Gazelle
reviews and complaints

Having explored various reviews about Gazelle, it's evident that the experiences are quite mixed. While some customers have praised the quality of the devices received and the smooth transactions, others have expressed concerns about issues like inaccurate device evaluation, delays in processing, and poor customer service. It seems that Gazelle's service quality may vary from one customer to another. If you decide to engage with Gazelle, it might be wise to proceed with caution and manage your expectations accordingly.

I've sold a few phones to Gazelle. Good prices (better than what the carriers would give me in trade-in value) and an easy process. I always exchange for an Amazon gift card, which gives more value and is super convenient.

I treat my phones really well, and have wondered, from time to time, if I could get away with calling their condition "like new" rather than just "good" on Gazelle, for the higher trade-in value. But I always go with "good." This last time, after I sent in my "good" phone, GAZELLE decided it fit the higher condition, so actually RAISED MY OFFER. This made me happy (more money, yay) but also made me think they're honest businesspeople.

I got way more than I expected to for a 2010 model Macbook almost 8 years after purchase. The email promotion Gazelle ran before year end for a bonus on Macbooks pushed me to go for it. I'd kept it in good condition, so I'm sure that helped. The value was issued in an Amazon gift card within a couple of days of receipt - straightforward and easy. The only minor confusion/frustration I experienced was receiving multiple emails saying I needed to send my laptop to Gazelle even though I hadn't even received the carton yet. Could have saved some wasted time and effort trying to track down answers from Gazelle if they'd had their alerts linked to tracking for the box delivery and laptop shipment. Still, it was easy, and I got paid, so 5 stars!

I checked out Gazelle after I couldn't send in a MacBook Pro to Apple that was one year too old for their trade-in program and an iPhone 5s with a severely cracked screen that didn't qualify either. Both were accepted by Gazelle (I'm assuming for parts) for a little bit of cash. I didn't mind that it wasn't a lot since no other place would take them and I had no use for them anyways. I also got a little extra because of a promotion. I ended up telling my dad about it when he bought a new MacBook because his old one had a broken trackpad and he decided to upgrade. He got a really great rate for his old one from Gazelle. I got quotes from other sites and Gazelle was always a little higher. I will continue to sell to them after 4 positive selling experiences.

I sold my old iPhone [first generation] to Gazelle during the beginning of last week... guess what? Friday, I got $33 fast cash straight to my PayPal. No excuses. Guess what, even though the condition of it was poor (screen crack, battery life degraded), $33 was still mine.

When it comes to Gazelle, you CAN depend on them to sell your old electronics and used electronics. There still is a price for many things. Whilst, if not, you can be responsible and have them recycle it.

They send you a box within reasonable times, make it easy for you to ship to them, and you get paid if the condition you explained to them in matches, even if it's slightly off or in a debatable condition.

I did not lie anywhere in this review, so give them a try if you 're looking to make fast cash off of old stuff.

I've always went to gazelle to sell my apple products. This time I figured I would try and go with another company just to see if they would offer me more. I submitted my quote to gazelle then the other company. Both were pretty similar. I sent my product to the other company and when they received it they told me my info was incorrect from which I received my quote. They then went and took my offer away and offered me $150.00 less than what they originally said. I told them to send me back my product. I then sent my device to gazelle. When gazelle received it they not only accepted it but they went and stated it was worth more than what they quoted me so they're giving me more money. I should have known better then to go with someone else... I will always turn to gazelle. They are honest, and tell you the truth. Thank you gazelle for always making my experience great...

This is the second time I've sold a Macbook computer to Gazelle. The first time, they increased the dollar amount paid because they felt the computer's condition was better than I'd described. This time they agreed that the computer was in excellent condition and paid me top dollar for it. I am very impressed with the timeliness of their operation. The shipping box arrived in just a few days after my order. But, what really impressed me, was that they received my computer on a Saturday and processed the order that day. I received three emails that day... first that they'd received my computer, second that the condition checked out just as I'd described it, and third, that a check was in the mail. I received the check by US mail on Wednesday and couldn't be happier. To be honest, I checked out the competition at Apple and Best Buy beforehand; but found Gazelle's offer to be competitive and appreciate receiving cash rather than a gift card only usable at a retail store.

You can try an auction site or a retail resale route, or just make it simple and go direct via Gazelle. As a professional consultant, time is money and when I priced the offer that Gazelle gave me versus other routes and the risk of a return from a tough customer (and I worked hard to stay a 5-star seller on that major auction site), the difference was a push. So twice I have tried Gazelle. No original packaging to track down, no charger and cables needed to include (a major price calculation difference most people miss when doing an apples-to-apples comparison), no photos to take, no time waiting for bids to come in and to package up, drive to the post office, weigh the package... you get the picture. Just put it in a package I had lying around, slap on the label they emailed me with prepaid postage, drop it in the FedEx box (or call FedEx) and wait. A week later an email saying the phone I sent (iPhone 5 and recently a 6s) was as I described and a check was in the mail. One more week and the check came. Easy peasy. Glad I went Gazelle.

I was a little leary of giving Gazelle a try due to the mixed reviews I had read but everything worked out perfectly & I couldn't be happier! I sold my 9.7" Ipad Pro 32gb and my Android Google Nexus 9 16gb tablet to Gazelle to make some extra cash. Gazelle definitely was the best option for my Nexus 9 and offered the best quote. I choose to ship the item myself in my own packaging, making sure to pack it well and shipped it out the next day after receiving my emailed label. It took Gazelle about 3 days to receive the item and they inspected it fairly quickly as well. I received an email about the status and that my items were like I had described and that money would be sent. I received the offer that I was quoted( I listed both items in excellent condition) and with in days had the money in my account via paypal option. It was quick and painless and super easy! I will definitely give Gazelle a try again when I need to trade in other electronics, my only negative is that I wish they would let you sell/trade in apple watches and apple pencils. Other than that I had a A+ experience and would use them again in the future if needed.

I recently upgraded to the new iPhone, and sold my iPhone 4 to Gazelle. I was hesitant after reading a lot of negative reviews, but figured I'd give it a try anyway, as I wouldn't be too upset if I got nothing for it.

I had a great experience with Gazelle. I answered a few questions about the condition of my phone on their website, and they quoted me at $110. For a phone I bought for $100 2 years ago (w/ 2 yr contract), this was surprising to me. This was in line with other websites, including the Apple store, AT&T, and Amazon, except on the other sites, you had to spend the money at their store. I'd rather spend it where I want.

A few days later I received a box in the mail with instructions on how to ship them my old iPhone. I dropped off my package with my phone at the post office the next day. Just in case I took some pictures before I shipped it. About 3 days after that I received an email that they received my phone and would examine it soon. The next day I got another email that said they had looked at my phone and would pay me the full $110 they quoted. The deposit was made to my PayPal account the next day. From the time I initially signed up online to the time the money was in my account was 10 days. This includes sending the package both ways.

I will note that although my phone was 2 years old, it was in great condition. I always kept it in an otterbox and used a screen protector, so it had no scratches or damage. I used a q-tip to clean dirt out of the ports/niches before sending. I cleared everything off of the phone, set it to factory defaults and loaded iOS7 before sending as well. I'm wondering if some of the bad reviews sent in phones in bad shape. I will note that I did not send the power cord or headphones, which I was worried would bring down the price but apparently it didn't.

Overall I had a good experience and would recommend.

On July 28th, 2023 I was given an offer of $95.41 for a Google Pixel 5 128GB (Verizon). I have had the phone for years using Verizon's service, and kept it in immaculate condition by keeping it in a sturdy case and having a screen protector on it at all times. I followed all of Gazelle's directions, including but not limited to removing the SIM card, deactivating the phone, removed device tracking, charged and reset my device. I shipped it shortly thereafter, being sure to include the original box with all of the included accessories as well as two compatible phone cases and a screen protector.

On August 10th, 2023 I received an email that my offer had been adjusted. I was ridiculously only offered $38 after shipping the phone. First of all, they claimed it was because there were "scratches." There most certainly were not scratches unless they happened to scratch it themselves. Secondly, they LIED and said it a Google Pixel 5 128GB (Other), not a Google Pixel 5 128GB (Verizon). This is simply false information?it is certainly a Verizon model as I purchased it from Verizon and used it with my Verizon service for many years. I opted to have the phone sent back to me as a result, and I immediately sent a complaint to Gazelle to which I received no response.

On August 18th, 2023, I received the phone back in the mail. However, it was ONLY the phone inside of a Ziploc bag. I am absolutely livid. Gazelle has STOLEN from me. As a reminder, I shipped them my Google Pixel 5 128GB (Verizon) in its original box with ALL of the accessories it came with included, as well as two compatible phone cases and a screen protector, and what they sent me back was solely the device itself inside of a Ziploc bag, no box or accessories whatsoever. Again, this means THEY HAVE STOLEN FROM ME.

I immediately reached out to Gazelle's customer care via the Live Chat feature and interacted with an individual named Glendiel. At first, he clearly did not read my complaint whatsoever, and only send me back some premanufactured customer service commentary about how they "really apologize for the inconvenience" and summarized for me information I already knew?in fact it was information he would have known I actually knew if he'd read through my complaint. I had to ask him to read my comment through once more and actually provide a relevant response. After ten minutes he tells me there's nothing he can do since "based from the records of the Warehouse team" there was nothing but a device. This entire company just loves to tell lies.

In summary, Gazelle scammed me with an offer of $95.41, made up lies in order to give me a lowball offer of $38.00, stole the majority of the items I sent to them, and then tried to claim that those items never existed. Without that box, I am unable to resell it myself. I came to Gazelle expecting to make $95.41 and instead made nothing, and in fact, I am worse off because they have stolen from me the items which would allow me to find an offer elsewhere. This is devastating. These people are liars, scammers, and thieves. Do not trust Gazelle. I will be seeing them in small claims court.

I have used Gazelle for many years to sell my iPhone and iPads to when new electronics become available. I never own any device for more than a year. Gazelle has in the past offered me by far the best buy back price of any company that will buy back electronics. Certainly much better than Apple's trade in value or your local carrier will give you as a trade-in. I have recommended Gazelle to many others.

Until Now!

As all my electronics are always in cases from day 1, my iPhones and iPads are in perfect condition for the year that I own them, until Apple comes out with a better device a year later and I buy the new device. I'm a perfectionist and I don't like smudges, smears, fingerprints and certainly not scratches on the electronics that I use.

However, over the last two years with my iPhone 10 XS and the iPhone 11 that I have tried to sell them to them, Gazelle has come up with "new" policies or standards, it would seem.

Of course before you mail your items in to gazelle, you fill out a small questionnaire stating the products condition. I have always marked perfect in the past because I would consider my electronics to be in perfect condition. I recently offered them my iPhone 11 a few weeks ago and was given a buy back price $500. When they got my iPhone to their headquarters, they emailed me back and said my device had too many scratches and they would need reduce the price by $90.

I'm going to include pictures of that iPhone 11 that I sent them... with all the so called scratches and you will see what I mean.

My personal opinion of what is happening at Gazelle is that they are taking advantage of the Corona Virus situation as well as peoples impatience to just get paid and get it over with. They offered me a lesser price than what was originally said and I contacted them to say no way, send it back... I just bet they were surprised.

Here's a hypothetical situation of what I believe is going on. Gazelle is offering high dollar payback on used electronics to get people hooked into wanting to send their electronics in to them and getting paid. When Gazelle comes back with, "your phone is not worth what you said it was" and reduces the buyback price to you, I would imagine that most people would say to themselves, go ahead and take the discounted price and run. I don't need that device anymore. Most people aren't going to want to go through the hassle of Gazelle sending their device back to them and them having nothing to do with it, so they take the discounted price. Gazelle has their property the possession so, just get it over with and just take the reduced price and be done with it. When you add in the situation of the Corona Virus, where most people are hurting for money now and will most likely take anything they can get for their used device. Get it quickly and be done with it. That makes me very angry that Gazelle maybe using the Corona Virus to their advantage to take advantage of people.

So, here is my buyers beware. Before you get involved with Gazelle, remember what I have written here. It's better just to take your iPhone, iPad or Android to your local carrier and trade in on the new device you want to buy. Because in the end, Gazelle is not going to give you a fair price at all. It's happened twice to me now.

Here is my experience after two weeks of trying to receive my merchandise from Gazelle via email:

Gazelle,

I will like to say this is my FIRST time dealing with your company and it has been nothing but a headache up until this point. I'm not sure if this something that happens often. However I placed an order on 9/16/2017 with order #?. Ive reached out multiple times to speak with someone after I noticed I didn't receive a confirmation of shipment for my order a week after placement. I called on 9/25/2017 and spoke with a representative and told me that she didn't understand why my order hasn't been shipped. Then transferred me to your Senior Specialist Thomas and he didn't know what was going on either. So Thomas went ahead and submitted something to the warehouse to expedite the processing of my order. Thomas then stated I should receive some type of communication via email for my order by the end of business 9/25/2017. On 9/26//2017 I called back to speak with Thomas because I did not receive any communication from your company in regards to my order. Although Thomas was very apologetic on behalf of the company, I was just irritated with the fact that communication amongst the Reps and Warehouse is so complicated to me. Thomas proceeds to tell me that I should call back with in 3 business days if I didn't get any communication from the company AGAIN. So I did just that. I called for the third time on 9/29/[protected]@ 8:10am (central time) and got ahold of representative after some time of being on hold. He tried to see what he can do to help me but it didn't work out in my favor so he asked if I could call back in an Hour to speak with Thomas. I said "OK." I actually gave my wait time 2 hours before calling back and when I did, I ask to speak to Thomas. The lady asked for my information to be forwarded to Thomas and I gave her just that. She asked to place me on hold. I was on hold for at least 6 minutes! Finally someone answered and guess what? It wasn't Thomas. It wasn't even a Senior Rep. I was irritated because I had to give her my information all over again and on top of that, it took a few more minutes for her to look over her notes. Guess what she told me when she came back to the phone? "It looks like a senior rep has been going over the case and we got communication that the item you had didn't pass inspection so they couldn't send it out to you. Once we have an item for you then they will send you the item you purchased." This is freaking insane. I have to wait two weeks for you all to shut me down and keep giving excuses. What is the point of your advertisement to bring people to your company to "SELL" them an item if you don't have the item fully inspected and ready for shipment? On top of that, why is your item on the internet ready for purchasing? Word of mouth is definitely a way to make or break any company. I definitely hope that you all find out how to resolve my situation quickly because this is absolutely ridiculous. Especially for my first purchase ever with you all. I will continue to contact you all until you figure this mess out and get it resolved because I feel so screwed. I want to also let you know that this is a gift for someone that I am suppose to give to on October 7,2017. What am I suppose to do now because of an error your company/warehouse caused for me? You should really focus on a corrective action for the communication barrier between your warehouse, representative and your selling platforms because apparently something is not right.

I sent Gazelle a brand-new iPhone 15 Pro. It was fresh out of the box when I sent it in. After having my device for three weeks (I called multiple times, and they were apologetic for taking an "abnormal" amount of time), they returned a reoffer of almost $300 less than originally offered. When I called to inquire why, they stated the phone screen was scratched. I explained to them that it was not possible as the phone was new in the box. They sent me a photo showing the phone had four stretches on it. I then sent them photos of the device (scratch-free) before I packed it up in bubble wrap and shipped it off. They said I had two options, take the new offer or have the now scratched phone sent back. The people I spoke with were rude and refused to help with this.

Sent 2 iPhones in to sell on 9/27/23. Received an email today 10/2/23 stating that the iPhone 13 Pro Max 512GB Sierra Blue was only 128GB.

This was a brand new phone that I received from Apple as a replacement on 9/14/23. It was 512GB when I received and setup the phone. I used it for exactly 8 days. With the phone I sent a copy of the IMEI #’s and Serial # all stating this was 512GB.

How can they tell me it’s only 128GB?

Sent my device in - was promised $251 for trade-in. Device was in near mint condition. Gazelle received my device, emailed me saying they would only give $109 due to the poor condition. I reached out within 24 hours and told them to either send me the $251 or send my phone back. Gazelle did neither of this and went ahead and sold my device to a wholesaler and sent me a check for $109. Have fought continuously with them to get my money and to no resolve. Their customer service just says I "automatically accepted" the offer for $109. Have called dozens of times - usually stuck on hold for 1-2 hours before being able to speak with anyone.

Someone in Santa Monica stole my phone while asleep on the beach. I immediately reported it but it showed no location. A few days later I got an email from Apple saying they found it a gazelle company. We called and I'm getting it back but I'm still wondering how they can buy clear stolen property it had no number or IMEI number. How were they going to sell it?

On June 22, 2023 I found out from Gazelle that they made up some phone issues so they wouldn’t have to honor their estimate on the sale of my phone. Don't sell your phone to Gazelle - it's a scam - they lead you on with high offers online which they will not honor. My offer was for $140 which after their inspection they changed to $95. Reasons were supposedly wrong model number (not - as it matched their own packing slip) and excessive scratches (not - as almost perfect condition). Customer Service is the worse as well as they won't do anything for you. They went back and reassessed it supposedly and came back with just excessive scratches and still $95. On Gazelles web site they offer you $95 for a broken/damaged phone. What a joke!

i sent them a phone that was not on a contract, but from verizon. The phone never been activated or used . I sent it to them in original box and still had plastic on it . They lied said phone was under contract an that it was used and had scratches which was a lie. Talking about we can recycle my galaxy s22 if i forgot to mention. i quickly said no an for them to send my phone an every thing that came with it. My phone arrived today with just the phone in a plastic zip lock bag with a scratch on my lens the rep said the take the phones apart i did not know that but when the mess up something they blame it on you they are scammers

I am trying to reach again for the Claim Number C02461344. I need a shipping label to send the product as iphone sold to me had unpaid balance with AT&T from previous customer and I am not allowed to use with AT&T, the phone is locked to AT&T and can't be used with other carriers. This is kind of fraud selling and needs to be handled ASAP. I am trying to reach through phone and email without much success to get this issue resolved. I need a replacement phone , I can buy only when refund is issued to me.

I ordered a iPhone 11 Pro Max in 9/9/22. I had my phone for about 45Days and we were changing providers to Verizon. Verizon refused to provide service because the phone was still locked (- on a no pay list from previous owner). I called Gazelle and they suggested I buy another phone, pay for it and when phone #2 arrives I send the 1st one back. I was leaving town in 5 days and they said they would expedite the shipping and I would receive my new phone on 11/07 as I was leaving early morning on 11/8/22. I paid for the 2nd phone and it arrived on 11/8 so I wasn't home to sign for it. Fed-Ex texted me saying I had 5 days to pick it up before it was shipped back to Gazelle. I spoke to a Fed-Ex Manager who told me if I called back on 11/15/22 they could resend it to me for redelivery. I called twice on 11/15 and Fed-Ex sent phone #2 back to Gazelle. Gazelle said I would have to wait 5-7 days for P2 to be received and processed and I would then be issued a refund and I could purchase a 3rd iPhone. 5 days later I received an email from Gazelle with a shipping label to return the 2nd phone that I never received. At that point I called Visa and put a stop payment on both phones and ordered one from another store. When I finally got my UNlocked phone, Gazelle finally agreed to send a shipping label to return iPhone #1. but I had to mail it that day to get my credit. None of this mess was my fault. Gazelle then told Visa I hadn't sent it back, I got more demands to verify all transactions and provide proof and of the entire history of these transactions and communications. All this took 8 phone calls to Gazelle, detailing the claim to about 6 different people (and 6 phone calls to Fed - Ex that proved useless)

I finally, finally got the last of the money refunded and put back on my Visa Card 1/15/23.

On Dec 6, 2022 I received an empty package from Gazelle. There was supposed to be an iPhone 8, worth $100.

I received the package directly from the postman, so this is not an issue with the "porch pirates".

After hours on the phone, waiting to talk to a Gazelle customer service, I was told I had to file a complaint with them.

After doing this, and days waiting a response, I was told I needed to file a police report.

After doing this, I was told on 12/21 I would receive a response. It is 12/23 and I still have not received a response.

All for a product worth $100.

I have never dealt with a online service like this. Normally one would expect to be able to contact customer service easier, that they were more transparent, and that there would not be some much work for a small refund.

I sent Gazelle four iPhone 11s based on an offer I received. I never received their offer (I assume it went to Junk mail and was deleted since Gazelle says it was sent).

When I called to inquire I was sent electronic payment for the phones but the amount was almost half of what I was quoted. I was told that this was because my phones were not T-Mobile phones.

I provided documents that show that the phones were purchased from T-Mobile, but Gazelle told me that what I provided wasn't satisfactory and that they could not send me back my phones since they were already resold.

I have been simply trying to receive fair compensation based on the offer I received. I am looking to file a dispute for arbitration to receive fair treatment.

After verifying with Gazelle that a replaced iphone screen would not cause a loss of value, I sent my 11 Pro to them with an estimate of $310. I got back a low offer, the only reason being that the phone was locked with xfinity (my mistake). I quickly had the phone unlocked and sent them the proof of this. They insisted on inspecting the phone again and, lo and behold, claimed the screen was scratched and defective and so lowered the offer to $132! It was perfect when I sent it them and they found no damage at all on the first inspection, and there was no problem evident in the pictures they sent. They didn't even say what the problems were in the final inspection. So either they damaged it or are lying about the condition of the phone. Clearly they are grasping at straws to make a lowball offer, hoping that I would accept it. Needless to say, I'm having them return it.

I received a email on 07/05/2022 that the Ipad was excepted for $640.00 and they would send my money in 3 to 5 days. On 7/15/22, I chanted with an Agent Charles, he said you were having problems with paypal and I would receive a check in 7-10 days. I went on my account and had none of my past transactions or this one. What is going on. SR35459715904.

[protected]@aol.com

Gazelle advertised they would pay me $207 a piece for 2 unlocked Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite phones less than 2 years old. Sent them model # and Mei # and received the $207 offer. Got a message that phones were not stated model and had too many scratches. I inspected both before sending and they were in perfect condition. They said both were worthless and 'graciously' offered to scrap them!

I had sent in my IPhone 8plus to sell they sent me back an offer said there were scratches on it which there were not because it has a screen protector on it. So they gave the quote I accepted it because of course what can I do. Anyways I still haven’t got paid for the phone. It’s a joke calling customer service no one ever answers your on hold forever. Never a call back tried the chat no one ever comes on to chat. Poor customer service for sure . Good luck

I sold an iPhone XS Max to Gazelle and when they sent the box to me to send my old iPhone XS Max I accidentally placed my new iPhone 12 in the return box and shipped it to them once I realized I sent the wrong phone I tried emailing them and calling them but never did they reply to my email or pick up the phone. They sent me money for the iPhone 12 for $375 far below what a brand new iPhone is worth $900 and they know! Which is why they are a scam. I will be reporting the phone as stolen if they don't send my phone back.

I sent 3 items … one item was fu get 144 for said would give me $3.00 for. Then spent 5 hours over 2 days no answer. Customer service doesn’t exist

I purchased i phone and spent good money after 4-5 months it suddenly stopped working first I called the carrier many times then I called apple in the end the phone is useless it is reported lost and or stolen by verizon gazelle does nothing