Fears about the purchasing power of the French and the growing challenges of digital sobriety highlight the strengths of the refurbished sector. This applies to smartphones, but also to computers, a market that is still small, but which is generating more and more enthusiasm among buyers.
The latest barometer from IFOP and SMAAART on refurbished telephones and computers in France indicates that more and more consumers are swapping their new computers for refurbished products. More than a third of respondents (31%) say they have purchased or intend to purchase a refurbished computer.
Refurbished PCs (73%), and more generally laptops, remain the most attractive products, even if Macs are also popular with younger generations.
The price, the argument that hits the mark
Purchasing logics for refurbished computers remain substantially similar to those for smartphones and tablets. The report underlines that the price remains the main incentive lever. Access to a premium product and the warranty offered for these devices are also cited by potential buyers.
If the financial motivations appear in mind, the environmental aspect is not negligible. In a recent report on refurbishment, ADEME explains that buying a refurbished laptop means preventing the extraction of 127 kg of raw materials and the emission of 27 kg of greenhouse gases per year. of use.
On the other hand, some consumers are reluctant to take the plunge because of fears related to performance and lifespan. Potential buyers of refurbished computers expect a lifespan of 5 years (64%). On the other hand, they are less likely to bet on a lifespan of more than 5 years (34%).
Mainly office use
The owners of refurbished computers, for a large majority of them (63%), use the Internet and office tools. Image and video processing (21%) and gaming (15%) are less frequently cited among the uses, even if their share tends to increase among younger audiences.
IFOP and SMAAART expect the purchase of refurbished computers to increase in the run-up to the holiday season. In the survey, 29% of respondents say they are ready to offer a refurbished computer to someone they know.
The younger generations drive this score upwards. Nearly 40% of Gen Z believe refurbished computers are good gifts to give, both in terms of price and “item value,” which is retained.