Get a Gazelle Trade-in Rate for Your iPhone 4S Now, Then Keep It Until October

The iPhone 5 is coming, and for current iPhone owners that means one thing — it's time to start shopping around your now-dated handset. However, you may want to carefully consider your options before selling, as one popular trade-in site is extending its price-lock guarantee in anticipation of the iPhone 5.

Typically with many trade-in sites, the longer you wait to sell your item, the less money you'll get for it. So as we've noted before, an early sell guarantees the most cash for your device. However, this week, trade-in site Gazelle announced that it's giving iPhone owners the opportunity to register to sell their iPhone today and receive an August quote, and then lock-in that rate until October 1. This way, customers can take advantage of the earlier — and likely higher — trade-in value, but keep their iPhone until after the new one supposedly debuts on September 12 and shipped on September 28.

This is special for the Apple announcement, as Gazelle usually gives users a quote that's valid for only 30 days. For the iPhone 4S, that period has been extended to over a month. And even then, customers aren't obligated to sell their iPhone to Gazelle, and can choose to keep their phone instead.

How Much Can You Get From a Trade-In?

Amazon Trade-In takes the cake, however, by offering a healthier $410 Amazon credit for the same "like-new" 16GB iPhone 4S for Verizon, and a $348.50 Amazon credit for a "good condition" version of the same iPhone. Amazon's rate, however, is not guaranteed through October and payment is via an Amazon credit, rather than cash. (Click here for a look at all of Amazon's trade-in options.)

Gazelle for Some, Amazon for Others

Conversely, if you're still on the fence, or you can't stand to go over a month without your trusty phone at your side, then Gazelle's offer is an enticing option. It doesn't offer the highest return, but it's the only one currently extending its price-lock guarantee. To take advantage of the offer, simply head to the site, look for the iPhone model you currently own, and secure your quote. You can hold onto your rate — and your iPhone — until October 1.