K-12 Device Buyback
Program for Schools
Recover value from retired Chromebooks, iPads, MacBooks, and laptops—without hidden fees or confusing grading systems.
The Secured Tech Buyback Program uses simple, transparent, Pass/Fail pricing so districts know what to expect.
Trusted by Districts Nationwide
NIST 800-88 Compliant
What Makes Our Buyback Different
Simple Pricing Many buyback vendors advertise high A-grade pricing, but only a small percentage of devices qualify. Our streamlined evaluation process and Pass/Fail grading makes pricing easier to understand and more predictable.
No Hidden Fees We don’t deduct for common issues like missing chargers, cases, or multiple pickup locations—what we quote is what you can expect.
Built for K-12 Districts Our buyback process is designed specifically for school IT teams, with flexible logistics and clear communication throughout the process.
Secure. Simple. Reliable.
Why Districts Choose
Secured Tech's Device Buyback Program
Recover More Value
Convert aging devices into budget you can reinvest in your district’s technology program.
Transparent Pricing
Our straightforward Pass/Fail grading model replaces complicated A/B/C tiers with clear standards and more predictable pricing.
Confidence in Data Security
Every device undergoes secure data sanitization following NIST 800-88 standards, with full documentation provided for audit and compliance purposes.
Simplified Operations
We handle logistics, pickup, and reporting to make the buyback process easier for district IT teams.
This Program Can Help Your District If You Are...
- Managing a technology refresh
You can recover value from old Chromebook, iPad, MacBook, or laptop inventory while making room for new devices. - Facing budget pressure
Offset future technology costs by reinvesting the value of retired devices back into your IT department. - Looking for a simpler buyback process
Clear pricing and straightforward payouts (without complicated grading or deductions) will help you better plan your technology budget. - Dealing with storage constraints
Free up valuable space in closets, carts, or warehouses.
- Concerned about data security
Ensure compliant, documented data sanitization aligned with NIST 800-88 standards before devices leave the district. - Looking for a long-term partner you can trust
Work with a team focused on long-term relationships and supporting your district year after year.
Devices We Buy
iPads
All models and generations.
Functional or damaged.
Chromebooks
All major manufacturers—Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Samsung, Asus, and more. Working and broken devices accepted.
MacBooks
MacBook Air and MacBook Pro—any condition.
Windows Laptops & Tablets
Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other education devices.
Broken Devices
We buy non-working devices at adjusted pricing.
How School Device Buyback Works
Step 1
Get a Quote
Tell us what devices you have. We'll provide a straightforward quote with clear Pass and Fail pricing, so you know what to expect before your devices are evaluated.
Review our grading guide to learn more about our grading standards and criteria.
Step 2
We Pick Up
We deliver materials and instructions on how to properly pick, pack, and ship your devices free of charge.
*Depending on location and device volume, Secured Tech may coordinate additional logistics support.
Step 3
We Process
We inventory devices by serial number, test them, securely remove all data, and create a buyback report to share the results.
Note: Devices with missing parts will be responsibly recycled but are ineligible for buyback.
Step 4
You Get Paid
We provide a final report of the inspection and provide payment – cash or credit options are available. Devices must include all parts and components to be eligible for payment.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Secured Tech Solutions was great to work with on a buyback. We have sold them 6000+ iPads which they came in and gave us an excellent price. We didn't even have to take them out of the cases we had them in. They also allowed us to keep our charge block and power cords.
Craig Shearer
Technology Director
Western School Corp
Community Buyback
Keep Your Technology
Investments in the Community
Want to do more than sell your old devices?
Community Buyback℠ puts devices back in the hands of the families, while returning value to your district.
We sell your retired Apple devices directly to your community—staff, families, and students—at affordable prices. Your district generates revenue while the community gains access to affordable, high-quality devices.
Secured Tech created the Community Buyback℠ model.
We handle all the work, including:
- Device pickup, secure data wiping, cleaning, and testing
- Custom branded 7-day online sale for your community
- Marketing support, order processing, customer service, and shipping
- Sales tax collection and compliance
- 30-day warranty for buyers
This program is available for eligible Apple devices that still receive updates and typically requires a minimum of 250 devices to support the sale.
14,500+ Devices Sold Back to Communities Since 2022
Community Buyback℠ is available for Apple devices (iPads and MacBooks) that support current OS versions.
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 Repair
Extend device life before retirement with certified Chromebook, iPad, and MacBook repair.
Accidental Damage Protection
Peace-of-mind coverage to protect devices during active use.
White Glove Services
When you're ready for new devices, we handle deployment too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What devices do you buy?
Secured Tech purchases student and staff Chromebooks, iPads, MacBooks, and laptops from all major manufacturers. We offer straightforward pricing for fully functional and broken/non-working devices that have residual value. If you’re unsure whether your devices qualify, simply share the details, including a sample serial number, and our team will review it and provide a no-obligation buyback quote!
How is pricing determined?
Traditional A/B/C grading can lead with an attractive A-grade quote, but many devices ultimately receive lower grades and payouts. Secured Tech takes a different approach with straightforward Pass/Fail grading, giving districts more predictable pricing, fewer surprises, and the potential for a higher overall payout.
Our model uses clear, published standards. Devices that meet the Pass criteria receive the agreed Pass value, while devices that don't are evaluated at the applicable Fail value.
Normal school wear doesn't automatically mean a device will Fail. Light scratches and minor cosmetic wear may still qualify for the full Pass payout, helping districts recover more value from their retired technology.
With clear expectations from the start, districts can make more informed decisions and feel confident about their expected returns.
View Our Pass/Fail Grading Guide
Do we need to wipe devices before sending them?
No. Secured Tech securely wipes all devices as part of the buyback process and provides full documentation after processing.
Do not erase laptops before shipment. Most laptops require an operating system to run diagnostics. If devices are erased, additional processing time may be required to reinstall the OS, which can delay completion and payout.
Tablets and mobile devices should be erased through your management console prior to shipment. This helps streamline intake and processing.
All devices should be removed from management systems and account locks before shipment, including:
• MDM (Mobile Device Management)
• Google Admin
• Apple School Manager (ASM)
• Apple Business Manager (ABM)
• iCloud, Knox, or other account associations
Devices that remain locked or enrolled in management systems may delay processing and impact final value.
If applicable, please also remove any BIOS, firmware, or admin passwords—or provide them to our team in advance to avoid delays.
Our team is happy to provide guidance to ensure your devices are properly prepared for shipment.
How long is a buyback quote valid?
Buyback pricing is typically valid for 30 days. After that period, device market values may change and pricing may need to be updated.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Secured Tech does not deduct for common issues like missing chargers, cases, or multiple pickup locations.
Is there a minimum number of devices required for buyback?
No. There is no minimum number of devices required for a standard device buyback. Any devices that still have value may qualify for evaluation.
Do you buy broken devices?
Yes. We accept both working and non-working devices. Even devices that are damaged or no longer power on may still have value through our buyback program.
How long does payment take?
Payment is issued after devices are received, evaluated, and finalized by our operations team. Processing time may vary depending on the number of devices and the condition verification process.
How is data handled?
All devices go through a secure data sanitization process that follows industry standards, such as NIST 800-88. Devices are wiped, verified, and documented to ensure student and district data is fully protected.
What's the difference between Device Buyback and Community Buyback℠?
Device Buyback allows districts to sell retired devices directly to Secured Tech for a guaranteed payout.
Community Buyback gives districts the option to sell eligible Apple devices directly to their community—such as staff, students, and families—through a dedicated online storefront hosted by Secured Tech. Devices must still receive updates and districts typically need at least 250 eligible devices. This option often generates a higher return while keeping technology accessible locally.
Do you accept devices that are locked?
Devices should be removed from management systems before being sent to Secured Tech. This includes removing:
• MDM or device management software
• Google Admin enrollment
• Apple School Manager / Apple Business Manager
• iCloud or other account locks
Devices that remain locked may delay processing. If devices cannot be unlocked after intake and follow-up attempts, they may receive reduced or no payout.