New research from Vodafone reveals Brits are becoming second-hand-savvy, with 32% now owning a refurbished phone and 24% planning on purchasing one in the future. A fifth (21%) claim they always consider second-hand or refurbished options when shopping in general, with 47% claiming new items are simply too expensive and 40% saying the rising cost of living is a key factor driving them towards pre-loved items.
In fact, 39% of Brits say they are now more likely to shop second-hand as a result of the cost of living.
When it comes to tech, mobile phones top the poll of items that Brits would buy refurbished or second-hand, closely followed by laptops (26%), TVs (22%) and tablets (21%). Gen-Z are the generation most likely to invest in a refurbished device (61%) compared to just 21% of Boomers.
On the whole, consumer confidence in second-hand shopping is rising, with the Office for National Statistics reporting that second-hand shopping helped boost 2.4% growth in non-food sales in February. And this is the case for refurbished phones, with searches up 39% on the Vodafone website in the last six-months alone.
The study shows the main motivators for purchasing a refurbished device include being more sustainable (37%) and cutting down on costs (47%) and 51% say they are investing in second-hand devices as they believe they are as good as new.
As the cost-of-living remains a worry across the nation, 57% of Brits are actively looking for savvy ways to save on big purchases such as a mobile phone. Brits believe they can save an average of £113 when buying a refurbished device, so will be surprised to find out that they can actually save up to £324 when pairing a refurbished device with a Vodafone EVO plan*.
When looking at motivators for purchasing pre-loved items, the research highlighted that 37% of respondents would consider a refurbished phone to be more sustainable and 47% to save money. The research also reveals Brits’ key factors for consideration when buying a refurbished device, which include the item being in pristine condition (47%), comes with a warranty (47%), has a battery guarantee included (39%) and above all, saves them money (59%).
But for the 42% who are refurbished-averse, quality of the device (65%), concerns it won’t last as long (45%) and worrying about data breaches (27%) came out as the top reasons the nation wouldn’t purchase a second-hand device.
To give customers peace of mind, Vodafone only offers high-quality refurbished handsets in ‘Great’ or ‘Pristine’ condition. Every phone comes with a 32-point check, a two-year warranty, battery guarantee and a device health check. Every phone has also been deep cleaned and securely data wiped. Vodafone’s 14-day no-quibble money back guarantee applies.
Kester Mann, Director of Consumer and Connectivity at CCS Insight, said: “It’s great to hear that Vodafone is extending its range of refurbished smartphones at a time of growing financial strain on UK households. Buying pre-owned offers significant cost savings, while Vodafone’s two-year warranty gives reassurance over device quality and reliability. Refurbs also promote more sustainable behaviour by reducing e-waste, something that is becoming increasingly important to consumers.”
Vodafone’s refurbished devices support the company’s commitment to promoting a circular economy. Vodafone has pledged to cut carbon emissions and electronic waste and help its customers do the same.
Shop Vodafone’s refurbished range HERE, and learn more about Vodafone EVO HERE.
