Music Magpie teams up with Timpson for instant smartphone trade-ins

The scheme is available in over 1,300 Timpson stores across the UK, following a successful four-month trial last year.

Customers will be able to hand over their device in-store, have it assessed in front of them and have funds transferred within minutes, the retailer said.

According to research from Censuswide, the value of unused smartphones in the UK is estimated at around £10bn.

The partnership forms part of Music Magpie owner AO World’s strategy to grow market share across new categories, such as mobile, as well as increase volumes through the operator’s tech refurbishment business.

AO chief executive and founder John Roberts said: “We know that apathy is the biggest barrier to trading in old tech, and the ability to ‘Take it to Timpson’ now makes it a no-brainer for customers who can get cash in only a few minutes for their old smartphone at over 1,300 Timpson sites.

“It’s another great synergy from our acquisition of Magpie in 2024 and is really just the start of the enormous potential that we see for this partnership.

Timpson group director Sid Hubbard added: “Our expert colleagues are a trusted and friendly face to millions of customers across the UK, and this additional service further enhances the high street experience for new and existing Timpson customers.

“Repairing worn, old or damaged goods has been at the heart of the Timpson service offer for over 150 years. We are pleased to extend this to smartphone trade-in for our customers on behalf of Music Magpie.

“By combining Music Magpie’s refurbishment expertise with Timpson’s trusted nationwide network, we’re helping customers unlock the value in their old tech instantly, while keeping more devices in use and making them more affordable for every pocket.”