Community Buyback Program for Schools
Sell retired Apple devices to your community—and return the funds to your technology budget.
Secured Tech’s Community Buyback program helps school districts sell retired iPads and MacBooks directly to staff, families, and students at affordable prices—and we handle managing sales, logistics, and support.
What is Community Buyback?
- Community Buyback allows school districts to sell retired devices directly to students, families, and staff—while Secured Tech manages the entire process.
- From device preparation to ecommerce, payments, customer service, and shipping, our team handles every step of the sale.
- This program gives districts a simple way to return devices to their community without managing the logistics themselves.
Secure. Simple. Reliable.
Why Districts Choose
Community Buyback
Revenue for Your District
Retired devices generate funds that return directly to your technology budget. Use as cash or credit toward Secured Tech services. And districts generate more revenue per device than traditional buyback.
Guaranteed Buyback—No Risk
Unsold devices are still purchased by Secured Tech. No leftover inventory, no uncertainty, and no financial risk.
We Do All the Work
No yard sales, payments, or customer support. From pickup and processing to marketing, sales, shipping, and warranty, Secured Tech handles everything—so your team can stay focused on classrooms.
Support Your Community
Provide affordable devices to families while reducing e-waste. Extend device life and expand digital access beyond the classroom.
Trusted by Districts Nationwide
How it works
How Community Buyback Works
Step 1
We Pickup, Process, & Prep
- We provide an offer that includes both standard buyback and suggested Community Buyback sale pricing.
- We pick up devices, then clean, test, process, and prepare them for sale.
- We work with you to set your sale dates.
Step 2
Marketing & Customer Care
- Our team provides a marketing resource toolkit to help your district promote the sale.
- Our Customer Care team supports your district and community by answering questions and providing updates.
Step 3
Online Sale to Your Community
- Secured Tech creates a custom online storefront for your community sale.
- We manage inventory tracking and handle all sales tax collection and remittance.
- Sales are typically open for one week, with a staff pre-order option available.
Step 4
Delivery, Warranty & Payment
- Devices ship within 3–5 business days with tracking provided.
- All devices include a limited 30-day warranty.
- You receive a check by mail for the total sale amount.
Community Impact
Community Buyback does more than generate revenue—it expands access to technology.
By returning devices to your community, you help:
- families gain access to affordable technology
- support at-home learning
- improve digital equity across your district
For many households, this may be their first device beyond a smartphone—supporting more equitable access to digital resources.
Community Buyback
What We Handle
Device pickup from your location
Cleaning, testing, and processing
Marketing materials and promotion support
Custom branded online sale for your community
Sales tax collection and compliance
Inventory tracking throughout the sale
All customer service and support
Shipping and delivery with tracking
30-day warranty for buyers
Payment processing and reporting
What you provide:
Retired devices and a pickup date.
Eligible Devices
MacBooks
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models that support the current macOS version.
iPads
All models that support the current iOS version.
Devices must be able to update to the latest operating system to qualify for Community Buyback. Older devices may still qualify for standard Device Buyback.
What Makes Secured Tech Different
Not all buyback programs are created equal. We've designed our solutions to be clear, easy to manage, and dependable.
Secured Tech Offers:
- A simple, transparent process
- No hidden fees
- Clear expectations from the start
- A long-term relationship-based partner
Other Buyback Providers Often Have:
- Complex grading systems
- Hidden fees and deductions
- Inconsistent or reduced payouts
- Limited transparency
What Buyers Say
98% would recommend purchasing through Community Buyback.
Based on 298 survey responses across 12 school districts.
What Districts Say
The Community Buy Back program through Secured Tech was a huge success. Their team made the process simple, straightforward, and easy to manage, with excellent communication throughout.
Merv Miller
Director of Technology
Goshen Community Schools
Where This Fits in the Device Lifecycle
The Secured Tech Technology Lifecycle
A closed-loop approach to long-term district technology care—turning device transitions into predictable value, reduced risk, and community impact.
Reinvest:
Retired devices generate value that supports future technology needs and long-term planning.
Retire:
As devices reach end of use, districts must remove them from service while managing data security and compliance.
How Districts Work With Secured Tech
A flexible partnership that supports districts at any stage of the device lifecycle. Start with what you need. Layer additional support over time.
Core Programs
- Device Buyback
- Community Buyback℠
- Accidental Damage Protection
Services & Support
- Repair & Parts
- Accessories
- White Glove services
- Software & Reporting
- Full Lifecycle Support
Ongoing Partnership
- Dedicated partner
- Flexible implementation
- Clear plans & timelines
Related Services
Device
Buyback
For Chromebooks, Windows devices, or Apple devices that don't qualify for Community Buyback.
White Glove
Services
When new devices arrive, we handle deployment too.
Accidental Damage Protection
Insurance-backed coverage for your active fleet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What devices qualify for Community Buyback?
iPads and MacBooks that still update are eligible for Community Buyback.
How long does the sale run?
Each Community Buyback sale runs for one week. Dates are coordinated in advance to give your district time to promote the sale.
When do we get paid?
Check or account credits are paid 7-10 business days after the close of the community sale.
Who handles sales tax?
Secured Tech collects sales tax at the point of sale and remits in compliance with state law.
Who pays for shipping?
The customer pays shipping, which is calculated at checkout.
Who handles Community Buyback logistics?
Secured Tech manages the entire process, including:
• E-commerce storefront setup
• Customer support
• Order processing
• Payment handling
• Shipping devices directly to buyers
This means no operational burden on district IT teams.
Do I need to turn in my Chargers?
Let Secured Tech know if your devices will include chargers. There are no penalties for missing chargers, and Community Buyback customers may purchase new cables and bricks with the purchase of their device(s).
How is this different from Device Buyback?
Traditional Device Buyback provides a direct purchase quote for devices, usually based on whether they are working and undamaged.
Community Buyback works differently by:
• Selling devices directly to the community through an online sale
• Allowing districts to capture more value from their devices
• Expanding affordable access to technology for families
Any unsold devices are still purchased by Secured Tech, eliminating financial risk to the district.
Can we offer devices to staff first?
Yes. Many districts choose to offer devices internally to staff before opening the sale to the broader community. Your Secured Tech team can help structure the sale timeline to support this option.
What if devices don't sell?
Secured Tech provides a Guaranteed Buyback. If devices remain unsold after the community sale, Secured Tech will still purchase them, ensuring the district does not carry financial risk.
Do buyers get a warranty?
Yes. All devices sold through Community Buyback include a 30-day functionality warranty, giving buyers confidence in their purchase.
How much of each order does the district receive?
Districts receive credit from each sale that can be reinvested into future technology purchases, services, or upgrades through Secured Tech, helping extend technology budgets and fund future initiatives.
Can we use the revenue as a credit toward other products and services offered by Secured Tech Solutions?
Yes, you can! Secured Tech has many solutions for your 1:1 needs, and you can use the credit for any product or service we offer.
Keep Your Technology Investments in the Community
Retired devices become revenue for your district and affordable technology for your community. We handle pickup, processing, marketing, sales, customer service, shipping, and warranty.
sales@securedtech.com
1-833-STS-1to1
securedtech.com
