Shoe repair chain Timpson has introduced a new service for trading in mobile phones. The company, known for services like key cutting, has partnered with gadget resell firm musicMagpie and its parent company AO. Individuals can visit a Timpson store with their unwanted smartphones and receive immediate cash, according to the company.
A recent survey indicates that 73% of adults in the UK possess at least one unused smartphone at home, with an average trade-in value of approximately £250. Research conducted by Censuswide estimates the total value of unused smartphones to be around £10 billion.
Despite numerous online resell options available, Timpson aims to cater to individuals who prefer face-to-face transactions. The survey revealed that 68% of people prefer in-person device trade-ins, with one in four emphasizing the importance of immediate payment.
Timpson and musicMagpie initiated a trial of the trade-in service four months ago and have now expanded it to over 1,300 Timpson stores nationwide. John Roberts, the CEO and founder of AO World, expressed that the collaboration makes trading in old tech more convenient for customers, enabling them to receive cash quickly at Timpson locations.
Steve Oliver, managing director and co-founder of musicMagpie, highlighted the significance of integrating Magpie services into Timpson’s extensive network of 1,300 stores across the UK. Sid Hubbard, group director of Timpson, emphasized the company’s commitment to enhancing the high street experience by introducing smartphone trade-in services, aligning with their longstanding tradition of repairing and reviving goods for over 150 years.