Shifting mindsets on pre-owned technology
6 min read
As South Africans continue to navigate an increasingly strained economic environment, one thing remains consistent: the desire to access the best, world-class technology. Yet, despite this ambition, a stigma lingers around purchasing second-hand devices – a mindset that’s starting to shift.
The realities of the current financial landscape are difficult to ignore. The cost of living has risen steeply, with the price of a basket of goods increasing by 11% over the past 18 months. Meanwhile, consumer price inflation hit 5.2% this past May. In emerging markets like South Africa, the pinch has been particularly severe as currency devaluations have made once-affordable products feel more out of reach.
Yet, despite these challenges, the demand for premium brands such as Apple remains.
This is where the stigma against second-hand technology needs to shift. While many people still equate ‘pre-owned’ with ‘inferior’, companies like iStore are challenging that perception. This is largely thanks to its global best-in-class pre-owned and trade-in programmes. These initiatives have been designed with one goal in mind: to provide high-quality devices at affordable prices, making top-tier technology accessible to all South Africans.
In the broader context of the South African market, embracing second-hand technology also aligns with a more sustainable future. The circular economy, particularly in South Africa, plays an essential role in reducing e-waste and fostering economic opportunity. With the world’s generation of e-waste rising five times faster than documented recycling efforts, this issue must be addressed proactively.
Although Africa produces the lowest rates of e-waste globally, its recycling rates fall below 1%. There can – and must – be improvement in this area.
Additionally, keeping high-end devices like iPhones in circulation not only reduces the environmental impact of technology disposal, it also creates jobs. The entire production line surrounding pre-owned devices – from trade-ins to refurbishing – offers economic opportunities for many South Africans.
This approach also opens the door for more people to access premium technology that might have been out of reach before. The iSchoolAfrica programme, for example, has demonstrated the profound impact of making the best technology more accessible through its initiatives with underserved schools across South Africa.
For many South Africans, owning an iPhone isn’t just about brand status – it’s about accessing an ecosystem of apps. This includes accessibility tools that can be life-changing for someone with visual or hearing impairment. The circular economy allows iStore to extend these benefits to more people, at a price they can afford.
This is why iStore is committed to making iPhones accessible to more South Africans, whether they’re buying new or pre-owned. The pre-owned market is growing, and the demand for these devices is increasing. According to GSMA, the global refurbished mobile device market is projected to be worth more than $140 billion by 2030. This growth is evidence of a budding circular economy, one that holds great promise for South Africa.
iStore takes great pride in the rigorous processes it has in place to ensure its pre-owned devices offer exceptional quality and reliability. Its testing procedures are among the most thorough in the industry. Once a device is traded in, it undergoes an extensive evaluation process that ensures it meets the highest standards of functionality.
iStore follows a robust grading system to give customers transparency on the condition of their purchases: from devices with no noticeable scratches or marks, to those with slight wear and tear. Most importantly, each pre-owned device comes with a 24-month (2-year) warranty, providing customers peace of mind and confidence in their purchase.
This level of attention to detail reflects the commitment to quality needed to ensure purchasing a pre-owned device is a smart financial option, providing high-quality technology at a lower price, while new devices offer cutting-edge innovation for those who want the latest features. Like buying a certified pre-owned BMW, for instance, the experience must be backed by the same level of service and reliability as if you were purchasing something new.
Unsurprisingly, iStore’s trade-in programme has seen a 20% year-on-year increase, reflecting the appetite for innovative solutions that make premium technology more affordable. And this is just the beginning.
So, let’s embrace the circular economy and see pre-owned technology not as a second choice but as a smart and sustainable way forward. By doing so, negative environmental impacts are reduced, jobs are created and premium technology is made accessible to everyone.
The future of technology is about making both the latest innovations and the best pre-owned devices available on a wide scale, ensuring access to premium technology at all price points.
Linda van der Nest
Chief Commercial Officer
Image credit: Freepik
