A new study highlights the strong enthusiasm for reconditioned refurbished in France and Europe. The sector is attracting more and more people and 2022 was no exception.
This long period of inflation that we have been experiencing since last year is obviously one of the causes of this enthusiasm for the purchase of smartphones refurbished. But ecological or comfort considerations also play an important role in the choice of the French respondents.
59% of French people attracted by refurbished
The specialized site Recommerce has unveiled its new 2023 barometer, produced by Kantar, on refurbished goods in 2022. A year which, as we have already mentioned, saw an explosion in the sector. This survey was conducted among 4,750 Europeans in nine countries, including 750 people in France, and shows us how attractive the sector continues to be.
In 2022, 45% of French people surveyed said they had already bought a second-hand smartphone (+8%), which is more than Spain (41%) or Germany (35%). In 2022, the share of refurbished or used smartphones would represent approximately 21% of sales of these devices in the territory. Young people are the most interested in the issue, with 62% of 18-24 year olds taking the plunge. In all, 59% of French people say they are ready to buy a refurbished smartphone (+8% compared to 2021).
As we pointed out, inflation plays an important role in the desire to buy a refurbished smartphone. 68% of French people recognize that it is this economic context that might push them towards this segment. For 61% of them, a refurbished smartphone is attractive for its lower price; 43% of respondents would be ready to take the plunge to encourage reuse or recycling (+6%) and 42% to obtain a more upscale model at a reduced price. Interesting fact, among the people who bought a refurbished device, 15% of them used the payment in installments or subscribed to a credit.
Hard-hitting brakes
For 74% of respondents, it is absolutely essential to obtain a serious guarantee that the data is completely erased when buying a refurbished smartphone. The good reputation of the company or the possibility of transferring its data are vital criteria for choosing a device.
But obstacles still exist that prevent some people from taking action. The barometer tells us that it is the lack of visibility on the lifespan of the product that blocks the most (44% of respondents are worried regarding it). The desire to acquire a new smartphone (37%) and the lack of confidence in the retailer (35%) complete the brakes podium.
Get a refurbished smartphone on the Internet, through resellers like Fnac 2nd life, remains the number 1 choice of respondents (77%). 69% believe that going to a store is a good idea and 50% would rather turn to specialists. Finally, the proportion of French people wishing to resell their smartphone increased by 5 points compared to 2021 and rose to 37%. Having your old smartphone taken back in a store is the preferred choice of 56% of those interested. This would allow them to pay less for their future device (43% of respondents) or to be paid immediately when they return their smartphone (43%). Finally, among the French respondents who decide to keep their old device, 34% say they keep it when needed.