Sell Your Tennis Racket in the US

Used tennis rackets in the US typically sell for $20 to $150. Rackets have a hidden shelf life: the graphite frame loses stiffness over years even if the racket looks new.

What tennis rackets are worth in the US

Condition	Typical	What it means
New with Tags	$148	Unused, tags or seals intact
Like New	$126	Barely used, no visible wear
Good	$96	Light signs of use, complete and working
Fair	$67	Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part
For Parts	$37	Not working or incomplete, sold as seen

Guide ranges converted from sterling at the 2 August 2026 rate, not quotes — sellers set their own price. Grades are seller-declared; WishThrift does not inspect or verify them.

What lifts the price

Recent frames from recognised makers
Original grommets intact

What pulls it down

Frames more than a decade old, which lose stiffness
Cheap aluminium rackets

Selling a tennis racket in the US

Peer-to-peer payment apps dominate private sales, and buyers will usually offer one before they offer cash. Sales tax does not apply to a private sale between individuals.

USPS, UPS and FedEx all cover the country. USPS Ground Advantage is normally cheapest for anything under a few pounds in weight; above that the gap narrows quickly.

Two practical things shape a US sale. Shipping is priced by dimensional weight as well as actual weight, so a light bulky item can cost far more to send than a heavy small one — measure the box before you quote. And meeting in person is common enough that many police departments now run designated safe-exchange areas in their car parks.

Working out what yours is worth

Inspect the throat and hoop closely for hairline cracks
Note the head size, weight and string pattern

Getting it ready

Find the head size in square inches, the unstrung weight and the grip size, usually printed on the frame or butt cap.
Check the frame for cracks and the grommets for wear, and clean or replace the overgrip.

Photograph

The throat showing head size, weight and grip size markings
The strings close up, showing wear or notching

Put in the description

Grip size, and whether an overgrip is fitted
String condition and when last strung

Brand, model, head size and grip: “Wilson Pro Staff 97, 4 3/8 Grip, Strung”. Grip size is essential and printed on the butt cap. Say whether the strings are fresh, playable or dead — restringing is a known cost buyers factor in.

April through August, peaking around the summer tournament season. Recognised models sell within days in season.

It costs nothing to list

There is no listing fee, no selling fee and no commission, so the $148 a buyer pays is the $148 you keep. You and the buyer settle up and arrange the handover between yourselves; WishThrift does not hold the money or ship the item.

Where in the US

The United States is a big place and what sells well moves with it. These are the parts of the United States with their own page for tennis rackets.

Common questions

Where can I sell a tennis racket in the US?

List it free on WishThrift and deal with the buyer direct. There is no selling fee, so the whole amount stays with you. Peer-to-peer payment apps dominate private sales, and buyers will usually offer one before they offer cash. Sales tax does not apply to a private sale between individuals.

Do the strings need replacing?

Press them and be honest. Dead strings are normal on a used racket and buyers accept the cost when told, but not when surprised.

What is a grommet strip?

The plastic strip protecting the string holes. Broken grommets cut strings and need replacing, though it is a cheap job.

Should I restring before selling?

Usually not. Most buyers have a string and tension preference, so let them choose.

More: how to sell a tennis racket, what tennis rackets are worth, or Sports & Outdoors across the United States.