The health crisis has greatly changed the lines of consumption, particularly with regard to the purchase of appliances. According to a study carried out by theFIFG60% of French people bought or intended to buy a refurbished smartphone in 2020. In 2019, they were 53%.
The market is growing rapidly and widening its target. The refurbisher CertiDeal.com has, for example, extended its offer to B2B. Gradually, the purchase of refurbished devices is becoming a reflex for individuals and professionals alike.
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A booming market accelerated by the pandemic
For several years, the refurbished market has been booming. This is particularly the case since the start of the pandemic, which has had a strong impact on the purchasing power of consumers. According to one study carried out in December 2021 by Crédit Agricole, 64% of French people are more looking for ways to save money following the health crisis.
For this, they turn to second-hand purchases. 67% of respondents say they would be interested in second-hand products to save money, and 48% to buy products that they could not get new because of their price. While prices vary by condition, brand and model, refurbished tech devices can be up to 75% cheaper than new.
One consequence leading to another, the crisis has significantly impacted the production of electronic components, in particular chips. With demand for tech devices up during lockdowns and production down due to the pandemic, it’s hard for big companies to keep up. For consumers, refurbished game consoles, smartphones and computers have emerged as an ideal alternative. Indeed, reconditioners have a large quantity of spare parts at their fingertips. They are taken from unusable devices, but some parts of which are still functional.
The ecological aspect, a considerable advantage
In the case of a new smartphone, the manufacturing phase is the most significant source of impact for the environment. The French agency for energy management (ADEME) indicates that the production of a telephone requires around fifty different materials and the extraction of more than 200 kilos of materials. Aware of this process, many consumers are turning to the circular economy. Today, one out of two French people would be interested in refurbished products to be more respectful of the environment (Credit Agricole study).
Refurbished smartphones or computers are not only popular with individuals. In turn, companies are also succumbing to the purchase of this type of device. When it comes time to change their computer equipment, they turn more to reconditioners for budgetary reasons. However, the ecological aspect remains a real argument and an important lever for their policy of social and environmental responsibility (CSR).
For individuals and professionals alike, refurbished products tick all the boxes: price, quality and respect for the environment. They appear as a reliable alternative to new smartphones, tablets and computers. Today, the global refurbished market is estimated at $50 billion, including $22 billion for phones.