Purchases of refurbished or pre-owned phones is strong in the state and are keeping pace with the robust demand for new phones, writes Bhiva P Parab
A mobile phone is necessity for nearly everyone and flaunting a snazzy mobile has become a fashion statement in today’s world especially among the youngsters.
There are several types of mobile phones in the market from simple feature to smart phones which are priced ranging from few thousands to several thousand rupees. The most important factor which stops people from upgrading their mobile phones more often is the price factor which is why many consumers opt for used phones.
The refurbished or used mobile business is catching up in the state as many consumers are going in for smart phones, with good features, which otherwise they can’t afford. According to store owners low cost used mobiles are bought by people who work on daily wages and cannot afford to buy new mobiles. Vendors who sell the used phones typically acquire the brands which are sturdy and popular.
Vendors said that, the margins for selling used mobiles could be between five and 25 per cent as it depends on the model, condition, as well as the customer. “There are other factors also which determine the profits however we look for on an average profit margin of 10 to 15 per cent. With mobile phone sales huge, the buyers of used phones are also increasing,” said the vendor.
“It is not just the labourers or working class who buy pre-owned phones. Many youngsters who survive on pocket money shop for high-end models on ecommerce platforms. They also purchase from brick-and-motar stores,” he said.
The second-hand mobile phones end up giving more choice to consumers. The price of a used phone depends very much on the years has been used previously. For instance the price difference between a phone in a user’s possession for two years or used for six months varies significantly and may even be less than 50 percent.
Vendors said that, mobiles are procured from various people as Goans like to change their phones frequently. Mobiles which are purchased from the people are thoroughly checked so that there is no major fault. Minor problems are repaired and if some major technical problem occurs within few days of buying the used phone then it is replaced. Repairs of minor faults in a phone after a few days of purchase are usually done free.
A shopper in Panaji market who wants to buy a mobile said that, he wanted to buy a new smartphone with various features. “It cost around Rs 20,000, which is not possible for me to pay. So I have decided to go in for a used mobile phone which is costing me around Rs 6,500. Right now the price is important and if I get a smart phone with the features that I want and second-hand, I don’t mind.”
Another customer, a daily wage worker said that, he cannot afford a new phone. “I need a phone to keep in contact with my family members who do not stay in Goa. I have come to the market to buy a low-cost used mobile. The design and features are not important as I don’t know to use the features,” said the worker.
There are several vendors in the state and also online sellers. They point out, there is no warranty on a used mobile nor any verification of the product being sold. A market is needed where second-hand mobiles are verified. The phone should offer warranty to improve the demand.
It may be noted that these days, it seems that smart phones are getting more and more expensive every year. All brands release a new generation model regularly. Thanks to the trend many consumers are turning to alternative ways to purchase the mobile phone they want and buying the used mobiles. However one should not get cheated while buying a used phone and must thoroughly check before buying it.
India has now become the third-largest market for second-hand smartphones globally, trailing behind only China and the US. In 2024, India’s organized secondary smartphone market, including refurbished and devices sold as received, grew by 10%, with 5.7 million devices shipped, far outpacing slower growth in the primary market. Growth is driven by consumers’ desire for low-cost devices, flexible financing options and the appeal of getting more value for money.
