trade in

Continuing the cash-for-iPhone trend first introduced by Verizon and then Target, eBay has now launched its own phone trade-in program, starting today and continuing through Feb. 22. While eBay's program covers a number of recently announced smartphones, customers will get the most cash for trading in a gently used AT&T iPhone 4 — a guaranteed $200 to up to $450 based on its condition, which is more than enough to cover the cost of a new Verizon iPhone, and even rivals Verizon's own trade-in program. An iPhone 3GS in good condition can net the user $200, and an HTC EVO 4G could get you as much as $200.

To take advantage of this eBay Instant Sale program, visit ebay.com/iPhone.

Not surprisingly, Verizon is ramping up its new device trade-in program and sweetening the deal for AT&T customers at the same time. Not only are they passing out $200 debit cards for recently-new customers, allowing eligible customers to use their New Every Two credits, and launching the iPhone 4 with unlimited data packages, but it's also offering cash credits to lure customers over from AT&T.

Find out how much you can get for trading in your AT&T iPhones after the jump.

You've heard me go on and on about properly recycling and trading in your gadgets (even tipping you on how to get top resale dollars), but Ebay is making things a lot easier with its new eco-friendly trade-in program.

Called Instant Sale, you can get cold hard cash for your old gadgets in a snap. Just answer a few questions about the gadget you want to pawn, then Ebay will give you an instant offer, even paying your shipping costs, so you can just click "accept" and go. Once you send in your tired gadget, Ebay will properly recycle it and deposit cash into your PayPal account. Easy, fast, and truly eases the stress on Mother Earth. How can you go wrong?

I could go on for days on how you can recycle your old gadgets, but what about those times you just need some cash in order to upgrade to a newer model? Well, you can try your hand at selling them on Craigslist or Ebay, but if you've got your eye on a new iPod, then next week is your week, my friend.

Starting on Oct. 17, and running through Oct. 23, you can take up to three used iPods into select Toys R Us locations and receive up to $100 toward a newer model (iPod or iPod Touch) in the form of a Toys R Us "trade up" card. Your old iPods will need to be in working order of course, and payment will depend on the age, model, and condition, but hey — seems like an easy way to make some quick cash off of a gadget that served its time well.

Tough economic times just got a little easier, thanks to new trade-in incentive programs from two of the country's biggest retailers. Best Buy recently announced a used video game trade-in program at nearly 600 of its US stores. Program participants who trade in video games at the store will receive a Best Buy gift card to use toward any item in the store — not a bad deal! Most stores will offer the service at the customer service counter, though some will have dedicated trade-in locations. To figure out how much some of your used games are worth, visit Best Buy's website.

For more on the Target program (which accepts more than just video games), keep reading.