There is an old working cell phone, but without use? This is a common situation in Brazil, where more than 90 million old devices remain stored in homes, according to research fromMobile Timeand Opinion Box.The most recent study, released this year, reveals that 63% of Brazilians keep at least one old and functional cell phone stored at home. The research Electronic Waste in Brazil – 2021, carried out by Green Eletron, also pointed out this challenge by revealing that 87% of Brazilians reported keeping some unused electronic device at home, without knowing how to dispose of it properly. To face this challenge, the Sector Agreement for the Reverse Logistics of Electronic Products sets ambitious goals: by 2025, more than 5 thousand Voluntary Delivery Points (PEVs) will be installed in the 400 largest cities in Brazil. In this scenario, the market for refurbished smartphones bets on the refurbishment and resale of devices as a way to promote digital inclusion and sustainability
A Trocafone, leader in the buying and selling of used smartphones in Brazil, was a pioneer in the used car market in the country and bets on the growth of the programTrocaFácil, that offers discounts of up to R$ 4 thousand on the purchase of new devices in exchange for old cell phones. The company emphasizes the importance of promoting the culture of resale and donation of these devices that, in addition to contributing to sustainability, allows consumers to profit or pay less when acquiring a new cell phone
How it works
A Trocafone, pioneer in the segment, carries out the capture, the processing and marketing of the devices. The process begins with a security assessment to verify the legal provenance of the received cell phones. Next, the devices go through refurbishment stages, that include functionality tests, replacement of defective components, software update and cleaning. The company has already sold between 800 and 1000 devices per day, totaling about 30 thousand units sold per month
One of the ways to give a new purpose to an old cell phone is through exchange programs offered by stores and brands, at the time of purchasing a device. "Our trade-in model is a practical example of how the consumer can reuse their old device at the time of exchange". We know that new smartphone models will continue to emerge, as well as new needs, but there are ways to mitigate environmental impact, especially regarding the improper disposal of electronic waste, says Flávio Peres, CEO of Trocafone.
In addition to the exchange programs, it is possible to generate extra income by selling the device directly through Trocafone's channels, both through the online store and the company's kiosks. "The consumer selects the brand", model and condition of the cell phone, receives an offer and decides whether to proceed with the transaction. The difference is that there is no need to worry about the delivery, because our team picks up the device at the customer's house or at a agreed location, explain Flávio.
"In addition to profiting from the sale", the process is secure and includes free shipping, without the need to leave home. That forgotten cell phone in the drawer can still be useful for someone else, promoting digital inclusion, concluded the CEO
