
Argos: Gadget Trade-in
27th July 2015
A case study developed through REBus and WRAP to work with leading digital retailer, Argos, to roll out an innovative new Gadget Trade-in service in stores across the UK.
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A case study developed through REBus and WRAP to work with leading digital retailer, Argos, to roll out an innovative new Gadget Trade-in service in stores across the UK.
Overview
Case study overview
Using the key research from REBus and WRAP's work on resource efficient business models, Argos developed a Gadget Trade-in scheme for customers to trade-in their second-hand electrical products for credit on future purchases in store.
The Argos Gadget Trade-in service is a great example of how resource efficient business models can work in practice and demonstrates a professional business case for change. It can generate both business and environmental benefits.
For an overview of the scheme and how it works, watch the video below:
Project
The project process
The project took the following key steps to implement the new scheme and sell the idea to key stakeholders, staff and Argos customers:
The roll-out
Argos had two objectives when conducting the trial and roll-out process.
Following a successful pilot, Argos were able to provide the Stores team with all the necessary information they needed to approve rolling out this service to all Argos stores.
The Gadget Trade-in service was rolled out to all Argos stores from 22 May 2015.
Store staff have received training and they have service support packs next to each till.
Service
The service: Gadget trade-in
Customers can take their old mobile phones and tablets into any Argos store and exchange them for Argos vouchers.
The transaction
Customers take their old devices to the till where a Customer Advisor will check the re-useable value. If the customer is happy with this value the transaction will go ahead.
The customer receives an Argos gift voucher for the value of their recycled gadget which they can spend on anything in the catalogue.
The gadgets are also checked against a lost and stolen database.
The Customer Advisor takes the gadget and places it in a sealed envelope with the relevant paperwork.
The customer benefits by being able to recycle their gadget so that it can potentially be re-used, and by realising the value of their old gadget.
Partnership with a service provider
This secure package is then sent to an IT Asset Management (ITAM) company where the data is wiped. The gadget is then assessed to see if it can be refurbished so that it can be re-used.
If it cannot be refurbished or repaired then it is broken down so that the parts can be recycled.
The refurbished gadgets are resold by the ITAM in the UK and throughout Europe.
Feedback
Megan Kitchen – the environmental perspective
- Megan Kitchen, Environmental and Ethical Affairs Manager, Home Retail Group/Argos
Nadeem – the commercial perspective
- Nadeem Arshad, New Propositions Manager, Home Retail Group/Argos
Anthony - the big picture
- Anthony Houghton, Argos Stores Director