That old computer monitor gathering dust in the corner? It's not just clutter—it's cash waiting to happen. Whether you're upgrading your setup or just having a clear-out, this friendly guide will walk you through turning that unused bit of tech into actual money.
If you're curious about what it might be worth, you can get a quick, no-obligation quote by filling out our simple sales form.
Why Now Is a Great Time to Sell Your Monitor
If you've been putting off that big clear-out, you'll be pleased to hear the market for used monitors is surprisingly strong right now. There's a constant stream of people looking for a decent screen—whether they're building a budget home office, replacing a broken display, or adding a second monitor without breaking the bank.
This isn't just a local fad, either. The UK's computer monitor market is on a steady upward climb, predicted to grow at a rate of 2.53% each year between 2026 and 2035. A big part of this is the shift towards energy-efficient LED monitors, as everyone from students to big businesses looks for more sustainable tech.
Your Local Advantage in Redhill and Surrounding Areas
Being based in or around towns like Redhill, Merstham, or Reigate can give you a real advantage. With so many people now working from home, at least part-time, local demand is often really healthy. Plus, local businesses are always upgrading their equipment, which fuels a brilliant secondary market for good-quality used gear.
Deciding to sell your old monitor is a smart move for a few reasons:
- Pocket Some Extra Cash: It's a fantastic way to turn something that's just taking up space into money for your next upgrade or anything else you fancy.
- Do Your Bit for the Planet: Giving your monitor a second life is a brilliant way to cut down on e-waste and support a more circular economy.
- Declutter Your Space: Clearing off that desk or freeing up a cupboard can make your whole workspace feel more organised and productive. It’s a win-win.
Selling your monitor isn't just about making a quick quid; it's about tapping into a strong market and making a more sustainable choice. That old tech still has plenty of value, and finding the right buyer is probably easier than you think.
Over the next few sections, we'll cover everything you need to know. We'll look at how to figure out its value, get it ready for sale, and pick the best way to get the most money for it. Whether you go for a private sale on a marketplace or a dead-simple buyback service like ours at EXE, you'll have cash in hand before you know it.
For an instant idea of what your monitor could be worth, pop over to our sales form and get a free quote today.
Discovering What Your Monitor Is Really Worth
Before you list your monitor for sale, you need a solid idea of its value. Getting this right is crucial—it helps you set a price that feels fair to you and looks attractive to potential buyers, so you aren't leaving money on the table.
Your first port of call is finding the exact make and model number. Just spin the monitor around, and you should find a sticker on the back with all the details you need.
Once you’ve got the model, a quick search will bring up its key specs. These are the technical details that really drive the price. Buyers are most interested in the screen size, resolution, and refresh rate. It goes without saying that a big 27-inch 4K monitor will have a much higher resale value than an older, smaller HD screen.
Giving Your Monitor an Honest MOT
Now it’s time for a proper inspection. Look at your monitor with a critical eye, just as a buyer would.
- A Close Look at Pixels: Fire it up and display a completely white background, then a black one. This is the easiest way to spot dead pixels (tiny black dots) or stuck pixels (dots that are a fixed colour).
- Checking the Screen Itself: Peer closely at the screen for any hint of screen burn-in, which often looks like a faint, permanent ghost of a previous image. You'll also want to check for any scratches or scuffs on the display surface.
- Casing and Connections: Don’t forget the outside! Inspect the frame, stand, and base for any noticeable scratches, dings, or cracks. Give all the ports—HDMI, DisplayPort, USB—a quick check to make sure they're clean and working as they should.
A monitor in mint condition, with no dead pixels and barely a mark on it, can command a top-tier price. But even if there are a few minor flaws, being completely upfront about them builds trust and often helps you make a quicker sale.
Researching the Going Rate
With a clear picture of your monitor's specs and condition, you're ready to see what similar models are selling for. This little bit of market research is your secret weapon for setting the right price. Understanding the broader strategies for decluttering, reselling, and setting a list price is a massive help here.
A great place to start is by filtering for 'sold' listings on eBay. This is invaluable because it shows you what people have actually paid, not just the optimistic prices sellers are asking for. Try to find monitors with a similar size and resolution to yours.
For context, Full HD (1920x1080) monitors are hugely popular in the UK, making up around 60% of all PC monitor sales. Because they hit that sweet spot of great performance and affordability, the second-hand market is really strong. New models often go for £150-£250, giving you a solid benchmark for a used one in good nick.
By putting together its original specs, its current condition, and what the market is paying, you can land on a price you feel confident about. Of course, if you'd rather skip the guesswork, you can get a fast and fair quote directly from us by filling out our simple sales form.
Making Your Monitor Look Its Best
When you're selling a used computer monitor, presentation is everything. Think about it from a buyer's perspective: a clean, well-photographed screen looks like it’s been taken care of. It builds trust and can genuinely help you get a better price, not to mention a faster sale.
A little bit of prep work here goes a very long way.
Giving It a Proper Clean
First things first, let's get it looking box-fresh. Unplug everything and grab two microfibre cloths – they're essential to avoid scratches.
Whatever you do, don't spray cleaning fluid directly onto the screen. Lightly dampen one cloth with a bit of water or a dedicated screen cleaning solution and gently wipe the display. Follow up with the dry cloth to buff away any remaining streaks for a perfect finish.
Don't stop at the screen, though. Dust settles everywhere. Use your damp cloth to wipe down the plastic casing, the stand, and the base. A can of compressed air is brilliant for blasting dust out of the input ports and air vents, getting it looking as good as new.
Taking Photos That Actually Sell
Once your monitor is gleaming, it’s time for its photoshoot. Good photos are your single most important selling tool, and you absolutely don’t need a professional camera. Your smartphone is more than capable.
The secret is lighting. Find a spot in your home with plenty of bright, natural light, but try to avoid harsh, direct sunlight that causes glare on the screen. A simple, uncluttered background, like a plain wall, helps your monitor stand out.
You’ll want to snap a few key shots to cover all the bases:
- The 'Money Shot': Get a clear picture with the monitor powered on and displaying a bright, colourful image. This instantly shows buyers it's in full working order.
- Front and Back Views: Give a full picture of the monitor's overall condition, including the stand.
- A Close-up of the Ports: Let people see exactly what connections they're getting (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C).
- Honesty is Key: If there's a minor scuff on the bezel or a small scratch on the stand, take a picture of it. Buyers would rather know upfront.
A fantastic photo of the screen, powered on and looking sharp, is the best way to grab attention. It immediately answers the number one question on every buyer's mind: "Does it work properly?"
Writing a Description That Builds Confidence
Your photos have shown them what it looks like; now your description needs to tell them the rest of the story. A clear, honest description saves you from a dozen messages asking the same questions and makes a buyer feel confident hitting that 'buy' button.
Start with the vital stats: the brand, model number (e.g., Dell UltraSharp U2721DE), screen size, and resolution. Then, add any other standout features like the refresh rate (144Hz), panel type (IPS), or if it has built-in speakers.
Most importantly, be upfront about its condition. A simple line like, "Excellent working order with a few minor cosmetic marks on the base, as shown in the photos," is perfect. It shows you're a trustworthy seller.
Putting in this effort seriously pays off, leading to a better price and a smoother sale. Of course, if you'd rather sidestep the photography and listing process, you can just tell us about your monitor on our easy sales form. We’ll get back to you with a quick, fair quote without the fuss.
Choosing the Best Place to Sell Your Monitor
Right, so your monitor is clean, you’ve got a realistic price in mind, and the photos are looking sharp. The next big step is deciding where to actually sell it. You’ve got a few different paths you can take, and the best one for you really boils down to how much time you’ve got and how much hassle you’re willing to deal with.
Let's walk through the most popular options.
Going Down the Marketplace Route
Platforms like eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace are usually the first places people think of. The massive plus side is their sheer audience size. You can reach thousands of potential buyers, which can sometimes lead to a bidding war and a higher final price.
Selling locally on Facebook Marketplace is particularly good if you’re based around Redhill, Reigate, or nearby. It completely sidesteps the nightmare of packaging and shipping. The buyer comes to you. Of course, this means you'll have to arrange a safe and convenient time for them to pop over and collect it.
The trade-off with these platforms is the effort involved. You’re in charge of everything: creating the listing, fielding questions (and you will get a lot of questions), and dealing with seller fees on sites like eBay, which can take a chunk out of your final profit.
The Specialist Buyback Service
If you’re thinking, "I just want this gone without the fuss," then a specialist tech buyback service like ours at EXE is probably your best bet. Forget about creating listings, taking photos, or haggling with strangers over messages. It’s a straightforward, direct way to sell.
The real beauty of a buyback service is the certainty. You get a fair quote upfront, the payment is secure, and the whole thing is over and done with quickly. It’s perfect for anyone who values their time and just wants to avoid the runaround of selling privately.
All you do is tell us about your monitor, and we’ll give you a competitive offer. It’s the easiest path to a quick sale. For an instant quote, you can fill out our simple sales form.
No matter where you decide to sell, getting the prep work right is crucial. This flowchart breaks down the essential steps.
This just gives you a simple visual of the key stages—cleaning, testing, photographing—that you’ll need to nail for a successful sale anywhere.
Marketplace vs Specialist Buyback
To make the choice a bit clearer, let's put the main options side-by-side. Each has its own strengths, depending on what you prioritise most.
Ultimately, it comes down to what's more valuable to you: your time or potentially a slightly higher payout.
The good news is that the market for second-hand monitors in the UK is really strong right now. With so many people working from home and gaming, there's constant demand for quality used screens. People are always looking to upgrade their setup without splashing out on a brand-new model. You can discover more insights about the UK monitor market to see just how healthy the demand is.
So, have a think about it. If you’ve got the patience and don’t mind a bit of back-and-forth, a marketplace could be the way to go. But for a guaranteed price and a sale that’s quick, secure, and completely faff-free, a direct buyback is tough to beat.
Finalising the Deal: Shipping, Collection, and Getting Paid
Right, you’ve found a buyer and agreed on a price. Well done! Now for the final hurdle: making sure the monitor gets to its new home safely and the money lands securely in your account. How you approach this depends entirely on whether you're posting it or the buyer is collecting in person.
Packing it Up for Shipping
If your monitor is heading off with a courier, proper packaging is everything. Let's be honest, parcels get thrown about, and a screen is one of the most fragile bits of tech you can send.
The absolute best-case scenario is if you kept the original box. It’s custom-moulded to hold the monitor perfectly. If that box is long gone, don't worry. Find a strong, double-walled cardboard box that gives you a bit of wiggle room on all sides.
Wrap the monitor generously in bubble wrap—don't be shy with it, especially around the corners and edges. Then, fill every single gap in the box with packing peanuts, scrunched-up newspaper, or more bubble wrap. The goal is to make sure it can't shift an inch. Good shipping damage prevention is just common sense.
Once it's snug, seal the box up with plenty of strong packing tape and plaster it with 'Fragile' stickers.
Secure Payments and Safe Collections
For shipped items, never accept a payment method that doesn't offer you protection. PayPal Goods & Services is a solid choice because it protects both you and the buyer if something goes wrong.
If you’ve arranged a local collection, particularly in busy areas like Redhill or Merstham, safety comes first. Don't invite strangers to your home. Instead, suggest meeting in a very public place with plenty of people and CCTV around—think a local supermarket car park during the day or the lobby of a busy community centre.
My golden rule for local sales is simple: the monitor doesn't leave your hands until the money is confirmed in your bank account. Ask for an instant bank transfer and check your mobile banking app right there and then to see the funds clear.
Cash is also an option, but be wary of large amounts and always check the notes. Politely decline any sob stories or promises to pay later. Trust your gut.
Feeling like that’s all a bit of a faff? We get it. If you'd rather skip the packaging, posting, and awkward meetups, you can sell your computer monitor directly to us. We make it simple. Just fill in our quick sales form, and we’ll give you a fair price and handle all the logistics. No fuss, no risk.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
When you're ready to sell your monitor, it's natural for a few questions to come to mind. After all, you want to get the best price with the least amount of fuss. Let's run through some of the most common queries we see and get you sorted.
"What if my monitor is a bit old or even broken?"
It’s a classic assumption: if it’s old or not working, it’s destined for the tip. But that's not always true! Even a monitor that’s seen better days can still have some value left in it. Tech hobbyists and repair shops often hunt for specific older models, sometimes just for a single part they need for a project.
The golden rule here is honesty. Always be upfront about the monitor's condition, whether it's a few stuck pixels or it won’t power on at all. You’d be surprised what someone might pay for a 'for parts or repair' item.
Of course, if it really has given up the ghost and is beyond saving, the next step is responsible recycling. Electronic waste is full of nasty stuff, so never just chuck it in your household bin. A quick search for your local e-waste recycling point is the way to go.
"Do I really need the original box and all the cables?"
Having the original packaging, manual, and all the leads is a fantastic bonus. It definitely adds a bit of polish to your listing, suggests you've taken good care of it, and makes the whole business of posting it much safer. It can even let you nudge the asking price up a little.
But if the box was recycled years ago, don't sweat it. It's far from a deal-breaker.
The key is to be crystal clear in your description. Just state what's included. If the power cable went missing in a house move, a potential buyer just needs to know so they can factor in the few quid it'll cost to get a new one. No surprises, no problems.
"How do I prove to a buyer that it actually works?"
This is a huge one, especially when you're selling to someone you'll never meet in person. Building that trust is what gets you a sale. Thankfully, proving your monitor is in fine fettle is pretty straightforward.
Here’s how you can show it off:
- Photos are your best friend: Get a clear shot of the screen powered on, displaying your desktop or a colourful, high-resolution image.
- Run a quick pixel check: This is a great pro tip. Find a plain white background online, display it full-screen, and take a photo. It’s the easiest way to show there are no dead pixels, strange tints, or backlight bleed.
- Offer a live demo: If you're selling locally to someone in areas like Redhill or Merstham, offering to plug it in and show them it working on their doorstep can close the deal instantly. It gives them complete peace of mind.
Thinking about these things ahead of time means you can create a listing that answers questions before they're even asked, building trust and paving the way for a quick, successful sale.
At EXE, we take the hassle out of selling your old tech. If you'd rather skip the questions and just get a fast, fair price for your monitor, fill out our quick sales form to get a no-obligation quote today.
