Shoe repair chain Timpson has introduced a new service for trading in mobile phones. Collaborating with gadget resell company musicMagpie and its parent company, AO, Timpson now offers customers the opportunity to exchange their unwanted handsets for instant cash at any Timpson store.
Research indicates that 73% of adults in the UK possess at least one unused smartphone at home, with an average trade-in worth of approximately £250. The collective value of these unused smartphones is estimated to be around £10 billion, as per data from Censuswide.
Despite numerous online resell platforms, Timpson aims to cater to individuals who prefer face-to-face transactions. The company joins existing high street options in this space.
A survey revealed that 68% of people prefer in-person device trade-ins, with a quarter emphasizing the importance of immediate payment.
Having conducted a trial run of the trade-in service four months ago, Timpson and musicMagpie have now expanded the service to over 1,300 Timpson stores across the UK.
John Roberts, the CEO and founder of AO World, expressed that overcoming consumer apathy is a primary challenge in tech trade-ins. The convenience of the new service at Timpson stores makes it an attractive option for customers to receive quick cash for their old smartphones.
The partnership between musicMagpie and Timpson, initiated after AO World acquired musicMagpie in 2024, holds significant potential, according to Roberts. By leveraging musicMagpie’s refurbishment expertise and Timpson’s widespread network, the collaboration aims to help customers realize the value of their old tech promptly, while also promoting affordability.
Steve Oliver, the managing director and co-founder of musicMagpie, highlighted the milestone achieved by integrating Magpie into 1,300 Timpson stores, expanding customer reach and convenience.
Timpson’s group director, Sid Hubbard, emphasized the trusted and customer-friendly nature of their staff, noting that the new service enhances the overall high street experience for Timpson’s clientele. Hubbard mentioned that Timpson’s longstanding commitment to repairing goods aligns well with the addition of smartphone trade-in services in partnership with musicMagpie.