Turning Tides: Recommerce© Leads the European Charge in Reused Tech, Focuses on Romania
A significant 60% of Romanians opt for pre-owned smartphones - there's a growing interest in reconditioned devices as the market undergoes transformation
Dive into the latest scoop on Europe's second-hand smartphone market, as unveiled by Recommerce©, the trailblazer in refurbishing electronic devices, mainly mobile phones. KANTAR, a renowned research company, carried out their 4th annual survey "The Second-Hand smartphone Market" across 13 European nations, including Romania, revealing insights on consumer behavior and trends.
The global refurbished smartphone market is showing no signs of slowing down, predicted to reach a whopping 431 million units sold yearly by 2027, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). This exponential growth represents a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 10%.
Romania, a steadily growing market, sold over 200,000 refurbished smartphones in 2024, with its market value scaling to a whopping €50 million. This momentum reflects a broader European trend, with the EU's refurbished smartphone market surging by over 15% between 2022 and 2024.
Romanians and Second-Hand Gadgets: A Love Affair
The KANTAR survey, conducted between January 6-13, 2025, polled 6,750 individuals across Europe, spotlighting the resurgent interest in second-hand smartphones amongst Romanians.
57% of Romanians have already invested in a pre-owned smartphone, maintaining a steady trend from previous years. Among these buyers, 30% prefer professionally refurbished models, showcasing the growing trust in certified sources. This number is set to rise, with 63% of Romanians expressing intentions to purchase refurbished handsets - a 2% increase from 2023 and way above the EU average of 55%.
Pocket-Friendly Tech: The Ultimate Persuasion
Affordability reigns supreme as the primary motivator for Romanians, with 72% citing its importance—an increase that accentuates the demand for wallet-friendly alternatives. Environmental concerns follow closely behind, with 26%, while trust-building factors like warranties (29%) and after-sales services (18%, +3pts) also climb the ranks.
This data emphasizes the need for retailers to balance affordability with top-notch services, nurturing trust in an increasingly sophisticated market.
Physical Retail Getaway: The Revival
Though the internet remains Romania's preferred shopping channel (78%), the lure of personal interaction during in-store purchases is becoming increasingly strong. In 2025, 53% seek to make in-store transactions, marking an 8% surge from the previous year.
Purchasers opt for electronics specialists (41%) and mobile operator stores (37%), a significant boost from 23% in 2023, illustrating consumers' appreciation for hands-on experiences and professional assistance.
Trade-In Market: The Rising Star
32% of Romanians have already traded in an old smartphone, a 6% upward trend from 2023. More consumers are starting to recognize and capitalize on the value of their old devices. Only 45% now keep their old phones as backups, showing a substantial 8% drop, indicating an emerging awareness towards monetizing old gadgets.
As more Romans trade in their devices, 30% plan to do the same with their current phones, while 23% consider giving their devices away—a 10% fall compared to previous editions. This data highlights the market's evolving landscape, pointing towards increased trade-in practices and smartphone resale.
"As we celebrate our fifth year in Romania, the demand for refurbished smartphones has been nothing less than stellar. Nonetheless, many buyers still prefer peer-to-peer transactions over professional ones. To shift this trend, we focus on bolstering trust via quality refurbishment, extended warranties, and secure buying experiences," stated Hector Destailleur, General Manager for Central Eastern Europe at Recommerce.
Recommerce©, a European pioneer in high-tech product refurbishment, entered the Central and Eastern European market in 2021 by acquiring Fenix, a Romanian startup co-founded by French entrepreneurs Grégoire Vigroux, Adrien Arnoux, and Hector Destailleur.
Recommerce Group: The Driving Force of Circular Economy
Recommerce is a revolutionary force in European green tech, offering refurbished devices via telecom operators, retailers, and its own platform, www.recommerce.com. Dedicated to creating a circular, responsible economy, Recommerce leverages AI-driven industrial processes and boasts certifications including ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and ISO 27001. It also holds the RecQ (ReConditionnement de Qualité) label by DEKRA and a Gold rating from Ecovadis for its outstanding CSR strategy.
*This is a Press release.
- Romanians display a significant interest in second-hand gadgets, with 57% already having purchased a pre-owned smartphone and 63% expressing intentions to do so in 2025, showcasing a 2% increase from the previous year.
- The resurgence of second-hand smartphone purchases among Romanians is evident, as more individuals opt for professionally refurbished models, thereby demonstrating their growing trust in certified sources.
- Affordability and environmental concerns are key drivers for Romanians when it comes to purchasing refurbished handsets, as 72% cite affordability and 26% express environmental concerns.
- The physical retail landscape in Romania is seeing a revival, with 53% of Romanians seeking in-store transactions in 2025, marking an 8% surge from the previous year, indicating a preference for personal interaction during purchases.
