Selling PC Parts in the UK: Koukan vs CeX vs Cash Converters (Payouts & Fees Compared)
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When it comes time to part ways with an old graphics card, CPU, or motherboard in the UK, sellers face a familiar trade-off: convenience versus cash return.
High-street exchange shops like CeX and pawn brokers like Cash Converters offer immediate gratification: hand over your hardware across the counter, wait an hour for a diagnostic stress test, and walk out with cash in hand. But that instant gratification comes at a staggering cost—frequently sacrificing 35% to 55% of your component's true market value to feed retail overhead and store margins.
UK Platform Payout Shootout (Example: RTX 3080 10GB)
Here is the financial reality of selling a standard RTX 3080 across major UK channels in 2026:
| Platform | Payout Format | Net Money in Pocket | Payout Timeline | Seller Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koukan (Peer-to-Peer Escrow) | Direct Bank Transfer (Cash) | £290 – £315 | Upon buyer delivery inspection | High (Escrow Mediation) |
| CeX (Cash Drop-off) | Cash / Bank Transfer | £190 – £215 (Heavy haircut) | Same day (after testing) | Immediate (Final once accepted) |
| CeX (Store Voucher) | CeX Store Credit Voucher | £250 – £270 (Voucher locked) | Same day | Immediate |
| eBay UK (Private Selling) | Bank Transfer | £265 – £280 | 2 to 4 business days | Low (Buyer-biased disputes) |
| Cash Converters | Instant Cash | £140 – £175 (Severe lowball) | Instant on counter | Immediate |
For more details on marketplace safety, explore our guide: Koukan vs eBay vs Facebook Marketplace.
The CeX “Voucher Trap” Explained
CeX offers two payout tiers: Cash and Voucher. The voucher payout is typically 25% higher than their cash offer, tempting sellers into accepting store credit.
Why Koukan's Escrow System Protects Sellers
Many sellers avoid eBay because of eBay's notorious “Money Back Guarantee” policies, where buyers can claim an item is defective 28 days later, send back a box of rocks or a dead swapped card, and eBay automatically forces a seller refund.
On Koukan, buyers have a defined testing window upon postal delivery to inspect the hardware. Once approved (or if the window elapses without dispute), funds are automatically disbursed into your bank account. No disputes 60 days down the line!
You receive an automated, fully tracked shipping label. Simply drop the parcel off at your local Royal Mail Post Office or parcel drop-box.
Learn more about our payout timelines: Koukan Seller Payout Schedule: When and How You Get Paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does CeX offer so much less than eBay or Koukan?
CeX is a brick-and-mortar retail business with substantial commercial rent, business rates, staff wages, and VAT obligations. They also must price in the cost of providing a 24-month replacement warranty on every item they sell. The gap between their buy-in price and retail price is their gross operating margin.
Can Cash Converters test high-end PC parts properly?
Most Cash Converters branches lack dedicated PC testing rigs with adequate power supplies or high-end motherboards. Because they cannot verify that an RTX 3080 or Ryzen 9 works under full 3D load, they hedge their risk by offering bottom-dollar liquidation prices (often 60% below market value).
How do I clean my PC parts before listing to maximize value?
Use compressed air to blow out heatsink dust and 99% isopropyl alcohol with cotton swabs to clean off old thermal paste. Clean hardware commands 10% to 15% higher selling prices. Read our full guide on How to Clean Used PC Parts.
Sell Your Hardware Directly to UK Gamers
Stop giving away 40% of your hardware value to high-street pawn exchanges. List on Koukan for fair market payouts and guaranteed seller protection.
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