Back Market launches electronics buyback program in United States

Back Market, an online renewed electronics marketplace, has launched its BuyBack program in the U.S. The program allows Back Market customers to sell their devices directly to a network of professional refurbishers for the most competitive rates, according to the company, to bolster the circular economy and prolong the lives of electronics.  

The devices that qualify for the program include phones, laptops, earbuds and gaming consoles. Those interested in participating in the program can go to Back Market's website.  

The program opens another supply channel for refurbishers or ITAD companies on Back Market looking for devices, says Lauren Benton, general manager at Back Market. 

“Our BuyBack program is a win-win for everyone,” Benton says. “For customers, it’s a convenient and fast way to sell their used electronics. For our refurbishers, it’s access to another supply channel of used electronics to restore and sell. This keeps devices in circulation and out of landfills while continuing to feed Back Market’s pipeline of high-quality renewed devices.” 

Back Market says a new phone releases 190 pounds of carbon emissions in its lifetime, while a refurbished smartphone only produces 15 pounds. That same smartphone also uses up 21,741 gallons of water in the process of mining for raw materials and manufacturing. A renewed smartphone’s footprint is a fraction of that, the company says. 

Americans discard 416,000 cellphones every day, according to Back Market. It is estimated that upwards of 100 million devices are sitting in drawers across the country. Back Market’s BuyBack program aims to get more of these items back in circulation by making it easy and lucrative for current owners to sell them to refurbishers. 

Customers can complete an online assessment of their devices, including brands, models, storage capacities and condition, and get the best offer among the bids placed by Back Market’s refurbishers. While bids may fluctuate based on market demand, this structure gives an opportunity for customers to receive competitive offers for their items, the company says. 

Customers receive cash in their bank accounts once they have mailed in their devices and the refurbishers have confirmed that the devices are as described in the assessment.