New opportunity for your old phone
Your old phone is sitting in the drawer. Too wasteful to throw away, too little worth the hassle of Marktplaats. Those secondhand phone stores? They offer a pittance. But since May 2024, leapp has taken a different approach. While everyone else is focused on the latest models, this refurbished specialist sees value in what you no longer use.
Their new trade-in service flips the usual model: instead of fobbing you off with a rock-bottom price, you get a fair refund that's deposited into your account quickly. The secret? They sell not only refurbished phones, but also accessories and AirPods —allowing them to control the entire supply chain. No middlemen, no hidden margins. Just a transparent system where your old device actually earns you something.
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Why old phones often remain unused
The average Dutch person has two to three old smartphones lying around. They disappear into drawers, boxes in the attic, or sit in a closet for years. They've become perfect dust collectors. The reasons are predictable: selling on Marktplaats takes time and energy, secondhand stores offer ridiculously low prices, and throwing them away feels like a waste.
Everyone knows this problem. You buy a new phone, promise yourself you'll sell the old one, but in the end, it doesn't happen. The phone still works perfectly fine, but it sits uselessly in a drawer. Meanwhile, its value only decreases.
Leapp's new approach: transparent and fair
Since May 2024, leapp has taken a different approach to trading in phones than traditional buyers. The company, which has been active in refurbished Apple products since 2011, has developed a system that prioritizes transparency. No hidden fees, no unclear price calculations.
The difference lies in the company structure. While other companies work with intermediaries and traders, leapp manages the entire supply chain itself. From purchasing to sales, from refurbishment to customer service—everything is handled internally. This model eliminates unnecessary margins that normally go to intermediaries.
The trade-in process in three steps
The system works surprisingly simply:
- Online valuation: Enter your phone's model and condition on the website. You'll immediately see an estimate of its value.
- Free shipping: You send the device free of charge with a Leapp shipping label.
- Fast payout: After verification, you will receive the money in your account within a few days.
What makes the compensation fair?
Leapp's prices are on average 20 to 40 percent higher than those offered by traditional buyers. This is due to its direct business model, eliminating intermediaries. For example, an iPhone 12 in good condition fetches substantially more than at an average phone store.
The company uses clear criteria for its ratings. Screen quality, battery condition, and overall condition determine the price. Even devices with minor signs of wear or reduced battery capacity still fetch a reasonable price.
Comparison with other sales channels
Marktplaats seems more lucrative at first glance, but appearances can be deceiving. After factoring in the time spent creating ads, negotiating with buyers, shipping risks, and potential scams, the benefits remain limited. Moreover, it often takes weeks for a phone to sell.
Physical stores offer instant cash, but at rock-bottom prices. After all, they also need to make a profit and have higher overhead costs. Leapp's alternative combines the convenience of a physical store with prices closer to those of retail sales.
Refurbished quality mark as a guarantee
Since 2019, leapp has carried the Refurbished Quality Mark. This certification represents strict quality controls and sustainable work processes. Every returned device undergoes a comprehensive testing protocol. Defective parts are replaced, and software is completely erased and reinstalled.
The certification also means that the company is transparent about the origin and processing of devices. Customers know exactly what happens to their returned phones: refurbishment for resale or responsible recycling of parts.
Sustainability as a driving force
The environmental impact of electronic waste is enormous. Millions of phones end up in landfills every year, even though they could still be used for years. By giving devices a second life, the demand for new production decreases. This saves raw materials and energy, and reduces CO2 emissions.
A refurbished phone saves an average of 70 kilograms of CO2 compared to a new one. Add to that the savings on rare metals like cobalt and lithium, and the environmental benefits become clear.
Practical tips for trading in
To get the best compensation, some preparations are useful:
- Please backup all data before sending the device
- Reset the phone to factory settings
- Remove SIM card and memory card
- Check if 'Find My iPhone' is turned off on Apple devices
- Keep original accessories such as chargers - they increase the value
Who is the service interesting for?
The trade-in service appeals to various groups. People who regularly upgrade to newer models find it a quick way to get rid of old devices. Families with multiple unused phones can clear out all at once and make a profit.
It's also interesting for companies that replace phones. Instead of giving away old business phones or letting them gather dust, trading them in immediately generates cash that can be reinvested.
Future perspective
The refurbished market is growing by double digits annually. Consumers are becoming more aware of sustainability and seeing the benefits of refurbished electronics. For leapp, the trade-in service is a logical extension. The company can now offer the complete cycle: from collection to refurbishment to sale.
With this approach, the company positions itself as an alternative to the linear "buy-use-throw" economy. Instead, it creates a circular model where products are used to their full potential. This is not only good for the environment but also for consumers' wallets.
Turn your old phones into money
Leapp's trade-in service solves a common problem: that pile of old phones sitting uselessly in your drawer. By cutting out the middlemen and managing the entire process yourself, you get a fair price without any hassle. The system is simple: check the value online, ship it for free, and receive a quick payment.
Plus, you'll contribute to a circular economy where phones are used to their full potential. So dig out those old devices and check their value now . It'll earn you more than you think, and that drawer will finally be empty again.
