According to a report by CCS Insights, after three consecutive years of double-digit growth, the organised market for second-hand smartphones in India is expected to see its first decline in 2025. The dip is attributed to a short supply of traded-in devices, which is hampering inventory for refurbished smartphone brands.
In the January–March quarter of 2025, sales of refurbished smartphones by organised players fell by 6 per cent year-on-year, with volumes dropping to 1.3 million units from 1.4 million in the same period last year. The research points to a shift in new smartphone sales from online to offline channels as a key reason. Devices exchanged online typically feed the organised refurbishing ecosystem, whereas those traded in offline retail often end up with unorganised players.
Looking ahead, the report projected a 5 to 7 per cent decline in refurbished smartphone sales for the full year, down from 5.7 million units sold in 2024. This marks a notable shift after years of steady growth, 22 per cent in 2022, 16 per cent in 2023, and 10 per cent in 2024.
The report further noted that supply constraints are now expected annually, particularly during the May–July period when online trade-in volumes dip. To address this, companies have started diversifying their sourcing models, including direct procurement from smartphone brands, and building up inventory in earlier months to navigate the seasonal shortage.
