Do you have an old cell phone that still works but isn’t being used? 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, specialized in buying and selling refurbished smartphones in Brazil, is betting on the growth of the program TrocaFácil, which offers discounts of up to R$4,000 on new devices in exchange for old cell phones. The company emphasizes the importance of promoting a culture of reselling and donating these devices, which, in addition to contributing to sustainability, allows consumers to earn money or pay less when purchasing a new phone.
How does it work?
Trocafone, a pioneer in this segment, handles the collection, processing, and resale of these devices. The process begins with a security check to verify the legal origin of the received phones. Then, the devices undergo refurbishment stages, including functionality tests, replacement of defective components, software updates, and cleaning. The company has sold between 800 and 1,000 devices per day, totaling around 30,000 units sold per month.
One way to give an old phone a new purpose is through trade-in programs offered by stores and brands at the time of 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 on the online store or at 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 an agreed-upon location,” explains Flávio.
“The process is safe 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.
