Cleaning, wiping data and updating software: Refurbished phones should be in as good condition as possible when they arrive by mail to the customer. More and more companies in Germany are specializing in renewal. They buy used appliances, refurbish them and then sell them. A relatively new trend, which many consumers view with skepticism. The “used” label often raises doubts about the quality of the product.

The company Interzero, with a presence in Berlin and Cologne, aspires to improve the reputation of used cars. “The experience of buying used technology should be no different than the experience of buying a brand new product,” says Dirk Krolikowski, Head of Technology and Processes. “Only then will customers have something good to say about used cars and our company,” he adds.

Online stores selling used technology have grown significantly in recent years. They advertise with slogans like “Good for karma, good for wallet – Refurbished instead of new”. According to consumer protection associations, price plays a decisive role. Research shows that the majority of buyers are not so interested in innovations: “The most important thing is the price. Anyone who buys used saves money and resources,” consumer protection associations say.

“There is no legal framework for reuse”

Compared to buying a new product, consumers can save up to 50% of the original price. Consumer protection associations caution consumers that buyers should ensure that companies selling refurbished products have implemented quality control procedures. Already the photos are considered indicative: “Is this the offered product in its current state or a catalog photo?”

At Interzero the road to renewing a product is long until the tablet, mobile phone or computer is labeled refurbished: “First the packaging is removed and the machines are identified and inventoried,” says Dirk Krolikowski: “Companies pay more attention to technology products than ,what the individuals in their homes”, he mentions to add that his company buys mainly from companies and less from individuals.

From an ecological point of view it would be positive if we all buy used, saving resources and pollution. However, according to the German Environmental Aid, all this is not enough: “There must be a mandatory check on the possibility of reusing old electrical devices,” says Thomas Fischer, head of the German organization’s recycling management. He believes that control should be the responsibility of the German government. “Today there is no legal framework or rules for reusing devices. In other words, we are dealing with a significant deficit”.

Repairs must be made economically viable

At the end of June, Federal Consumer Protection Minister Steffi Lemke joined her counterparts in the 16 German states in favor of a right to repair. To this end, they are proposing a new law that would oblige manufacturers to provide consumers and repair professionals with detailed repair information free of charge. At the same time, they are launching the “Repair instead of throwing away” action plan. A representative of the ministry answers a question that the program is currently under discussion at government level.

In the view of the organization German Environmental Aid these are steps in the right direction. However, it speaks of very vague plans. “There is no definite timetable,” says Thomas Fischer. He believes that much will still need to be done before the repairs are economically viable. The environmental organization is therefore calling for repairs to be made more attractive, for example through a lower VAT rate. “This means that labor and repairs should be significantly cheaper than buying a new product,” says Thomas Fischer.