Before you mail anything, you want a real sense of what your boxes will bring. The value of unused test strips depends on a handful of things, and the brand on the box is one of the biggest.
Test Strip Buyers publishes a price list so you can check ranges before you decide, and the company buys most major brands. Knowing how much your test strips are worth, and what moves that number, helps you get the most from supplies you no longer need.
This guide breaks down what drives the value, which brands tend to pay more, and how to get an exact quote for your specific boxes.
What Decides How Much Your Test Strips Are Worth
Four things set the value: the brand, the box count, the expiration date, and the condition of the packaging. A sealed 100-count box of a popular brand with a long expiration sits at the top of the range.
Expiration is the factor people underestimate. Boxes with plenty of time left earn full value, boxes close to their date are paid less, and expired boxes cannot be bought at all.
Condition matters too. A clean, sealed, undamaged box qualifies for full price, while a dented or marked box may be reduced. Some boxes, such as Accu-Chek Guide, are more prone to damage in transit, so a little extra padding can be the difference between full and reduced payment.
Which Brands Tend to Be Worth the Most
Demand drives price, and a few names consistently sit near the top. Higher count boxes of brands like One Touch, Accu-Chek, and Freestyle Lite often bring strong payouts.
Continuous glucose monitor supplies are their own tier. Sealed Dexcom G6 and G7 sensors, Freestyle Libre 2 and 3 sensors, and Omnipod pods tend to be worth more per box than standard strips, because they are expensive at retail and in steady demand.
Meters and lancets carry smaller values, but they still add to a shipment. Test Strip Buyers lists ranges for each item on its price list, so nothing has to be guesswork.
Why Two Boxes of the Same Brand Can Pay Differently
It surprises people that two boxes of the same product can be quoted at different amounts. The reason is almost always the expiration date or a difference between retail and mail-order packaging.
Retail boxes and mail-order or DME boxes are not always valued the same, and some brands print box codes that affect eligibility. The price list reflects these differences, so you see the right number for the exact box you hold.
This is also why a quote beats a guess. Entering your real boxes and dates gives you an accurate figure rather than a rough average. It also means there are no surprises at inspection, since the amount you were quoted reflects the exact items you sent.
How to Get an Exact Quote From Test Strip Buyers
The fastest way to know your total is to check the published prices and request a quote for your specific items. You will see the range for each box before you ever ship.
Test Strip Buyers covers shipping with a free prepaid label, inspects your supplies on arrival, and pays by check or PayPal. If you want simple ways to protect value before you send, our guide on how to get the most for your strips is a good next read.
First-time sellers who send at least 200 valid test strips within two weeks also earn a bonus on that first order.
How Expiration Tiers Change Your Payout
Most buyers, including Test Strip Buyers, price boxes in tiers based on how much time is left before they expire. Boxes with the longest dates earn full value, while those closer to expiring move into a lower tier.
The gap between tiers can be meaningful, so a box with many months left can be worth noticeably more than the same box nearing its date. This is part of why it pays to sell sooner rather than letting boxes sit.
Expired boxes fall outside every tier and cannot be purchased. If a box is getting close, send it before it crosses the line so it still qualifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on brand, count, expiration, and condition. Popular brands with long expiration dates and higher counts sit at the top of the range, and the published price list shows the figure for each box.
Often yes. Sealed Dexcom and Libre sensors usually carry higher per-box values than standard strips, because they cost more at retail and stay in demand.
Payout is tied to the expiration date. The closer a box is to expiring, the lower the offer, and expired boxes cannot be purchased.
Yes. A 100-count box is generally worth more than a 50 or 25-count box of the same brand, since it contains more strips.
Yes. You can see published ranges and request a quote for your exact items, so you know the amount before you send anything.
See What Your Boxes Add Up To
Curious what that drawer full of boxes adds up to? Get a free quote and see your total before you ship, or call (800) 439-6445 and we will walk through the numbers with you.