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 Mobile Time and Opinion Box. The most recent study, released this year, reveals that 63% of Brazilians keep at least one old but functional cell phone at home. The Electronic Waste in Brazil – 2021 survey, conducted by Green Eletron, also highlighted this challenge by showing that 87% of Brazilians reported keeping some unused electronic device at home without knowing how to dispose of it properly. To address this challenge, the Sectoral Agreement for the Reverse Logistics of Electronic Products sets ambitious goals: by 2025, over 5,000 Voluntary Delivery Points (PEVs) should be installed in Brazil’s 400 largest cities. In this scenario, the refurbished smartphone market bets on reconditioning and reselling devices as a way to promote digital inclusion and sustainability.
Trocafone, the leader in buying and selling refurbished smartphones in Brazil, was a pioneer in the refurbished market in the country and is betting on the growth of the TrocaFácil, program, which offers discounts of up to R$ 4,000 on the purchase of new devices in exchange for old cell phones. The company emphasizes the importance of promoting the culture of reselling and donating these devices, which, in addition to contributing to sustainability, allows consumers to profit or pay less when acquiring a new phone.
How does it work?
Trocafone, a pioneer in the segment, 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. Then, the devices go through reconditioning stages, which include 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 cell phone a new purpose 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 that 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 an agreed location,” explains Flávio.
“In addition to 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.
