Shoe repair chain Timpson has introduced a new service for trading in mobile phones. Partnering with gadget resell company musicMagpie and its parent company AO, Timpson now allows individuals to bring their unwanted smartphones to any Timpson store and receive instant cash. Recent research by Censuswide indicates that 73% of adults in the UK own at least one unused smartphone, with an average trade-in value of approximately £250, amounting to an estimated total value of £10 billion.
While various online options for reselling exist, Timpson aims to cater to those who prefer in-person transactions. A survey revealed that 68% of people prefer trading in their devices face-to-face, with one in four emphasizing the importance of immediate payment. Timpson and musicMagpie initially trialed 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 convenience of the “Take it to Timpson” service eliminates the barrier of apathy towards trading in old tech, making it an attractive option for customers to swiftly receive cash for their old smartphones. The collaboration between musicMagpie’s refurbishment expertise and Timpson’s extensive network aims to help customers unlock the value in their old devices instantly, promoting sustainability and affordability.
Steve Oliver, the managing director and co-founder of musicMagpie, highlighted the significance of expanding their reach by integrating Magpie into Timpson’s vast network. Similarly, Sid Hubbard, the group director of Timpson, emphasized the trusted and customer-friendly nature of Timpson’s services, noting that the addition of smartphone trade-ins complements their long-standing commitment to repairing and extending the life of various goods.
Overall, the partnership between Timpson and musicMagpie signifies a significant step towards enhancing customer convenience and sustainability in the tech resale market.