Argos Rolls out Smartphone and Tablet Trade-in Scheme

Argos, one of the UK’s latest retail chains, has launched a trade-in incentive to recycle unwanted electronics. The retailer plans to offer vouchers in exchange for tablets and smartphones. Each device will either be refurbished and resold or recycled to help protect the environment. Unlike existing schemes, Argos’ retail presence allows for a convenient, in-store quote without having to ship the item off to a company and wait 5-7 working days. However, I highly doubt Argos will be able to match successful second hand resellers like CEX who offer competitive prices versus the competition. Additionally, consumers can sell their unwanted items through a number of means including eBay, Gumtree, Facebook groups and local advertisements. Usually, even after fees, the eBay prices are significantly higher than any trade-in offer.

Companies are hoping to get the custom from people who feel uncomfortable on eBay or find it too time consuming. Perhaps, they don’t know how to photograph items or cannot answer technical details about an electrical product. Amy Whidburn, head of corporate responsibility at Argos, said:

“As a leading technology retailer we know that our customers are looking for solutions to responsibly dispose of unwanted gadgets when they replace or trade-up devices. Our new scheme in conjunction with Wrap offers them a safe way to do this, in a really convenient location on their local high street or retail park, with the added benefit of receiving a gift card in return immediately.” 

It’s an interesting move and I’m fascinated to see how generous Argos’ trade-in prices will be.

Have you ever traded-in an old or unwanted item?

Thank you The Guardian for providing us with this information.