Trading in your iPad? Do it now

A new iPad is probably coming soon, and companies that buy used electronic devices say they're experiencing a surge of customers trading in their old tablets.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Companies like Gazelle and NextWorth, which buy used electronic devices, say they're experiencing a surge of customers trading in their old iPads. The spike began Tuesday, when Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) announced it has an upcoming event Oct. 22. Apple is widely expected to be giving its tablet its first big redesign in more than a year and a half.

At Gazelle, iPad trade-ins have soared to their highest level this year. IPads now make up 20% of items traded in on Gazelle's website, up from 11% a week ago.

"Previous generations all look the same," said Anthony Scarsella, Gazelle's chief gadget officer. The new iPad could have more processing power, a better camera and even use Apple's latest Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

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Meanwhile, NextWorth saw its weekly iPad trade-ins more than triple this week.

But consumers looking for a good deal had better act fast, lest they be affected by the basic forces of economics. The surge in supply of trade-in iPads means trade-in prices are dropping.

Data provided by NextWorth show that iPad prices drop after Apple unveils a new tablet - and even more when a new iPad hits store shelves. Last year, trade-in values for the iPad dropped 4% when Apple unveiled its latest-generation iPad in October. The trade-in price fell by another 10% when the tablet hit store shelves in November.

If you're trading in: Let's say you've got a mid-range iPad 2 (black, 32 GB with WiFi) in good condition -- but not flawless. Last year, that could have fetched $300. How about now?

CNNMoney looked at the prevailing prices online Wednesday:

Amazon: If you're willing to wait around for a buyer, you post your iPad for sale on Amazon and easily sell it for $350. Amazon also has a trade-in program, offering $189.
Apple: Probably the worst deal out there, because of how restrictive it is. The Apple Reuse and Recycling Program offers $136 -- but only in the form of an Apple Store gift card.
Gazelle: $190. It's also more forgiving on nicks and scratches.
NextWorth: $180. It's also accommodating on the tablet's condition.
Best Buy: This one's a bit tricky, because "good" is the best listed condition. But if it's "fair," you only get $130.
GameStop: After an in-store inspection, you can choose between $161 in cash or a $202 in store credit.
RadioShack: $150 if you include the power adapter.
SellOldiPad.com: $269. You'll get your money faster if you send it in your own box instead of waiting for the company to ship a box to you.
eBay: You're the seller so it's totally up to you. But it can easily go for $265 -- whenever a buyer eventually finds you.