As IT service providers prepare for Microsoft’s end of support for Windows XP next spring, some businesses are facing real pressure to upgrade. But with less than five months remaining, Windows XP usage remains at an alarming 33.66 percent, which means consumers must either upgrade or face security risks as Microsoft stops releasing patches for the O/S.

For a single consumer, the need to replace one out-of-date PC or laptop is bad enough. But a business with multiple devices running Windows XP faces a large expense that likely isn’t included in the budget. The issue has called attention to the importance of keeping devices reasonably updated. Windows XP is more than a decade old, after all. By replacing PCs and mobile devices at least every five years, businesses can protect against a mass update requirement.

Too big for your budget? The truth is, there are ways to offset the cost of new equipment. Instead of piling that old equipment in your trunk and taking it down to the recycling center, consider making a little money off of it. Here are a few outlets for making money off of PCs, smartphones, and other office equipment.

• eBay Electronics–One of the best places to get top dollar for used electronics is eBay. The best news about eBay is that you’ll be able to see how much your item is earning before you bid.
• MarkITx–This online marketplace keeps buyers and sellers invisible to each other, making it ideal for businesses. The site holds funds in escrow until the equipment is safely delivered.
• Craigslist–Save yourself time in line at the post office and put your item up on your local Craigslist site. Buyers will sometimes even come by your business and pick the items up, especially if you’re asking a reasonable price.
• Gazelle–Unless your desktops are Macs, Gazelle won’t apply to your business. But Gazelle is a great place to painlessly sell cell phones, tablets, iPods, Macbooks, and Macs. While you’ll likely earn more on eBay or Craigslist, it might be worth it to let Gazelle take care of everything. They tell you up front how much they’ll offer. They even send you a postage-paid box to ship it to them in.

The good news is, most of these sites allow you to price your item before you make the decision to sell. Enter your model number on eBay or Gazelle and see how much your device will fetch before making the decision to upgrade.