New HYLA Mobile Survey Reveals Consumer Trade-In Preferences Ahead of iPhone 6 Launch

DALLAS, Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey released today by HYLA Mobile offers new insight into consumer preferences and behaviors around mobile device trade-in, most notably that consumers prefer trading in their used devices with carriers, above all other options. The survey was released in conjunction with the announcement of the new HYLA Mobile brand, a company that recognizes the opportunity created by idle devices for current users, carriers and those who want access to wireless technology and the connectivity it provides.

"As a society, we have to reconsider our mobile devices as more than one owner resources," said David Edmondson, CEO of HYLA Mobile. "When people upgrade to the latest mobile devices, their used devices still have a lot of life and value. These used devices have the power to upgrade someone else's life, across the street or across the globe."

As consumers demand newer technology at a faster pace, the volume of idle devices with valuable life remaining is increasing. Recognizing this trend, HYLA Mobile has started a global life cycle revolution for wireless technology by reclaiming idle or used devices, and putting those devices into the hands of those who need them most. This revolutionary process in turn drives digital inclusion that can change lives and communities while protecting the environment. Since its inception in 2009, HYLA Mobile (formerly eRecyclingCorps) has reclaimed more than 25 million phones. Approximately 95 percent of these phones are then made available for reuse, the highest form of environmental recycling.

"While we are proud the industry we helped to create has become an established part of the mobile ecosystem, we see even greater opportunities to make wireless technology – and the advantages connectivity provides – available to more people," Edmondson said.

HYLA Mobile's survey revealed that the most frequently reported trade-ins in the past two years have been with a carrier, where a relationship already exists, and where customers trust the safety and security of the trade-in process. When considering a trade-in, the following preferences emerged:

• Security, fairness and price are the most important aspects when considering whether to trade-in or sell a mobile phone;
• When trading-in a mobile phone, most customers valued a credit towards a purchase from a mobile service provider; and
• iPhone owners rate price as significantly more important than Android owners when considering whether to trade-in or sell their mobile phones.

When the iPhone 5S was released, HYLA Mobile recorded a 693 percent increase in trade-in volume overnight, and a 160 percent increase in trade-in value overnight. HYLA Mobile's industry-leading phone collection volume makes it possible for the company to accurately assess the residual value of used mobile devices throughout their life cycle. This allows consumers to instantly receive credit for the remaining value, and ensures their used devices have a second life in the hands of someone who may not otherwise have access to affordable, advanced wireless technology.

Thirty-six percent of those surveyed had previously traded in a mobile device, the majority of whom did so with a carrier (61 percent), showing continuing consumer interest in mobile device trade-in. Among those surveyed who had not previously traded-in a device, the following preferences and behaviors were identified:

• The main reason cited for not trading-in a used device was to keep the phone in case it was needed in the future, with women significantly more likely than men to do so for that reason;
• Individuals from 35 – 54 were significantly more concerned than younger age groups about data privacy; and
• When asked why they had not traded-in a device, many of those surveyed perceived mobile device trade-in as a hassle and time consuming, or were unaware that trade-in is an option.

"A lack of understanding and awareness about the safety and ease of mobile trade-in is one of the fundamental barriers limiting access to affordable, life-changing technology for millions around the globe," Edmondson said. "With more than 960 million smartphones sold worldwide in 2013 (according to Gartner), and more being introduced each day, there remains significant opportunity for consumers to reclaim the value left in their used devices through the safe and easy trade-in processes available today."

HYLA Mobile understands the importance of safety and privacy for mobile trade-in and has developed proprietary protocols to clear data from any device. These rigorous processes ensure high-quality used and idle devices are returned to the market and ready for their new owners to access the growing wireless infrastructure around the globe.

About HYLA Mobile

HYLA Mobile (formerly eRecyclingCorps) is one of the world's leading providers of mobile device trade-in and reuse solutions. Since its founding in 2009, HYLA Mobile has worked to extend the life cycle of mobile devices to build economic opportunity and enable information access for new users, while helping to protect our planet.  HYLA Mobile operates in seven countries and partners with leading carries such as AT&T, Verizon and Orange across a network of more than 16,000 retail locations to provide instant, in-store trade-in credit for used mobile devices. The high quality, cleared devices are resold to consumers around the world, extending access to affordable, high-quality wireless technology in developed and emerging markets. HYLA Mobile has completed more than 25 million mobile device trade-ins since its founding in 2009. HYLA Mobile is based in Dallas, Texas, with European headquarters in Belgium. To learn more about how HYLA Mobile is changing the way people think about used mobile devices, visit www.HYLAMobile.com. 

SOURCE HYLA Mobile