Timpson, a well-known shoe repair chain, has introduced a new service for trading in mobile phones. Partnering with musicMagpie, a gadget resell company, and its parent company AO, Timpson now allows individuals to bring their unwanted smartphones to any of their stores and receive instant cash. Recent research indicates that 73% of adults in the UK own at least one unused smartphone, with an average trade-in value of approximately £250, totaling an estimated £10 billion in unused devices.
While numerous online options exist for reselling smartphones, Timpson aims to cater to customers who prefer face-to-face transactions, despite similar high-street alternatives. A survey revealed that 68% of people prefer in-person device trade-ins, with a quarter emphasizing the importance of immediate payment.
The trade-in service, initiated as a trial by Timpson and musicMagpie four months ago, has now been expanded to over 1,300 Timpson stores nationwide. John Roberts, the CEO of AO World, expressed that the ease of trading in old tech at Timpson locations makes it an attractive choice for customers, highlighting the convenience of receiving cash within minutes.
The collaboration between musicMagpie and Timpson is seen as a significant step forward, with Steve Oliver, musicMagpie’s managing director, emphasizing the milestone achieved by expanding their reach through Timpson’s extensive store network. Sid Hubbard, Timpson’s group director, highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing the high-street experience for customers by offering smartphone trade-in services in addition to their longstanding repair services.
The integration of musicMagpie’s refurbishment expertise with Timpson’s widespread presence aims to provide customers with instant value for their old devices while promoting device reuse and affordability.