Key Takeaways
- Boost your budget for growth by converting unused barcode scanners into immediate cash.
- Simplify the process by working with an IT reseller who will assess, buy, and manage your old equipment.
- Contribute to a greener planet by keeping old electronics out of landfills and supporting a circular economy.
- Discover hidden cash in your storage room by selling old barcode scanners you no longer use.
Drop the notion of allowing outdated equipment to accumulate dust, there’s real money, power and potential in selling your used barcode scanners. This is how it’s done, why it matters and how it might actually benefit your business.
What do retired barcode scanners have to do with anything? If you’ve been running your ecommerce or retail operation for a while, chances are you’ve got some barcode scanners lying around. Maybe they’ve been replaced by newer models, maybe you’ve switched to mobile-based scanning or maybe you’ve just outgrown your current tech stack. Either way, those scanners aren’t junk, they’re assets. And to sell used barcode scanners after you are done with them? That’s not just good housekeeping. It’s good business.
The life after retail: How selling used barcode scanners actually functions
To begin with, you don’t need to be a computer whiz in order to resell used barcode scanners. There are a number of methods to do it:
- Trade-in programs: There are certain resellers and IT asset disposition (ITAD) companies that offer trade-in deals. You trade your used scanners for credit or money.
- Direct resale: You may directly resell on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace or specialized B2B resale sites. Depending on the model and condition, barcode scanners still fetch a pretty good price.
- Third-party IT resellers: These companies buy used equipment in bulk. If you’ve got multiple scanners, this is often the easiest route. They’ll refurbish, re-certify and resell them to other businesses that don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest tech.
The process is usually pretty simple. Someone comes and assesses the condition of your device, prices you and, if you’re good with that, they organize pickup, payment and data wiping (where necessary). Some give you a sustainability report too, showing how much e-waste you’ve prevented from ending up in landfill by reselling instead of binning.
Money talks: The economic benefits of reselling old tech
Barcode scanners can look like pennies, but they’re often beautifully useful, especially tough, commercial-grade models. Eliminating them is really just accessing latent equity in your business. Here’s why it makes sense:
Instant cashflow
To small businesses and individual ecommerce sellers, cash flow is king. Selling unused technology is an instant way to boost liquidity without boosting prices or sacrificing standards.
Tax advantages
Offloading depreciated assets depends on your geographic location and accountant, but it can have tax write-offs associated with it. Additionally, the profit from the sale of the equipment is usually more benevolent if the devices are fully depreciated.
Intelligent asset management
Parting with unnecessary equipment clears out the physical room in your warehouse or office and declutters your digital asset management. Less clutter, less confusion.
And remember, just because you’ve outgrown your old equipment doesn’t mean someone else won’t be downright useful for it.
Greener pastures: The environmental bonus
E-commerce is booming, but so is electronic waste. An estimated 50-plus million tons of e-waste are generated annually worldwide, and much of it still makes its way into landfills. Barcode scanners, even though they are relatively small, contribute to the heap.
By selling used rather than trashing, you’re recycling more than just going through the motions, you’re reusing, and that’s better. Why it matters:
Reduces e-waste
Each scanner that has a new owner is one less lump of plastic and wires in the dump.
Reduces demand for new production
The more that is repurposed, the less that needs to be created. That translates into fewer raw materials pulled out of the ground, less energy expended and a lighter carbon footprint all around.
Supports circular economy
By keeping things going longer when reselling, refurbishing and reusing technology. It’s a small but powerful way to build a greener tomorrow.
Bonus
If your business already has a sustainability mission (or is about to head that way), reselling IT hardware is an easy, authentic win. Write it on your next marketing newsletter or about page, your customers will thank you.
Why this trend is blowing up right now
You’re not the only one thinking about offloading unused gear. The resale and refurbishment market for IT equipment is on the rise, and barcode scanners are part of that wave. Here’s what’s fueling the shift:
- Remote work and hybrid retail: More flexible working models mean businesses are rethinking their hardware needs. Many are downsizing or consolidating equipment.
- Supply chain issues: New barcode scanners, like electronics generally, have been delayed. So smaller stores are turning to older equipment as a faster, cheaper solution.
- Pressure to be green: Consumers are wiser than ever. Brands are being pressured to be sustainable, and repurposing tech is a great way to build goodwill.
- Resale infrastructure has never been stronger: With more platforms, enhanced logistics and skilled resellers, there’s never been a better time to get decent value out of old tech.
And it’s more than just a “nice idea”, it’s a viable business trend. Even large corporations are turning to resale and ITAD in a bid to make things lean and green.
What’s in it for Shopify sellers and DTC brands?
So, let’s get up close. If you’re a Shopify seller, ecommerce company or DTC business, what does this do for you? Firstly, you likely have equipment that you’re not utilizing. Barcode scanners, label printers, inventory tablets. they may be just collecting dust. That’s money left on the table. Secondly, you can start with less. By selling used equipment, you can put the proceeds towards other growth tools, email automation, packaging upgrades, TikTok ads, you name it.
Thirdly, you can sell and buy used items. Need to outfit a new warehouse? Opening a second store? You may be able to find just what you’re looking for in the used marketplace, 30–70% lower than purchasing new. Fourthly, it aligns with modern brand values. Your customers are concerned with authenticity and sustainability. Selling your old technology rather than discarding it? That’s a simple tale to spin in your brand story. Lastly, you don’t have to spend a lot of time doing it. Most resale firms are lean these days. They’ll give you an estimate in minutes, and in some cases, they’ll even organize the shipping.
This is low-effort, high-impact business sense
Used barcode scanner selling is not going to double your bottom line quickly. But it’s one of those strange things that works on every level, financially, operationally, environmentally. It saves you money, clears your office space, allows another business to grow and keeps poisonous waste out of the landfill. And, it doesn’t require much effort to start.
If you’ve been putting off that stack in your warehouse of old gear, now is the time to take action. You might be sitting on a few hundred, or several thousand, dollars’ worth of used gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of selling my old barcode scanners?
Selling old scanners turns unused equipment into instant cash for your business. It also frees up physical storage space and helps you manage your company assets more effectively.
Are used barcode scanners actually worth any money?
Yes, it is a common myth that they are worthless. Many commercial-grade barcode scanners hold their value well, and what is outdated for your operation can be a perfect, affordable solution for another growing business.
What is the easiest way to sell a large number of used scanners?
For businesses with multiple units, the simplest method is working with a third-party IT reseller or an IT asset disposition (ITAD) company. They typically handle the entire process, including assessment, pickup, payment, and secure data wiping.
How can selling used equipment benefit my brand’s reputation?
Selling old technology demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which is important to many modern consumers. You can share this action in your marketing to build goodwill and show that your brand values environmental responsibility.
What happens to the sensitive information on my scanners?
Reputable ITAD companies and resellers include secure data wiping as part of their service. This process ensures any stored information is professionally erased before the device is refurbished and resold, protecting your business’s security.
Besides making money, what is the main environmental benefit?
The primary environmental benefit is reducing electronic waste by keeping functional scanners out of landfills. Reusing equipment also lowers the demand for new manufacturing, which saves raw materials and energy.
As a Shopify seller, how does this directly help my business grow?
For Shopify sellers, the cash from selling old gear can be directly reinvested into growth activities like online advertising or packaging upgrades. It allows you to fund improvements without taking on debt or raising prices.
Can I also buy used equipment for my business?
Absolutely. The resale market is a great place to find refurbished equipment like scanners or label printers for significantly less than new ones. This is a smart way to outfit a new warehouse or location on a tight budget.
Why are more businesses selling used tech right now?
This trend is growing due to several factors, including supply chain issues that make new electronics harder to get. Also, the rise of remote work has changed hardware needs, and there is increasing consumer pressure for businesses to operate sustainably.
How do I know if this process is worth my time?
Selling used equipment is designed to be a low-effort, high-impact activity. Most resale companies provide quick online quotes and arrange for shipping, allowing you to unlock the value of old assets without taking time away from running your business.
