The new service, known as Tech Trade-In, is available in all its stores. It is backed by local telecommunications company Pure Distribution, the UK's fastest-growing recycling company and powered by Redeem, a solution developed to facilitate the service. The stores now makes it easy and affordable for their customers to trade up to the latest models, or simply use the trade-in value to buy something new.
"Everybody has a phone and they are replacing them with a new one every one to two years. As people become increasingly aware of the environmental dangers posed by electronic goods that are discarded and manufacturers and service providers struggle against illegitimate phones that find their way into the market, it is becoming increasingly important for both consumers and retailers to devise ways to either reuse second hand devices or recycle and dispose of components in an ecologically responsible way. This is the service that the company is now offering," explains Andrew Jackson, director of DionWired.
Up until now, trading-in used devices has not been an option that was readily available to South African customers. The result is that e-waste - discarded cellphones, computers, tablets, printers, appliances and other 'white' electronic goods - is becoming a massive problem in South Africa.
For those wanting to buy state-of-the art devices, a trade-in can also assist with meeting the costs involved or open the way to more premium upgrades and better options. That is why the Tech Trade-In service is a win-win for all parties. Customers can gain value from obsolete devices while the stores can use the new service to attract both new and loyal customers, making it the destination of choice for those looking for superior products and service.
When a customer wishes to trade in a device, a sales assistant can conduct a five-step grading process in less than a minute. The value of the voucher is based on prices in the global second-hand phone or electronics market. It takes into account that although used items are rarely in perfect condition, consumers still want good value.
Jackson said, "Cash-back websites only offer the full price if the phone is in perfect condition. Our Tech Trade-In system offers full price even if the phone is scratched or scuffed." The only phones that cannot be accepted are those for which the IMEI number has been blocked on the Checkmend database of blacklisted, stolen or counterfeit goods. The system will then not allow the transaction to continue."
The company is considering extending the offering in 2014 to include trade-ins on electronics such as gaming consoles, notebooks, cameras and navigation devices such as Garmin and Tom-Tom.
For further information, go to www.dionwired.co.za or follow @DionWired on twitter.
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