Grading and hand-in, step by step
This page explains exactly what happens to a device you hand in to us, and exactly how we decide what grade it earns. Nothing here is marketing language — it is the actual process, in order.
Part one — handing in a device
Step 1 · Tell us what you have
Email sell@otraa.com with the model, storage size and a rough description of condition. You do not need to be precise — we re-check everything ourselves. If the device does not switch on, say so; we still buy it.
Step 2 · Get a quote
We quote within one working day. The quote is a range, not a final figure, because final value depends on the inspection in step 5. The bottom of the range is guaranteed provided your description was broadly accurate.
Step 3 · Prepare the device
Before you send it:
- Back up anything you want to keep
- Sign out of iCloud and turn off Find My — a device with activation lock still enabled cannot be processed and will be returned to you
- Erase all content and settings
- Remove any SIM card and case
If you cannot erase it yourself, send it anyway and tell us. We handle it in step 4.
Step 4 · Ship it free
We email a prepaid, insured shipping label. Drop the parcel at any pickup point. The device is insured in transit at the top of your quoted range.
Step 5 · Inspection and final offer
Within two working days of arrival we run the full diagnostic (part two below) and confirm your final figure. If it matches the quote, we pay immediately. If the device is materially different from your description, we tell you why, show you what we found, and you choose: accept the revised figure, or have it shipped back free of charge.
Step 6 · Payment
Paid by bank transfer within 48 hours of you accepting. No vouchers, no store credit, unless you specifically want credit — in which case we add 10%.
Step 7 · Data erasure
Every device is erased to DoD 5220.22-M standard on arrival, whether or not we go on to resell it. This happens even if you already erased it yourself. Written confirmation of erasure is available on request, which businesses usually want for their compliance records.
Part two — how grading works
Step 1 · The 40-point diagnostic
Before any cosmetic assessment, the device has to pass function testing. We check battery capacity and cycle count, display uniformity, touch response, dead and stuck pixels, all cameras and lenses, speakers, microphones, every physical button, the charging port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular radios, GPS, and Face ID or Touch ID. On a Mac we add keyboard, trackpad, all ports, fans and thermal behaviour under sustained load.
Anything that fails is either repaired with a quality-matched part or the device is rejected outright and stripped for components. A device never enters the catalogue with a known fault.
Step 2 · Battery threshold
Any iPhone measuring below 85% battery health receives a new cell before it goes any further. This is not optional and it is not grade-dependent — a grade C device gets the same treatment as a grade A one.
Step 3 · Independent cosmetic grading
Two technicians grade the device separately, under the same controlled lighting, without seeing each other's score. They assess the screen first, then the frame, then the back.
Step 4 · Resolving disagreement
Around one device in seven produces a split, almost always between adjacent grades. When two technicians disagree, we take the lower grade — always. There is no third opinion and no appeal. It costs us margin on every one of those units, and it is the single most important rule we have.
Step 5 · The grade is applied
The device is listed under one of three sellable grades. These describe cosmetic condition only — function is identical across all three.
| Grade | Screen | Frame & back | Battery (iPhone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A — Like new | Flawless | No marks visible at any angle | 95%+ |
| B — Very good | Flawless | Very light marks, not noticeable in daily handling | 90%+ |
| C — Good | Flawless | Light scratches, visible up close | 85%+ |
The screen is flawless on every grade. A device with a marked screen is re-screened or rejected — it is never downgraded to C to get around the problem.
Step 6 · Final wipe and listing
The device is erased again, restored to a clean current OS install, photographed, and listed with its measured battery percentage stated exactly — not a range.
What this means when you buy
Every grade carries the same 24-month warranty and the same 30-day free return window. Grade C is not a lesser guarantee — it is a cheaper appearance.
If a device arrives and the condition is not what you expected, send it back. See returns, condition grades and warranty.