Although it’s already been 2 years since Starlink first started providing satellite internet, customers still have to wait a long time before they get their hands on the Starlink gear.
One way to skip the waitlist is to buy used Starlink equipment. But there is risk involved regarding trusting the seller and the components being defective.
And if you are trying to sell your Starlink kit, there are issues regarding who you can sell it to and the process of doing it correctly.
In this article, I’ve explained what you need to do if you want to buy a used Starlink kit. And also, I’ve described the authentic process that will help you sell your Starlink equipment.
Let’s begin!
Is it Legal to Sell or Buy Used Starlink Equipment?
Yes, you can buy a used Starlink dish or sell your Starlink unit to someone else without any legal issues. Starlink support has confirmed this information, and it is still valid. The original owner has to contact Starlink to transfer the account.
Starlink makes it clear that they are not responsible or involved in the actual sale of the Starlink equipment and that it is strictly between the two parties involved.
Starlink will just ask for the new owners’ name and address (not a P.O box) to make a new account, and they are not responsible if the hardware is faulty.
The process of buying and selling Starlink equipment is pretty simple. In the following sections, I’ve described how to do that.
Related contents you should read about Starlink RV case guide.
How to Buy Used Starlink Equipment
You can buy a used Starlink dish, but before you do that, you need to verify if Starlink service is available at your location. Because if it’s not, the Starlink dish will be useless. Also, make sure the seller’s Starlink account can be transferred to you.
Let’s get into the details.
Here are the steps to buying used Starlink equipment:
1. Check Starlink Coverage Map
The Starlink website has a map that shows which areas are available for orders and which sites are available for pre-order.
You can also put your address on the map, which will take you directly to your area. And from the color of your area, you can determine if Starlink is available.
Here’s how to determine Starlink availability:
- Open the Starlink Coverage Map.
- Put your area name in the SERVICE ADDRESS box and click SEARCH.
The map will take you to your area. If your area is light Blue, you can buy a used Starlink unit. But if your location shows a darker shade of Blue, you shouldn’t buy the Starlink equipment as you won’t be able to obtain its services.
2. Check Starlink Availability to Your Address
For a more accurate result, you can go to Starlink’s website, place an order at your location and determine what kind of order is available for you.
Here’s how to check the Starlink order type in your location:
- Open the Starlink Website.
- Put your address in the SERVICE ADDRESS box, click ORDER NOW and check what it says.
![starlink-address-order]](https://10pcg.com/wp-content/uploads/starlink-address-order-1.jpg)
If you see the message that Service for this order is only guaranteed at this location, you can go through the deal and buy the second-hand Starlink dish.
But if you get the message that Starlink is currently at capacity in your area and that you have to pay $99 to pre-order, you shouldn’t buy the Starlink equipment as you won’t be able to acquire its services.
3. Give Your Information to the Seller
When you’ve confirmed that Starlink is available in your area and have found a good deal for a used Starlink dish, you have to get in touch with the seller.
You’ll need to send the address of the location where you are planning to use Starlink and your email address that will be linked to your Starlink account to the seller.
Remember, you cannot provide an email address used for Starlink pre-orders. If so, then you need to cancel or provide another email.
4. Let the Seller Submit a Ticket
At this point, the seller needs to open a Starlink support ticket, request a service transfer and give Starlink your location and email address. Starlink will check whether your address is open for service. If it is, you’ll receive the service transfer form in your email.
5. Complete the Service Transfer Form
Once you receive the service transfer form email, fill it out. You’ll need the seller’s Starlink account number.
After submitting the form, Starlink will create your new account so you can start the service and begin paying the monthly bill. Starlink will send you a confirmation email after a few days if everything goes accordingly.
6. Pay for the Starlink Equipment
You should only pay for the Starlink kit when you receive the confirmation email from Starlink informing you that the account has been transferred to you successfully. Do not pay until you receive the email to avoid getting scammed.
Follow our guide to know does Starlink work well in bad weather?
What are the Factors to Consider When Buying Used Starlink?
The Starlink kit is expensive, and you should check everything thoroughly before you pay the seller. You should know precisely when you are supposed to pay in this type of deal and how to verify the product as well as the seller’s Starlink account.
Here are the factors to consider when you are buying a used Starlink unit:
- Do not pay for the Starlink equipment until you receive Starlink’s confirmation email informing you that the seller’s account has been transferred to you.
- Use the buyer protection policy when you are buying from eBay. So, if any component is faulty, eBay will refund your money.
- Verify the Starlink dish can connect to satellites and provide internet. If possible, check the equipment in person.
- Verify whether the seller’s Starlink account is active and if he has completed all payments for Starlink services and monthly bills.
How to Sell Your Used Starlink Equipment
When you pay $599 for the Starlink kit, you are free to do whatever you wish with your equipment, and Starlink doesn’t mind. You can sell the Residential Starlink gear that you’ve used to anyone with Starlink service available to their location.
Let’s go through all the steps for selling your Starlink unit successfully.
Here’s how to sell your used Starlink equipment:
1. Check Your Account Status
Make sure your account is active, you’ve paid for the services, and no monthly bill is left unpaid.
2. Get the Buyers’ Information
After you’ve found someone willing to buy your Starlink gear, you’ll need the buyer’s address where he is planning to use Starlink. Also, get the email address that will be linked to his Starlink account.
3. Request a Ticket to Starlink Support
Now, you have to open a Starlink support ticket, request a service transfer and give Starlink the location and email address of the buyer.
Starlink will check if the address is open for service. In case it is, the buyer will receive the service transfer form to the email address he provided. If the buyer has used the same email to pre-order Starlink and is currently on the waitlist, the email won’t work.
In that case, the buyer should cancel the pre-order or provide a different email address.
4. Send Your Starlink Account Number to the Buyer
When the buyer receives the service transfer form via email, you have to give him your Starlink account number so he can fill out the form and submit it.
After a few days of submitting the form, the buyer will receive a confirmation email that your account is now transferred to him, and Starlink will cancel your service at the end of the current billing period.
5. Get Paid & Give the Buyer Your Starlink Kit
When the buyer gets the email confirming successful account transfer, complete the sale by making the exchange of money and Starlink gear.
Check out the easiest way to know Starlink Vs. Viasat
What are the Factors to Consider When Selling Your Used Starlink Kit?
Alongside finding a suitable buyer and getting a reasonable price for your Starlink kit, you should ensure Starlink is available at the buyer’s address. Check availability for the address from the Starlink website. Just place an order and see the order type.
If you see the message that Service for this order is only guaranteed at this location, then complete order is available at that place. So, you can go through the deal and sell your Starlink dish.
But if you get the message that Starlink is currently at capacity in your area and that you have to pay $99 to pre-order, you shouldn’t sell your Starlink gear to that buyer because he won’t be able to use the service.
How to Transfer Your Starlink Equipment
Starlink is currently testing out the transfer options in the United States and Canada. Soon it will be available to other countries. But, just because transferring is available in the US and Canada doesn’t mean you can transfer from one country to another.
You can transfer the Starlink unit only within the country where the unit was purchased.
Also, don’t forget to put the Starlink dish into Stow mode before moving it. Let’s find out how to do that correctly, as the dish is the biggest piece of equipment in the Starlink kit and can easily get damaged.
Here’s how to stow the Starlink dish:
- Open the Starlink app.
- Tap on SETTINGS.
- Scroll down and choose STOW.
- Tap OK to confirm your decision.
When you put the Starlink dish into the Stow Mode, the dish will start to fold itself to make it easier to transfer.
After these steps, pack the dish, mount, ethernet cable, router and power cords in their original boxes, use duct tape to properly seal the package and carry it to its new address.
Also, check out our separate post on how to find out if Starlink is available in your area?
FAQs
Can you transfer ownership of Starlink?
Yes, you can transfer Starlink ownership if the account is paid-in-full and in good standing and the Service address is the same, or Starlink service is available at the new owner’s address.
What to do with Starlink if you move?
If you move, you can use the paid add-on, the Portability feature, that lets customers temporarily move their service to different locations. But it has to be within the same continent as their permanent service address.
Can Starlink RV be transferred?
No, currently, you cannot transfer Starlink RV to another owner.
Final Thoughts
Purchasing things from a third-party source can be scary, especially when buying something so expensive, such as the Starlink kit.
But if you follow the steps and the advice I’ve given in this article, you will get genuine Starlink equipment without getting scammed.
Also, if you are trying to sell your Starlink gear, I’ve provided the step-by-step process on how to do that and transfer your account and gear to the new owner.
Let me know if you have further questions regarding Starlink. See you in the comment section.
