Okay, let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind lately: iPhone boxes. Yeah, you heard that right, those sleek white boxes that your precious iPhone comes in. I’ve always been one of those people who keeps them, and I know I’m not alone. But the other day, I started to wonder, “Are these things actually worth anything?” So, I did what any normal person would do: I embarked on a journey to find out.
First, I started by doing some good old-fashioned research. I scoured the internet, trying to get a sense of the market for these boxes. Turns out, it’s a real thing. People actually buy and sell empty iPhone boxes. I know, crazy, right? From what I could gather, the average price range seems to be somewhere between $5 and $50, depending on the model and condition. It’s not exactly retirement money, but it’s something.
Then, I turned my attention to the practical side of things. Why would anyone want to buy an empty iPhone box? Well, one common reason I found was for repairs or replacements. Apparently, having the original box can make the process smoother. I can kind of see that, especially for a device like an iPhone that’s not exactly easy to package securely on your own. I’ve always kept the boxes during the return or exchange period, just in case. But after that? It really depends on how much space I have. An iPhone box is small enough to tuck away in a drawer, so I tend to hang onto them.
Now, let’s talk about eBay. I spent some time browsing listings for iPhone boxes, and I was surprised by what I found. Some of these boxes were going for $10-20! I even stumbled upon a listing for an iPhone 4s box with the warranty booklet, and it actually sold. It made me think about all those boxes I’ve tossed over the years. Could I have made a few extra bucks? Maybe. But honestly, the thought of listing and shipping individual boxes seems like a bit of a hassle.
- Resale Value: I noticed that including the original box when selling a used iPhone can actually bump up the price by around $20-40. That’s not insignificant, especially in a world where we tend to upgrade our phones every few years.
- Aesthetics: Let’s be honest, Apple’s packaging is beautiful. There’s a certain minimalist elegance to those white boxes, and they can look kind of nice lined up on a shelf. I guess it’s a bit of a collector’s thing for some people. It’s almost like a status symbol, a testament to your Apple loyalty.
- Nostalgia: For some, these boxes might hold sentimental value. They’re a reminder of the excitement of getting a new phone, the anticipation of unboxing it, and the joy of exploring all the new features.
There are a few reasons why I found people keep these boxes:
So, after all this digging, what’s my conclusion? Well, iPhone boxes do have some value, both monetary and sentimental. It’s not a fortune, but it’s enough to make you think twice before tossing them in the trash. For me, I think I’ll continue to keep them, at least for the newer models. It feels good to know I have the original packaging, and who knows, maybe one day that iPhone 15 box will help me make a few extra bucks when I decide to sell the phone. Or maybe I’ll just keep it on my shelf, a little white monument to my love for all things Apple.
What about you? Do you keep your iPhone boxes, or are they just clutter to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!