By David Hirsch, CEO of TechMarkit

As the world shifts away from disposable technology and towards sustainable, eco-friendly options, refurbished cell phones and laptops are increasingly becoming the go-to solution for consumers and businesses alike. Similarly, trading in used laptops and cell phones is becoming an ever more popular way for people to upgrade their devices with minimal expense and effort. Here, we’ll look at why someone might want to trade in their device and how to do it, as well as the potential benefits to the environment and making tech accessible to people who can’t afford new devices.

Environmental Impact

As technology continues to evolve at an exponential pace, the disposal of electronic devices has become a major environmental concern. Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. In fact, according to the United Nations, an estimated 50 million tons of e-waste are generated globally every year. E-waste contains a variety of toxic chemicals which can seep into the soil and groundwater, causing damage to the environment and endangering the health of wildlife and humans. By refurbishing and reusing electronics, you can keep these products out of landfills and reduce the amount of toxic materials that are released into the environment.

We need to change the mindset that ‘new is better’. The process of refurbishing results in restoring used electronics to ‘like-new’ condition, and it can be an incredibly effective way to reduce electronic waste and extend the lifecycle of technology products. By repairing and restoring existing electronics, rather than purchasing new ones, you not only keep these products out of landfills and reduce the need for manufacturing new products, but you also conserve energy and resources.

The refurbishment of electronics can have a dramatic impact on reducing global carbon emissions. For example, the production of a laptop or cell phone requires the extraction of raw materials, such as metals and plastics, from the earth. The energy it takes to manufacture these products is considerable, and the emissions produced in the process contribute to global warming. By refurbishing existing products, we can reduce the demand for new technology and prevent the production of more emissions.

Financial Implications

From a financial standpoint, refurbished electronics can also be an incredibly cost-effective alternative to buying new. Refurbished products are often significantly cheaper than new ones, and they can still be of high quality. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are on a tight budget, or for SMMEs who are looking to save money on their IT purchases.

Refurbished electronics can also be a great option for those who are looking to extend the lifespan of their technology. By refurbishing existing products, you can keep them in working condition for longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This can save you money in the long run, and it can also help to reduce the environmental impact of producing new technology.

Overall, by reusing existing products, we can reduce the demand for new electronics and keep them out of landfills, while also conserving energy, reducing carbon emissions, and saving money. Refurbishment is quickly becoming the preferred option for businesses and consumers alike, and it is an incredibly powerful way to help protect the environment.

Reduces Carbon Footprint

In contrast, refurbishing electronics requires much less energy and generates fewer carbon emissions. This is because refurbishing simply involves repairing and upgrading existing devices, rather than producing new ones from scratch. By refurbishing electronics, we can reduce the carbon footprint of the electronics industry, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Job Creation

Another benefit of refurbishing electronics is that it creates jobs. The process of refurbishing electronics requires skilled technicians and workers who can repair and upgrade devices. This creates job opportunities in a variety of industries, from electronics repair and manufacturing to distribution and sales.

In addition, the creation of jobs in the refurbishing industry can have a positive impact on local communities. For example, it can provide employment opportunities for individuals who may not have access to other job opportunities, and it can also stimulate the local economy by creating a demand for local goods and services.

Why Trade In?

As consumers, we can all play a role in promoting the benefits of refurbishing electronics by choosing to refurbish or trade-in our devices instead of buying new ones. Trading in your old laptop or cell phone can be a great way to save money on a new device. By selling your old device, you can get money off the purchase of a new one.

Trade-ins are not only a more sustainable option than throwing away your old device and buying a brand new one, they are also plugging into the refurbishing process which results in tech becoming more accessible to a broader demographic. Trading in your old device will help those who can’t afford a new device. Once your traded-in device is refurbished, it will be sold on to someone else for a fraction of the cost of buying a new one. This can help those in need to access technology that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford, which can help to improve their lives.

Refurbished electronics can still perform just as well as brand-new devices, and in some cases, it is well worth refurbishing high-end devices. It is important to remember that refurbished does not mean outdated or obsolete. By opting for refurbished electronics, not only do you extend the life of technology and reduce e-waste, but you also provide access to technology for those who otherwise couldn't afford it. By trading in your device, you're empowering someone to join the digital world and making a positive impact in society.

All in all, trading in used devices is a win-win for everyone involved.

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DAVID HIRSCH BIO
David’s roots are anchored in the consumer IT space where he began his career on the shop floor at Software Connection some 30 years ago trading only in software. The team then started selling computers and other related PC hardware which paved the way to David being instrumental in opening and jointly managing the first (and newly branded) Incredible Connection store in Woodmead.

An exciting opportunity in procurement opened up for David in New York where he established and ran the Group’s USA office for several years prior to returning to South Africa to take up the role of Operations Executive at the then listed Connection Group.

Various promotions then followed as he and the new team successfully turned around the troubled Incredible Connection chain namely Merchandise Executive and later Merchandise Director where David was able to fulfil his passion for procurement. When the JD Group acquired the Connection Group in 2005 David held the executive position in merchandise and marketing for the expanded retail group.

Over the course of the following years David’s enthusiasm for retail has seen him take up various leading roles in large businesses the most recent being the chief operating officer at Busby.

David has long had a dream of bringing credibility to the refurbished IT tech space and enabling the everyday consumer to benefit from value and affordability in the IT retail environment. This vision became a reality for this industry veteran with the launch of TechMarkit’s online platform.

ABOUT TECHMARKIT
TechMarkit was formed to provide affordable IT and Tech Equipment to customers who are looking for well-priced, quality products, either for personal or professional use. Customers will find value-for-money, devices across a wide spectrum of new and refurbished categories of products. These include laptops, tablets, phones, Kindles, desktop computers, notebooks, and the relevant accessories, all backed up by reliable service and warranties.

The TechMarkit team prides itself in ensuring you, our customer, gets not only the best possible price available, but also great service. When buying a re-Owned computer from TechMarkit, we endeavour to ensure that our products are affordable and of the highest quality.

TechMarkit is affiliated to an extensive and reliable repair network and undertakes a 45-point check on pre-owned computers before being released to the general public for purchase. Each device is thoroughly tested to ensure that components are working perfectly and certified as being suitable for resale.

Every Pre-Owned device carries a TechMarkit Warranty for 6 (six) months so that you can rest assured that you are getting value for your money. All new and Pre-Owned products come with a seven (7) day ‘peace-of-mind guarantee’, which means that if your product does not fit the purpose for which it was intended, you can return it for a full refund. There is a 6-month Product Warranty relating to hardware components, the pre-loaded operating system and faults. If you purchase a brand-new item on this website, you will receive the relevant manufacturer’s warranty.

Product Grading: All our Pre-Owned products are graded according to their condition, so that you, our customer, have a clearer idea of the physical state of the item you are considering. The table below shows the principles we have used.

These grades relate to the aesthetics or cosmetic appearance and are considered when finalising the selling price. In addition to grading the physical state of each product, TechMarkit checks and tests each item (unless it is brand-new) so you can be assured of a quality product.

Environmental Considerations: TechMarkit believes in responsible and sustainable business practices. Any disposal of goods is done so in an environmentally safe manner and according to sound waste management standards.