Shoe repair chain Timpson has introduced a new service for trading in mobile phones. Partnering with gadget resell company musicMagpie and AO, Timpson customers can now bring their unwanted smartphones to any Timpson store and receive instant cash. Recent research by Censuswide indicates that 73% of UK adults own at least one unused smartphone at home, with an average trade-in value of approximately £250, totaling an estimated £10 billion in unused smartphones.
While numerous online options exist for reselling smartphones, Timpson aims to cater to individuals who prefer in-person transactions. The survey revealed that 68% of people prefer face-to-face trade-ins, with one in four emphasizing the importance of immediate payment.
Having initially trialed the trade-in service four months ago, Timpson and musicMagpie have now expanded it to over 1,300 Timpson stores nationwide. John Roberts, CEO of AO World, emphasized the convenience of the service, stating that customers can now swiftly exchange their old smartphones for cash at any of the Timpson sites. This collaboration, stemming from AO’s acquisition of Magpie, is seen as just the beginning of a promising partnership with vast potential.
Steve Oliver, managing director of musicMagpie, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion of their reach through Timpson stores, highlighting the increased convenience for customers. Sid Hubbard, Timpson’s group director, emphasized how the new service complements their longstanding commitment to repairing and repurposing goods, now extended to smartphone trade-ins for clientele through musicMagpie.
