Timpson, a renowned 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 offers a quick cash exchange for unwanted handsets at their stores. Recent data shows that 73% of adults in the UK own at least one unused smartphone, with an average trade-in value of approximately £250, totaling around £10 billion in unused devices. While online resale options are plentiful, Timpson aims to cater to individuals who prefer face-to-face transactions, despite existing similar high street alternatives.
A survey revealed that 68% of people prefer to trade in their devices in person, with one in four emphasizing the importance of immediate payment. The trade-in service, initially trialed by Timpson and musicMagpie four months ago, is now available at over 1,300 Timpson stores nationwide.
John Roberts, the CEO and founder of AO World, emphasized the convenience of the new service, stating that customers can now easily receive cash for their old smartphones within minutes at Timpson locations. This collaboration between musicMagpie’s refurbishment expertise and Timpson’s extensive network aims to unlock the value of old tech instantly while making devices more affordable for everyone. Steve Oliver, managing director of musicMagpie, expressed excitement about the partnership’s expansion to 1,300 Timpson stores, enhancing customer reach and convenience.
Group director of Timpson, Sid Hubbard, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing trusted and friendly service, noting that the smartphone trade-in service aligns with Timpson’s longstanding tradition of repairing and repurposing goods. The addition of smartphone trade-ins further enhances the high street experience for Timpson customers, continuing the brand’s legacy of over 150 years.