The familiar high street chain Timpson, renowned for key cutting and shoe repairs, has launched a major new service allowing customers to exchange their old mobile phones for cash on the spot. The initiative is a partnership with gadget resale specialist musicMagpie and its parent company, AO.
Billions in Unused Tech Sitting in UK Homes
This move addresses a significant issue of dormant technology. Research from Censuswide suggests a staggering 73% of UK adults have at least one unused smartphone stored at home. The average trade-in value for these devices is around £250, contributing to a total estimated value of unused smartphones in the country of approximately £10 billion.
While online resale platforms exist, Timpson is targeting the large number of consumers who prefer face-to-face transactions. A supporting survey found that 68% of people favour trading in their devices in person, with one in four citing immediate payment as a crucial factor.
Instant Cash Across a Trusted Network
After a successful four-month trial, the service is now live in more than 1,300 Timpson stores nationwide. Customers can bring an unwanted handset to their local branch and receive payment within minutes.
John Roberts, Chief Executive and Founder of AO World, commented on the partnership's potential. "We know that apathy is the biggest barrier to trading in old tech, and the ability to ‘Take it to Timpson’ now makes it a no-brainer," he said. "This is really just the start of the enormous potential that we see for this partnership."
Steve Oliver, Managing Director and co-founder of musicMagpie, highlighted the expansion's scale: "Adding Magpie to 1,300 Timpson stores across the UK is a huge milestone for us and will take our reach and convenience for customers far beyond anything we’ve tried before."
Extending a Legacy of Repair and Service
For Timpson, this venture aligns with its long-standing business ethos. Sid Hubbard, Group Director at Timpson, noted: "Repairing worn, old or damaged goods has been at the heart of the Timpson service offer for over 150 years. We are pleased to extend this to smartphone trade-in for our customers on behalf of musicMagpie."
The collaboration aims to combine musicMagpie's expertise in refurbishing technology with Timpson's extensive and trusted high street presence. The goal is to make it easier for consumers to unlock the value in their old devices, keep more gadgets in circulation, and provide affordable options for other buyers.
