Savvy UK customers consider buying refurbished mobile smartphones
In a new survey conducted by YouGov with 2,544 mobile phone owners in the UK, results showed that while a majority (91%) have heard of refurbished phone handsets, only 6% currently own one.
When asked about the likelihood of considering a refurbished mobile as a replacement for their current phone, half of mobile owners felt they were unlikely to do so, while only 22% considered it likely.
Less cost; less waste
With handset prices, especially among the newest and most innovative devices, firmly on the rise, customers are starting to turn away from buying new. But the question of sustainability is playing its part also – customers are recognising that they will not only lower their costs by refusing to buy a new handset, but lower their footprint too.
Experts have cited other factors that are influencing these changes too. Firstly, the growth of the SIM-only market is making it more competitive and therefore more cost-effective than ever before. This is especially true for businesses who are buying multiple contracts.
Secondly, the residual value of handsets is increasing – which means even old handsets are retaining their value and helping customers to trade in or refurbish themselves.
With business and consumer pressure to be more sustainable increasing, this feels like a trend that’s set to continue. And with some high-profile brands like Carphone Warehouse recently announcing a significant drop in new mobile sales, we can expect the market to change over the coming years.
Refurbished mobiles with SIM only
Buying a refurbished mobile and opting for a SIM-only plan can be a smart choice for businesses for several reasons:
- Cost Savings: Refurbished mobiles are significantly cheaper than new models, allowing businesses to equip employees with high-quality devices without the high expense. This can lead to substantial savings, especially when purchasing multiple units.
- Flexibility: SIM-only plans typically offer greater flexibility compared to contracts that include a new phone. Businesses can choose plans that best meet their usage needs and can often switch plans more easily if requirements change.
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Without the need to commit to long-term contracts tied to device purchases, businesses can reduce the total cost of ownership. This is particularly advantageous for managing budgets and cash flow.
- Environmental Responsibility: Purchasing refurbished devices supports sustainability efforts by reducing electronic waste and the demand for new manufacturing. This can enhance a company’s reputation as environmentally conscious.
- Immediate Availability: Refurbished phones are readily available, unlike new models which may have waiting periods. This ensures that businesses can quickly equip new employees or replace devices as needed.
- Same Features and Performance: Refurbished mobiles often offer the same features and performance as new devices, especially if they are recent models that have been thoroughly tested and certified.
Buying a refurbished mobile and pairing with a SIM-only plan can provide businesses with high-quality, cost-effective, and flexible communication solutions while supporting environmental sustainability.
Go SIM-only with XLN Mobile
We’ve been banging the drum for SIM-only for some time, and offer our business broadband customers exceptionally good deals on SIM-only packages. It allows you to keep your bills under control while scaling your business, and it ensures your conscience is clear when it comes to electronic waste.
