If you have ever sold a phone or laptop to a buyback store, you will have been asked for photo ID. That is not the store being nosy — it is a legal requirement, and it is actually good news for honest sellers. Here is what selling to a licensed second-hand dealer in NSW involves, and how to come prepared.
What a second-hand dealer licence means
In New South Wales, businesses that buy and sell used goods such as electronics must be licensed second-hand dealers. Licensed dealers are required to verify the identity of people they buy from and keep records of the goods they purchase. This framework exists to make it hard to on-sell stolen goods — and it means a licensed buyer has every incentive to deal carefully and transparently.
Tradelectronics operates under NSW second-hand dealer licence 2PS22225 (licence and ABN are shown in the footer of every page on this site). You can read more about us on our why us page.
Why this protects you as a seller
- A real business with a paper trail — your sale is recorded, so there is no ambiguity about what was sold and what was paid.
- No meeting strangers — the transaction happens at a store, not a car park.
- Clear process — quote first, inspection second, payment after you accept. No obligation at any step.
What to bring
- Government-issued photo ID — a driver licence or passport. This is required for the dealer’s records; without it, a licensed dealer cannot buy from you.
- The device itself — charged enough to power on for inspection.
- Charger and accessories where available — complete kits are easier to value.
- Your accounts signed out — remove iCloud/Find My on Apple devices and Google/Samsung accounts on Android. A device with an activation lock cannot be purchased.
What happens in store
At Tradelectronics, most sellers start with a WhatsApp message (+61 426 746 583) including the model, condition and photos, and get an initial estimate before travelling. In store, the device is inspected — condition, function, serial number and account status — and you receive a final offer. Accept it and you are paid the same day; decline it and you simply take your device home. The whole flow is described on our how it works page.
Our store is at Suite 101 / 206 Liverpool Road, Ashfield NSW 2131 — open Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, near Ashfield Mall and about two minutes’ walk from Ashfield station. Sellers come to us from across the inner west, including Burwood, Strathfield, Croydon and Summer Hill. Questions? Contact us any time.
