These startups advocate for a more environmentally friendly method of using technology.
Our lives are inextricably linked with electronic devices in a time rife with technological marvels. With everything from indispensable cellphones and adaptable laptops to smart home appliances that simplify our routines, these advances have certainly improved our daily lives. The rising tide of electronic garbage, or e-waste, poses a serious threat to our environment and the welfare of future generations, yet underneath this wave of development lurks an unsettling truth.
By 2030, 67 million tonnes of e-waste are expected to be produced globally, almost twice as much as was produced in 2014, according to Electronic Recyclers International (ERI). This exponential growth could be due to the technology’s rapid evolution, which has led to shorter product lifecycles and faster than ever before electrical gadget obsolescence.
Refurbished technology is a promising trend that has evolved in response to this urgent problem. This novel strategy aims to reduce electronic waste by revitalising outdated equipment.
What distinguishes a refurbished item?
Products that have undergone refurbishment have undergone repairs because of prior damage or wear and tear. It’s also conceivable that a former customer simply changed their mind and sent the item back. In any situation, the refurbishment procedure makes sure the item is functional and ready for resale.
Each vendor may have different requirements for what constitutes a reconditioned product. There is no industry-wide standard for refurbishment, therefore different businesses may use different procedures to fix and restore electronic gadgets. However, choosing reconditioned technology can reduce electronic waste and encourage resource conservation, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new equipment.
With their cutting-edge solutions, a number of entrepreneurs are setting the pace for the refurbished tech sector. This article will explore the top companies driving the revolution in electronics refurbishment.
Refurbed
Refurbed is an online store with its main office in Vienna, Austria, that sells used electronics after rigorous testing and maintenance procedures. Refurbed sells refurbished products for a price that is roughly 40% less than that of their brand-new counterparts. Additionally, each product has a 30-day trial period and a 12-month warranty.
Smartphones, computers, and tablets that have been restored to like-new condition are among the startup’s inventory. These gadgets go through a demanding 40-step restoration procedure. Each device is rigorously examined and tested by a team of professionals before usage, erasing any signs of prior use. They replace any parts that don’t adhere to the highest standards after cleaning and restoring the device’s components. The gadget is then unlocked and upgraded with new software.
Refurbed has effectively scaled to over 815,000 customers in nine European markets, establishing itself as a notable leader, despite a general reluctance among consumers to buy used items.
According to the business, buying a startup’s reconditioned product can cut carbon emissions by as much as 70%. In order to offset the final 30% of carbon emissions, Refurbed also plants a tree for each item sold. To assist restore the country’s natural vegetation, they now plant trees in Haiti, Madagascar, Kenya, Indonesia, and Mozambique. They may soon add Ireland to the list.
Market Back
Thibaud Hug de Larauze, Quentin Le Brouster, and Vianney Vaute created Back Market in November 2014, and it has grown in prominence as a modernised digital marketplace. Customers may obtain high-quality, expertly repaired electronics from the firm, which operates in 16 countries and mostly sells cellphones and appliances.
Back Market has a distinctive business model in which they do not actually refurbish electronic equipment. Instead, they collaborate with independent retailers or refurbishers who serve as sourcing partners for the market. These partners reach a wider audience and boost sales by refurbishing electrical gadgets to high standards and listing their inventory on the Back Market’s online platform.
Customers gain from this model since the 30-day money-back guarantee gives them the confidence to buy refurbished gadgets. If buyers are dissatisfied with the product’s quality within 30 days of purchase, they may return it for a full refund.
Refurbished electronics are the top choice for tech purchases, according to Back Market. They recognise that reconditioned devices have a huge potential for reducing e-waste, carbon emissions, pollution, and wasting less water and raw materials. They also work to broaden access to technology by selling refurbished goods.
Swappie
A Finnish IT business called Swappie focuses on selling refurbished iPhones online. The company was created in 2016 with the goal of earning its clients’ trust. It seeks to offer users a dependable and trustworthy platform where they can buy refurbished iPhones without worrying about being duped. With operations being present in 15 different European nations, Swappie is a well-liked option for reconditioned iPhones.
In Finland, Swappie provides a selection of reasonably priced refurbished iPhones to accommodate various spending limits and tastes. The starting price for an iPhone 7 is €139 (about US$153), while the highest price is €1,769 (about US$1954) for a brand-new iPhone 13 Pro Max. Customers can select a phone that suits their needs and budget thanks to these rates, which take into account the condition and characteristics of the gadget.
To ensure the quality of their reconditioned products, Swappie puts all devices through a demanding 52-step testing process. Additionally, Swappie’s European manufacturers restore all phones, further ensuring the high quality of the goods.
Additionally, the firm gives all of its refurbished iPhones a 14-day right of return and a 12-month warranty, giving customers confidence and peace of mind in their purchase. The supplied warranty covers any inherent functional flaws in the device but does not cover potential physical damage to the phone.
Currently operating in Germany, Austria, Ireland, France, Italy, and Poland, the firm has plans to soon expand to three more nations.
Refurbished tech startups are growing in popularity as consumers demand more affordable and environmentally friendly equipment. These startups promote good change and establish the bar for a longer-lasting future. These firms have the potential to revolutionise the electronics industry by advancing a more responsible and sustainable approach to technology use as they develop and broaden their product offerings.
