As consumers continue to hold onto their devices for longer periods of time, it’s more important than ever to build out a comprehensive data analytics program. But if you’ve been running a mobile device trade-in program for years, you already know how data can help you grow your program.

Over the years, Apple’s strategy for success has changed dramatically. While Apple started its foray into the world of tech with the launch of computers, it moved into the world of music with the launch of the iPod, and then into the smartphone market with the revolutionary launch of the iPhone.

The US/China trade-war has reached new heights. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen the media report on the moves made against Chinese manufacturer Huawei. News reports have discussed developments including Huawei being banned from Google’s Android services, and suspending business activity with the manufacturer to comply with the US Administration ban. This news is going to cause major implications for global smartphone makers and consumers alike across the globe.

Last month, I was invited to the GSMA’s Fraud and Security Group (FASG) event in Chicago. The FASG aims to drive the industry’s management of fraud and security matters, and along with raising awareness, looks to increase the protection of mobile operator technology, customer identity, security and privacy, to ensure that mobile operators remain trusted partners within the telecoms industry.

At the start of 2019, the industry saw OEMs such as Apple attribute declines in revenue and smartphone sales to heating tensions with China, as well as to the broader economic slowdown. Samsung also forecasted a drop-in profits due to declining mobile sales in China and because of “intensified competition”. But it seems that the slowdown in global smartphone sales cannot be solely blamed on China – demand doesn’t seem to be strong in developed markets, either.

Carriers and mobile device retailers aren’t immune to general trends in consumer behavior and customer experience. Like in any other industry, the mobile device industry has to embrace an increasingly digital buyer’s journey. What used to be exclusively a brick-and-mortar process has evolved into an omnichannel experience that spans desktop websites, apps, mobile sites, and more.

By now, no consumer should be tossing their old mobile devices in drawers when it comes time to upgrade. Not only is it an environmental concern, but you’re also leaving significant amounts of money on the table if you neglect trade-in programs.

Estimated to be worth $17 billion, the global secondary device market continues to grow. Counterpoint Research reported that worldwide sales of refurbished smartphones were at 140 million units in 2018. Though this was just a 1% growth over 2017, India realized a 14% growth of pre-owned device sales equalling 14 million units.

Every quarter, we analyze the millions of data points we’ve acquired and filtered from the mobile device trade-in market. Our research examines data points about the most-traded devices around the world, the devices with the highest trade-in values, the total amount of money returned to consumers in the United States, the average value of traded devices, and more.

What happens to your old mobile device when you’re ready for an upgrade? In the past, most consumers would toss old devices in a drawer or throw them in the trash.