How is the used and refurbished smartphone market doing in France? Pretty good if we are to believe a study commissioned by the company Recommerce published at the beginning of the year by the Kantar institute.
A booming sector
In detail, this survey informs us that more than 45% of French people have already owned a second-hand smartphone, a figure which has almost doubled since 2018. In the same vein, 20% of phones used in France are second-hand. ‘occasion. A figure which only stood at 7% six years earlier.
Kantar also notes that 23% of respondents who wanted to purchase a new device over the next 12 months plan to turn to the refurbished market. These data therefore demonstrate an underlying trend in France.
Why do these smartphones interest our compatriots so much? 72% of respondents cite the economic advantage of reconditioned. While new phones marketed by certain major brands now exceed the level of the monthly minimum wage, this is hardly surprising. Another strong argument for pushing towards these upgraded devices: making a gesture for the planet by boosting the circular economy. 38% of participants also mentioned this reason.
However, there are still real obstacles for the second-hand market. Thus, 43% of French people say they fear for the viability of the product, while 35% lack confidence in the seller. Some also have doubts about the origin of the product (34%).
The French are still reluctant to resell their smartphones
The conclusions of this study can be supplemented by those of a survey that the Dipli company has ordered from the IPSOS Institute. We note here that 7 out of 10 consumers in France have never resold a smartphone.
Likewise, half of respondents indicate that an extended warranty would increase their confidence in these products. According to Dipli: “This highlights an opportunity for telecom operators to reassure consumers by offering solid guarantees, emphasizing quality and ensuring efficient after-sales service. »
Finally, keen to have a reliable method for returning their devices, 71% of French people are fans of in-store return for their smartphones.
As a reminder, a case recently shook the reconditioned sector in France. Indeed, Back Market, one of the giants of this market, sent a letter to the General Directorate of Public Finances. He accuses the Cdiscount site of unfair competition, which allegedly made it possible to promote smartphones resulting from VAT fraud. More information on this in our previous article here.
