Is there an old phone working but not in use? This is a common situation in Brazil, where more than 90 million old devices remain stored in homes, according to research byMobile 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, conducted by Green Eletron, also highlighted this challenge by revealing that 87% of Brazilians reported keeping some electronic device at home unused, without knowing how to dispose of it properly. To face this challenge, the Sectoral Agreement for the Reverse Logistics of Electronic and Electrical Products sets ambitious goals: by 2025, more than 5,000 Voluntary Delivery Points (PEVs) should be installed in the 400 largest cities in Brazil. In this scenario, the used smartphone market bets on refurbishing and reselling devices as a way to promote digital inclusion and sustainability.
Trocafone, a leader in the purchase and sale of pre-owned smartphones in Brazil, was a pioneer in the pre-owned market in the country and is betting on the growth of the programTrocaFácil, which offers discounts of up to R$ 4,000 on the purchase of new devices through the exchange of 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 purchasing a new cell phone.
How does it work?
Trocafone, a pioneer in the segment, handles the acquisition, processing, and sale 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 reconditioning stages, which include functionality tests, replacement of defective components, software updates, and cleaning. The company has already sold between 800 and 1,000 units per day, totaling around 30,000 units sold per month.
One way to give a new purpose to an old cell phone is through trade-in programs offered by stores and brands at the time of purchasing a device. "Our trade-in model is a practical example of how consumers can reuse their old devices 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 the environmental impact, especially regarding the improper disposal of electronic waste," says Flávio Peres, CEO of Trocafone.
In addition to exchange programs, it is possible to generate extra income by selling the device directly through Trocafone's channels, both via the online store and 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 difference is that there is no need to worry about delivery, as our team picks up the device from the customer's home or a designated location," explains Flávio.
“In addition to making a profit from the sale, the process is safe and includes free shipping, without the need to leave home. That cell phone forgotten in the drawer can still be useful to someone else, promoting digital inclusion,” concludes the CEO.
