Shoe repair chain Timpson has introduced a new service for trading in mobile phones. The company, popular for key cutting and other services, has partnered with gadget resell firm musicMagpie and its parent company AO. Individuals with unused handsets can visit a Timpson store to receive immediate cash, the company announced.
A recent survey revealed that 73% of adults in the UK own at least one unused smartphone at home, with an average trade-in value of approximately £250. The total worth of unused smartphones is estimated to be around £10 billion, according to research conducted by Censuswide.
While numerous online resell options are available, Timpson aims to attract individuals who prefer face-to-face transactions, despite the presence of other similar options on the high street.
The survey found that 68% of people prefer to trade in their devices in person, with one in four emphasizing the importance of receiving immediate payment.
Timpson and musicMagpie initiated a trial of the trade-in service four months ago and have now expanded it to over 1,300 Timpson stores nationwide.
John Roberts, the chief executive and founder of AO World, stated, “We understand that inertia is the primary obstacle to trading in old technology, and the option to ‘Take it to Timpson’ now makes it an easy decision for customers to receive cash within minutes for their old smartphone at over 1,300 Timpson locations. This collaboration stems from our acquisition of Magpie in 2024 and signifies just the beginning of the immense potential we foresee for this partnership.”
Steve Oliver, managing director and co-founder of musicMagpie, remarked, “Integrating Magpie into 1,300 Timpson stores across the UK is a significant milestone for us and will extend our reach and convenience for customers beyond any previous efforts.”
Sid Hubbard, group director of Timpson, commented, “Our skilled colleagues are a trusted and welcoming presence to millions of customers throughout the UK, and this additional service enhances the high street experience for both new and existing Timpson customers. Repairing worn, old, or damaged items has been a fundamental aspect of the Timpson service for over 150 years. We are delighted to expand this to smartphone trade-ins for our customers in partnership with musicMagpie.”