Shoe repair chain Timpson has introduced a new service for trading in mobile phones. Partnering with gadget resell firm musicMagpie and AO, Timpson now allows individuals to bring their old phones to any of their stores and receive immediate cash. Recent research indicates that 73% of UK adults own at least one unused smartphone, with an average trade-in value of approximately £250, totaling an estimated £10 billion in unused smartphones. Despite online options, Timpson aims to cater to customers who prefer face-to-face transactions, a preference shared by 68% of individuals surveyed. The trade-in service, which started as a trial four months ago, is now available at over 1,300 Timpson stores nationwide.
John Roberts, CEO of AO World, emphasized the convenience of the new service, stating that customers can quickly receive cash for their old smartphones at any of the Timpson locations. The collaboration between musicMagpie and Timpson aims to provide customers with instant value for their old devices, making technology more affordable and sustainable. Steve Oliver, managing director of musicMagpie, highlighted the significance of expanding their reach through Timpson stores nationwide. Sid Hubbard, Timpson’s group director, expressed enthusiasm for the extension of their repair services to include smartphone trade-ins, aligning with their long-standing commitment to serving customers for over 150 years.