More

    Latest Posts

    GameStop Wants TikTok Users to Sell Their iPhones Today

    GameStop has entered the spotlight by tapping into the frenzy surrounding the TikTok ban in the U.S. The popular retailer encourages customers to sell their iPhones with TikTok pre-installed, taking advantage of the app’s sudden scarcity. The statement has sparked a national debate, and GameStop has put itself at the center of this once-in-a-generation market fluctuation.

    The TikTok Ban and its Aftermath

    When TikTok got shut down in the U.S. on January 19, 2025, it didn’t just vanish from the app stores-it did the opposite and became the gold rush.

    Now, the most prized possessions are phones with TikTok still downloaded. Listings have shot through the roof on eBay, pushing the prices up to astronomical levels. Several sellers on the platform are asking for as high as $25,000 for an iPhone that comes with TikTok pre-installed. In fact, in one instance, a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G went online for a whopping $77,000.

    These gadgets have now become a lifeline for TikTok fans who missed an opportunity to download or update the app before the ban came into effect. With negotiations between its parent company, ByteDance, and the U.S. government dragging on, there is no telling when the app will return to the digital shelves.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/DFJg6qyyCKu/?

    Opportunistic Move by GameStop

    Given the emerging market demand for iPhones with TikTok installed, GameStop’s clever move is to start accepting trade-ins. On January 22, 2025, GameStop announced this on social media, calling for everyone to bring in their gadgets. Customers can choose to receive either cash or trade credit, though GameStop has not shown whether these lots with TikTok installed fetch higher prices than regular trade-ins.

    What sets the company’s strategy apart is that no other major retailer has dove in. For example, While a slew of private sellers is inundating eBay, GameStop is the only major name that’s visibly buying TikTok-toting phones. This underlines how nimbly the chain can adapt to trends, even in spaces far removed from its traditional gaming roots.

    The Resale Market Heats Up

    Demand for iPhones still hosting TikTok shows no signs of letting up. Buyers are willing to pay top dollar for devices, ranging from $1,200 to tens of thousands depending on model and condition. Its removal has created artificial scarcity that drives up the value of pre-installed devices.

    The other apps that come installed on top, such as ChatGPT, SoundCloud, and Coinbase, further enhance the desirability of these devices. Although TikTok may be the most wanted app, the other highly sought-after apps will further boost a phone’s resale value.

    Trade-In Conditions at GameStop

    But before you rush to trade in your iPhone, it’s worth noting the ground rules. Here are some specific conditions for accepted devices laid down by GameStop:

    Working Condition: The phone must turn on and be functional, but without major issues.

    Minimum Damage: Devices will not qualify if their screens are cracked or their cosmetic condition is significantly damaged.

    No Customized Modifications: Devices engraved or otherwise modified with hardware will not be accepted.

    Trade values may vary. GameStop suggests checking current prices before visiting a store since trade values can fluctuate with market demand.

    What’s Driving This Craze?

    Beyond the thrill of owning TikTok in a banned market, this trend points to a shift in how we view digital assets. Apps like TikTok have become cornerstones of culture, and their removal shows just how deeply intertwined they are with our daily lives.

    GameStop’s pivot into this market reflects a growing recognition of these shifts. That visit can be enticing for many, especially if TikTok is already installed. The promise of trading in an old iPhone for cash or store credit is a big selling point. It’s not all about gaming anymore; GameStop is reaching out to the techie, social media-savvy audience.

    With the future of TikTok up in the air as negotiations between parent company ByteDance and the U.S. government drag on, demand for the devices carrying the app shows no signs of cooling. But it remains to be seen if GameStop’s effort inspires imitators from other retailers or is just a unicorn standing by itself-but for sure, they’re onto something big.

    Tap Into the Hype

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    spot_img

    Latest Posts

    Don't Miss