The concept of auto brands reselling used cars has been around for decades, but Samsung's new plan to sell refurbished phones is unique to the tech industry.
Some of Samsung's high-end phones, like the Galaxy S7, have received rave reviews from critics, but those same phones are too expensive for many consumers. Rather than waiting to buy a used phone that could be in rough condition on a site like Craigslist, Samsung's refurbished phones program would give tech junkies with limited budgets the opportunity to try out their desired phones.
Beyond being a boon for consumers, a system for providing refurbished phones gives Samsung the opportunity to make use of the old phones that they receive when consumers trade in their old devices for updates. Ultimately, this means a new source of revenue.
Refurbished Phone Programs
Samsung Plans to Resell Refurbished Phones by 2017
Trend Themes
1. Refurbished Phone Programs - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating affordable options for consumers with limited budgets and reducing electronic waste by repurposing old phones.
2. Tech Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring new revenue streams through refurbished phone programs and meeting the needs of tech junkies with limited budgets.
3. Sustainable Electronics - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Addressing the issue of electronic waste by repurposing old phones and extending their lifecycles through refurbished phone programs.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Phone Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating refurbished phone programs as a strategy to expand market reach and cater to consumers with limited budgets.
2. E-commerce Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Providing a platform to sell refurbished phones and meet the demand for affordable options among tech enthusiasts.
3. E-waste Recycling Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with Samsung's refurbished phone programs to repurpose and recycle old phones, contributing to a more sustainable electronics ecosystem.