What Items Hold Resale Value? 10 Smart Picks
- News
- 25 Sep, 2026
What Items Hold Resale Value? 10 Smart Picks
A phone you've upgraded, a console gathering dust or a watch you no longer wear could still have real value.
If you're wondering what items hold resale value, there isn't one simple answer. Brand, model, age, condition, specification and current demand can all influence what something is worth.
Some types of products, however, can remain desirable on the pre-owned market long after you bought them.
At Cash Generator, we help customers unlock the value in their unwanted possessions every day. So before you leave that old tech, jewellery or equipment sitting unused, here are 10 types of items that can hold resale value.
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What Makes an Item Hold Its Resale Value?
What something cost when new doesn't necessarily tell you what it's worth today.
Resale value can be influenced by:
- Brand and model
- Age
- Overall condition
- Specification
- Current demand
- Whether it works correctly
- Included accessories
- Completeness and authenticity, where relevant
So, what should you be looking for around your home?
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1. Smartphones and Tablets
Smartphones are an obvious place to start.
Recent devices from major manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung and Google can have resale value, with model, age, storage capacity, condition and current demand all playing a part.
The same applies to tablets such as iPads and other branded devices.
If you've upgraded recently, don't forget about the device you've replaced. Before selling, back up your data, remove personal accounts and factory reset the device.
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2. Laptops and Computers
An old laptop doesn't automatically become worthless when you replace it.
Laptops and computers from recognised manufacturers can retain resale value depending on their age, specification and condition.
Processor, memory, storage and graphics capability can all matter, particularly with gaming PCs and higher-specification laptops.
If you're selling one, back up your files, remove your personal information and bring the charger if you still have it.
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3. Games Consoles, Games and Accessories
PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo consoles can all have resale value depending on the model, condition and current demand.
Controllers, cables and other accessories are worth keeping with the console where possible.
Don't overlook the games either. Physical games can have value, while certain retro, unusual or collectable titles may be particularly desirable.
Age alone doesn't make something valuable, though — the exact product and current demand matter.
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4. Cameras and Lenses
Digital cameras, DSLR equipment, mirrorless cameras and lenses from established manufacturers such as Canon, Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm can retain value.
With photography equipment, condition is particularly important. Damage to a lens, mount or camera body can affect what it's worth.
Batteries, chargers, lens caps and other accessories are worth keeping too.
And if you've got an older camera, don't automatically assume it's worthless. The exact model may be more interesting than you realise.
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5. Gold and Jewellery
Gold is different from many products on this list because the precious metal itself has value.
For gold jewellery, factors such as weight, purity and current market conditions can influence what it's worth.
That means rings, necklaces, bracelets, chains and other jewellery you no longer wear could still have value — even if they've spent years sitting in a jewellery box.
Hallmarks can also be useful when an item is assessed.
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6. Watches
Watches can retain value depending on their brand, model, authenticity, condition and current demand.
Certain recognised manufacturers and sought-after models can remain desirable for many years, although owning an expensive or branded watch doesn't automatically guarantee a particular resale value.
If you still have the original box, paperwork, certificates or spare bracelet links, keep them with the watch and bring them along when having it valued.
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7. Power Tools
Look in your garage, shed or workshop and there could be value sitting there too.
Power tools from recognised manufacturers such as DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and Bosch can remain desirable when they're in good working order.
Cordless tools can benefit from having compatible batteries and chargers, while cases and relevant accessories are also worth keeping.
Normal signs of use don't necessarily mean a tool has no value — condition, functionality and what's included all matter.
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8. TVs, Speakers and Audio Equipment
TVs and audio equipment are another area worth checking.
Recent televisions in good working condition can have resale value, with brand, model, screen size, age and features all influencing demand.
Audio products including Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, headphones, amplifiers, turntables and DJ equipment can also be of interest.
Keep remotes, stands, power supplies and other accessories with the product where possible.
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9. Musical Instruments
That guitar you intended to learn but haven't touched for two years might be worth another look.
Guitars, keyboards, amplifiers and other musical equipment can have resale value depending on the make, model, condition and demand.
Cases, power supplies and other accessories can also be useful when an item is assessed.
If an instrument isn't being played anymore, somebody else may be looking for exactly what you have.
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10. Collectables and Limited Editions
Collectables are probably the least predictable category on our list.
Memorabilia, limited-edition products, retro games and special-edition consoles etc can all potentially have resale value.
But rare doesn't automatically mean valuable.
Condition, authenticity, completeness and current demand can make a significant difference. Original packaging, certificates and inserts may also be important, so don't throw anything away before establishing what you've got.
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How to Protect the Resale Value of Your Items
Looking after your possessions can help protect their potential resale value.
Keep chargers, remotes, controllers, batteries, cases, paperwork and accessories together. They're easy to lose but can make an item more complete when it's eventually valued.
Condition matters too. Store products carefully, use protective cases where appropriate and make sure devices and equipment remain in good working order.
For phones, tablets, laptops and other devices containing personal information, remember to back up anything you want to keep and remove your accounts before selling.
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Got Any of These Sitting at Home?
If you recognise a few things on this list, you don't have to guess what they're worth.
Bring your unwanted items into your local Cash Generator for a free, no-obligation valuation.
With stores across the whole of the UK, our experienced teams can inspect your items and assess factors including their condition, specification and current demand. Find details, including contact information, for your local store here and find out what your items may be worth.
At many locations, you can also start the conversation before visiting by contacting the store via WhatsApp, sharing some details and photos of your item. Any valuation discussed remotely will still need to be confirmed after the item has been inspected and tested in-store.
If you're happy with the final valuation and decide to sell, you can receive instant cash in-store.
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Cash or Part Exchange? The Value Is the Same
If you've spotted something you'd rather own at the same Cash Generator store, you may also be able to use the value of your unwanted items towards a part exchange.
You don't have to trade like-for-like either. The value of an old phone could go towards a games console, for example, provided the product you want is available from the store completing your transaction.
And importantly, the valuation doesn't change depending on which option you choose.
The amount Cash Generator offers for your item is the same whether you take the cash or use that value towards a part exchange.
Want the money? Take the instant cash.
Spotted something you want in that store? Use the same value to trade up.
Part exchange is completed in-store and the value can only be used towards eligible products available from the same Cash Generator store completing your transaction.
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Ready to Find Out What Your Items Are Worth?
Take a look around your home.
The phone in the drawer. The console nobody plays. The watch you stopped wearing. The power tools in the garage. The laptop you replaced.
They could still have value.
Use our Store Finder to find your nearest Cash Generator, check opening hours and see the contact options available for that location.
Then bring your unwanted items into store for a free, no-obligation valuation.
Sell for instant cash. Or use the same value to trade up in-store. The choice is yours.
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Terms & Conditions
All valuations are free and without obligation. Any valuation discussed before visiting a store is subject to an in-store inspection and assessment before a final offer can be confirmed. Selling and part exchange are completed in-store. The valuation offered for an item does not differ between a cash sale and part exchange. Part-exchange value can only be used towards eligible products available from the same Cash Generator store completing the transaction and cannot be used against online purchases via the Cash Generator website. Offers are subject to individual assessment and may vary depending on factors including condition, specification, age, demand and resale potential. Identification is required when selling items. Must be over 18. Part exchange is subject to applicable terms and conditions. Please speak to your local Cash Generator store for further information.