Shoe repair chain Timpson has introduced a new service for trading in mobile phones. The company, well-known for key cutting and other services, has partnered with gadget resell firm musicMagpie and its parent company AO. Individuals can now bring their unwanted smartphones to a Timpson store and receive immediate cash, as stated by the company.
Research indicates that 73% of UK adults possess at least one unused smartphone at home, with an average trade-in value of approximately £250. The total value of these unused devices is estimated to be around £10 billion, based on findings from Censuswide.
Although numerous online options exist for reselling smartphones, Timpson aims to cater to individuals who prefer face-to-face transactions. The survey reveals that 68% of people favor trading in their devices in person, with one out of four emphasizing the importance of instant 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 chief executive and founder of AO World, emphasized the convenience of the new service, stating that customers can swiftly receive cash for their old smartphones at any of the 1,300 Timpson sites.
The collaboration between musicMagpie’s refurbishment expertise and Timpson’s widespread network aims to help customers unlock the value of their old tech promptly. This partnership not only facilitates instant transactions but also promotes sustainability by keeping more devices in use and making them affordable for all consumers.
Steve Oliver, the managing director and co-founder of musicMagpie, highlighted the significance of expanding their reach through the addition of Magpie to 1,300 Timpson stores across the UK. Sid Hubbard, the group director of Timpson, expressed enthusiasm about enhancing the high street experience for customers through the new service, aligning with the company’s longstanding commitment to repairing and repurposing goods.
The integration of smartphone trade-in services into Timpson’s offerings further underscores the company’s dedication to providing customer-centric solutions in partnership with musicMagpie.