Since the blockade is expected to continue for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africans have sought to sell their old or abandoned generation to have an additional source of income in those dubious times. Smartphones, in particular, are popular parts when it comes to buying or promoting used technologies.
According to Estelle Nagel, Gumtree’s logo marketing manager, this is also a segment where resellers have a lot to gain. Earlier this month, the online platform noted that the sale of all mobile devices is expected to generate one billion R1.
“Our phone price studies at Gumtree have shown that 500 R4 is the average price of an ad. Multiplying this by the existing number of ads classified on smartphones shows a figure of just under 60 million rand, suggesting that South Africans are sitting on approximately 940 million rand of listable, sellable and favorite phones,” Nagel says.
“Many other people update their smartphones if they have a contract, or buy a new one to stay on top of newer technologies or to take advantage of the phone’s newest features. many who don’t do anything with them. There is a lucrative used phone market, so we recommend you check them to sell them,” he adds.
With this in mind, we contacted the marketing manager to learn about the other trends in buying and selling gumtree’s online smartphones, as well as some tips and tricks for those who need to get rid of or buy a used device.
As for the brands that have shown maximum popularity, as expected, the platform highlights two corporations that have governed the area over the past decade: Apple and Samsung. These two are followed by Huawei in third place.
The existing distribution in Gumtree is Samsung with 4,438 phones listed, Apple with 4,377 iPhones and Huawei with 2,377 devices, for Nagel.
As for newly incorporated brands, such as Nokia Mobile, it turns out that nostalgia has not played an important role, with 194 phones on the list.
That said, consumers who keep their newly purchased smartphones can also be a factor, given the recent re-entry of the brand to the market. Add to this the fact that you specialize in midrange entry level space, which can mean that there is very little resale price.
As for the most searched devices, again, as expected, Apple and Samsung’s flagship phones are getting many search effects on Gumtree.
“(Apple) iPhone 11X and 11X Pro like Samsung Galaxy S20 are 3 of the most popular models we’ve seen lately indexed on Gumtree,” says Nagel.
For those who need to get decent deals for their used devices, the marketing manager says presentation is key.
“We propose to combine the photographs of the breed of the product with a description written by a professional, while still being transparent about the quality and condition of the phone. You can also use our value checkers to locate the value,” he says.
Some smart tips, and if you have trouble getting a winning description, Nagel advises you the following.
“With thousands of competing products at Gumtree, you deserve a marketing specialist when you publish your product. How can your ad stand out from the multitude of iPhones or Galaxies? Think of an original name or value that is greater than a competition list to demonstrate when a potential visitor scrolls through your desktop browser or app,” says Nagel.
Looking at the other end of the transaction, the Gumtree executive highlights a detail especially for those who don’t want to be scammed online.
“The most unusual scam is to request unpaid invoices or invoices while avoiding the item, or looking for excuses as to why they cannot comply. Its ultimate productive defense is never to deliver cash until you see, verify and read about the object,” Nagel says.
It also stresses the importance of thoroughly testing your device before buying or delivering any kind of money, especially since Gumtree or other platforms can’t do much in case of scam.
“Used parts do not go through the CPA and therefore buyers do not yet have any recourse to defend their case with the seller. Test your parts thoroughly: turn it on, insert the SIM card, check the charger, read over the device for scratches, bumps and most importantly: ask questions,” he advises.
With blocking, remote paintings and social estrangement still there for the foreseeable future, Nagel believes that online platforms like Gumtree will result in resellers or those who need to have less expensive smartphones in their hands.
“Despite social remoteness and restrictions, in general, it has been less difficult than ever to sell pieces at Gumtree. For the first time in a long time, we request surpluses in our Categories of Electronics and Home and Garden. So, there has never been more time to order and sell,” he concludes.
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