Do you have an old cell phone that still works but is unused? This is a common situation in Brazil, where over 90 million old devices remain stored in homes, according to research by Opinion Box. The most recent study, released in 2024, reveals that 63% of Brazilians keep at least one old but functional cell phone stored at home.
Trocafone, the leader in buying and selling refurbished smartphones in Brazil, is betting on the growth of the TrocaFácil program, which offers discounts of up to R$4,000 on the purchase of new devices when trading in old cell phones. The company emphasizes the importance of promoting the culture of reselling and donating these devices, which not only contributes to sustainability but also allows consumers to profit or pay less when acquiring a new phone.
How does it work?
Trocafone, a pioneer in the sector, handles the collection, processing, and commercialization of devices. The process begins with a security assessment to verify the legal origin of the received cell phones. Next, the devices go through refurbishment steps, including functionality tests, replacement of defective components, software updates, and cleaning. The company sells between 800 and 1,000 devices per day, totaling about 30,000 units sold per month.
One way to repurpose an old cell phone is through trade-in programs offered by stores and brands when purchasing a new device. “Our trade-in model is a practical example of how consumers can reuse their old devices when upgrading. We know new smartphone models will continue to emerge, as will new needs, but there are ways to mitigate environmental impact, especially regarding improper disposal of electronic waste,” says Flávio Peres, CEO of Trocafone.
In addition to trade-in programs, it’s possible to earn extra income by selling the device directly through Trocafone’s channels, either via the online store or the company’s kiosks. “The consumer selects the brand, model, and condition of the phone, receives an offer, and decides whether to proceed with the transaction. The advantage is that there’s no need to worry about delivery, as our team picks up the device from the customer’s home or a designated location,” explains Flávio.
“Besides profiting from the sale, the process is secure and includes free shipping, with no need to leave home. That forgotten phone in the drawer can still be useful to someone else, promoting digital inclusion,” concludes the CEO.
