This is a study that confirms the promises of the second-hand mobile phone market. While sales of new smartphones in France are expected to drop below 15 million in 2022, a further drop of more than 5% compared to 2021, sales of refurbished and used phones are doing very well.
A survey by the Kantar Institute for Recommerce, which will be presented at the World Mobile Fair which opens in Barcelona on Monday, February 27, estimates that 21% of smartphones currently in circulation in France have been purchased second-hand or refurbished. . “It’s an increase of 8 points in one year”, underlines the study.
Used phones are resold as is, without being checked or repaired, while refurbished devices are tested and repaired if necessary. In detail, 12% are refurbished and 9% second-hand, “making France the only country where people equip themselves more with refurbished than second-hand”, notes Benoît Gatel, director of strategy and commercial development. at Recommerce.
Economic reasons in the first place
Recommerce, created in 2009, is one of the market pioneers. The company claims that “nearly 3.2 million refurbished phones were sold in France in 2022”. This mode of consumption is taking hold among the French: the Kantar study shows that 59% of them say they are “ready to turn to reconditioning”, and that one in four people intend to do so. .
Among the reasons for buying, the economic aspect comes first (66% of respondents). The average price of a smartphone sold in France is constantly rising. In 2022, it is around €450.
A still unclear market
For the consumer, the choice of second hand is not without problems. In March 2022, a survey by the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) had noted “abnormalities, more or less significant” in 62% of establishments practicing reconditioning. It pointed to negligence in the tests carried out and “insufficient information” for consumers on the condition of the products offered for sale.
It must be said that the market is still young and poorly regulated. The very first legal framework in the sector dates from February 2022. From now on, to use the term “reconditioned”, it is mandatory to have tested all the functions of the phone. It is forbidden to use the expressions “new condition”, “like new” or “as new” to qualify refurbished smartphones.
“The supervision of the sector is crucial”
This regulation comes late. Companies like BackMarket or ReBuy have already become giants. “The supervision of the sector is crucial, recognizes Benoît Gatel. We are in favor of labeling initiatives for reconditioning companies. But it is also the role of public authorities to impose the same rules for everyone. »
This could allow the sector to reach an even wider audience, hopes the director of strategy and business development at Recommerce. “This is a very strong demand from consumers, who need to be reassured. Among the obstacles to the purchase of refurbished products, we mainly find the lack of visibility on the lifespan of the product. Buyers want more information from the seller about the refurbishment process. »
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