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

The mobile market in Africa is about to enter a golden age. According to a recent report from the GSMA, Sub-Saharan Africa is set to have the world’s fastest growth in smartphone uptake, with 160 million new mobile subscribers by 2025.

We spend a lot of time talking about how to optimize the performance of mobile device trade-in programs. For the most part, these conversations come down to two sides—the backend operations and the customer experience. Having the technology to support a trade-in program is a great first step. Next, you have to find ways to generate the most value from device trade-ins.

Way back in 1963, Andy Williams released his song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” on a Christmas album. And undeniably, the vast majority of people connect this phrase to the holiday season. But for mobile device carriers and retailers, the most wonderful time of the year starts a few months earlier.

From plastic to paper, cardboard to electronics, today, there are many ways we can recycle unwanted materials. But when it comes to recycling smartphones, when they’re no longer wanted, more often than not they are left in a drawer, and lay there, forgotten.

The gaming industry embodies the digital age, captivating the world with entertainment through electronic devices—and it’s fair to say the industry has played its cards right, continually staying up to date with the latest technology. 

When it comes to in-store customer experiences, carriers and retailers are often most concerned with what’s on the surface. Over 75% of companies say they lose customers due to issues with wait times.

Each quarter, we analyze the millions of data points we’ve acquired and filtered from the mobile device trade-in market. Our research examines data about the most-traded devices, 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. 

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.