What happens when Maxback receives my item(s)?

When your shipment arrives at MaxBack we begin processing right away. We start by verifying the item you sent us. We use the manufacturer’s sticker to cross reference your item for complete accuracy. Next, if necessary, we charge your device. If you send us a cell phone we first verify your phone’s ESN number. This number is unique to your cell phone and it allows us verify that your cell phone is available for activation by another person. Once everything is verified and clear, we begin our inspection process. This process is comprehensive and tests both the cosmetic and functional condition of your item(s). Finally, when the inspection is completed you will receive notification through email that your item has been accepted. In some instances, you may receive a re-quote. This can happen if we determine that either the cosmetic or functional condition is different than you indicated. If this is the case, you are given the option of either accepting or declining the re-quote. If declined, we will mail your item back to you at our cost. If accepted, this finalizes your transaction and a payment is issued to the method you requested.

(Back to Top)

What is an ESN, MEID, or IMEI?

The ESN stands for electronic serial number and is the standard of reference for your cell phone’s identity to your wireless service provider. IMEI and MEID are other acronyms that reference essentially the same number. These numbers are generally located in a cell phone’s battery compartment on the manufacturer’s sticker. Some cell phones, without accessible battery compartments, require accessing the ESN through the menu of the cell phone, typically in the settings category. If you can’t find your ESN for your cell phone, you can also contact the wireless service provider for which you had the account. They can provide you the ESN if you were the account holder for the cell phone. They can also tell you if your cell phone is clear for activation.

(Back to Top)

How do I know if my cell phone's ESN is clear?

You can verify that the cell phone’s ESN is clear by contacting the wireless service provider.

AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
Verizon: 1-800-922-0204
T-Mobile: 1-800-866-2453
Sprint: 1-888-211-4727

(Back to Top)

I received an email that my cell phone's ESN is invalid. What should I do?

Your cell phone’s ESN is typically invalid for one of three reasons; it is still active to an account, it has been reported lost or stolen, or still has an account balance with the wireless service provider. In any of these instances we cannot purchase the cell phone from you until it is cleared by the wireless service provider. Prior to sending us the cell phone, contact the wireless service provider to verify that your cell phone’s ESN is clear for activation.

(Back to Top)

What is a "re-quote"?

A re-quote may occur after an inspector has examined and tested the item you submitted. We offer a re-quote in the event that our inspector finds a difference between the condition you specified when quoting your item versus the actual condition of the product. You will then have the option of accepting or declining the price-adjusted offer. If you decline the offer, we will simply return your item at no charge to you!

(Back to Top)

I received an email that my quote expired? What do I do now?

This happened because there was a period of more than 14 days between the time your quote was first submitted and the time we received your item. If it was mailed by the "mail by" date then the quote will be unaffected. If not, and you have already mailed the item, it will be re-quoted at the current market value. (See the above question, What is a "re-quote", for more information.)

(Back to Top)

How long will it take for me to get paid once I have mailed in my item(s)?

We want to get you paid ASAP! Typically items mailed from within the United States take 2 to 5 business days to reach us, depending on where you live. Once your item arrives, we will inspect it within 1 to 2 business days and you will be paid via the method you specified. See specific questions pertaining to PayPal, Amazon gift cards or checks for more information.

(Back to Top)

How do payments via PayPal work?

Once all the items in your transaction are processed and accepted, you will receive an email notification and a deposit will be made into your PayPal account using the email address you provided us. From there you can login to your PayPal account and spend or withdraw the balance as you see fit.

(Back to Top)

How do payments via Amazon Gift Card work?

Once all the items in your exchange are processed and accepted, please allow 1 to 2 business days for us to process your Amazon gift card request. You will receive an email from us when we send your Amazon gift card and you will also receive an email directly from Amazon.com that contains your gift card voucher code. This is the code you'll need to enter on Amazon.com to claim your gift card and start shopping!

Amazon.com is not a sponsor of this promotion. Except as required by law, GCs cannot be transferred for value or redeemed for cash. GCs may be used only for purchases of eligible goods on Amazon.com or certain of its affiliated websites. For complete terms and conditions, see www.amazon.com/gc-legal. GCs are issued by ACI Gift Cards, Inc., a Washington corporation. ©,®,™ Amazon.com Inc. and/or its affiliates, 2012.

(Back to Top)

How do payments via check work?

You will receive email-notification once your transaction has been processed and all items have been accepted. Your check will be issued 1-2 business days after the transaction is finalized. Please allow 3-5 days after that for USPS shipping.

(Back to Top)

Is MaxBack a safe website for kids?

MaxBack is a safe and reliable site to sell cell phones, iPods, tablet computers and more. We require parental permission for our users under 18 years of age. We do not share any user information for third party distribution and are COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) compliant.

(Back to Top)

Should I worry about the personal data on my devices?

No, MaxBack will remove and destroy any personal data from the devices we receive. We will do a factory reset of all cell phones which removes things like contacts, pictures, etc. and we will destroy the data on memory cards using software that follows the Department of Defense guidelines.

If your cell phone contains a SIM card, REMOVE it prior to shipping your cell phone to MaxBack. It is our policy to destroy any SIM cards we receive for your protection and for that reason we cannot return any that are included in your shipment.

(Back to Top)

What does it mean to "Support My School"? Does it take away from the value?

MaxBack has made it easy for you to help your school without having to spend a penny out of your pocket!

When you register with MaxBack, simply select the school you wish to support and that’s it... seriously! For every item you sell to MaxBack, we will give your school a 10% commission of what your item was worth.

But here is the kicker: you get the full amount from your transaction, and Maxback picks up the 10% tab for your school!

(Back to Top)