Rekndle Redefines the Refurbished Electronics Space, Reigniting Customers’ Trust with Industry-first Warranty
24 May 2024 - 7:26PM
Buying refurbished electronics is a more cost-effective and
environment-friendly alternative for people looking to replace
their old devices. However, many are wary of these products for
various reasons, such as perceived lower quality or concealed
defects. E-commerce electronics marketplace Rekndle aims to
reignite trust in refurbished devices by championing the concepts
of trust and top-notch quality with each sale.
Rekndle works with trusted professional electronics refurbishers
to ensure that the products it sells are in excellent condition,
functioning just like new at a fraction of the cost. At present, it
carries smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
According to Rekndle founder Jason Chen, buying refurbished
gadgets also presents a viable way to mitigate the growing problem
of electronic waste, with the US having generated almost 7.2
million tons of e-waste in 2022. He says that because the average
American is not looking to buy the latest flagship device every two
years, they will greatly benefit from purchasing a refurbished
device. Rekndle seeks to further incentivize this by ensuring its
customers have unparalleled peace of mind through its two-year full
repair and replace warranty bundled with the device’s price. This
warranty is provided by a leading international repair and extended
warranty services company Consumer Priority Service (CPS).
Most consumers in the US replace their smartphones every two to
three years. By having a two-year repair and replacement warranty,
Rekndle makes it possible for customers to trade in a device with
an active warranty, increasing the chances that it’s in good
condition and contributing to the circular economy of consumer
electronics. This helps solve the e-waste problem, with a
refurbished smartphone having an environmental impact two to four
times lower than a new one. Even better, Jason sees a world where
we keep our gadgets for even longer. “It makes no sense that when
we buy an expensive piece of equipment, the only recourse is to buy
a new one. With Rekndle, we are adding more value back into the
marketplace. By having the means to repair, we give control back to
customers,” Chen says.
“Most consumers aren't looking for the latest and greatest
gadgets,” he adds. “What they expect and deserve is something that
works reliably and provides excellent value for their money. There
is a massive benefit in having a trusted place to buy something
refurbished while resting assured that it's going to be of good
quality. That place is Rekndle.”
To ensure that Rekndle sells only legitimate and top-condition
refurbished items, all devices undergo R2 certification, which is
the most widely adopted standard for reused and recycled
electronics. Rekndle's suppliers use state-of-the-art programs and
equipment to restore a device’s hardware and software before sale.
The device’s IMEI number is also checked to confirm that the device
is not stolen or compromised.
Earlier in his career, Chen worked for Walmart and eBay, two of
the largest names in retail and e-commerce. There, he learned about
the world of consumer technology and developed relationships within
the refurbishing industry, which he leverages today. After a stint
at an e-commerce startup, he identified the need for a trusted
online retailer of refurbished electronics and set out to form
Rekndle.
Chen shares that Rekndle plans to expand into more product
categories soon, including gaming consoles and household
appliances. With Gen Z being more socially and environmentally
conscious than previous generations, he believes that demand for
refurbished electronics will continue to grow in the coming
years.
“At Rekndle, our philosophy is simple yet powerful: devices
deserve a second chance, too,” Chen says. “It's all about breathing
new life into something that already has a story, making it ready
for its next chapter in your hands. We're here to prove that
refurbished electronics can be just as amazing as brand-new ones,
if not better.”
Media contact:
Name: Jason Chen
Email: jason@rekndle.com