Timpson, a prominent shoe repair chain, has introduced a new service for trading in mobile phones. Teaming up 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 indicates that 73% of adults in the UK own at least one unused smartphone, with an average trade-in value of approximately £250, totaling an estimated £10 billion in unused smartphones. While online resell options are plentiful, Timpson aims to cater to customers who prefer face-to-face transactions, although there are existing similar options on the high street.
A survey revealed that 68% of people prefer in-person device trade-ins, with one in four emphasizing the importance of immediate payment. The trade-in service was initially trialed by Timpson and musicMagpie four months ago and has now been expanded to over 1,300 Timpson stores across the UK.
John Roberts, the CEO and founder of AO World, expressed that overcoming apathy is the main challenge in trading old tech, and the “Take it to Timpson” initiative simplifies the process for customers, allowing them to swiftly receive cash for their old smartphones at numerous Timpson sites. This collaboration capitalizes on the refurbishment expertise of musicMagpie and the extensive network of Timpson, making old tech more valuable and accessible.
Steve Oliver, the managing director and co-founder of musicMagpie, highlighted the significant milestone achieved by partnering with 1,300 Timpson stores, offering enhanced reach and convenience for customers. Sid Hubbard, the group director of Timpson, emphasized the trust and friendly service provided by their expert colleagues, enhancing the overall high street experience for customers, aligning with Timpson’s long-standing commitment to repairing and repurposing goods. The extension of smartphone trade-in services reflects Timpson’s dedication to customer satisfaction in collaboration with musicMagpie.