Vodafone has opened a dedicated Partner Shop for refurbished smartphones in collaboration with Recommerce, signalling a stronger push towards circular tech. The new storefront features professionally renewed handsets at up to 40% less than brand-new equivalents, each supplied with a 24‑month warranty and clear condition grading. The offer is open to everyone, no Vodafone contract required, making second‑life devices a credible, lower‑cost alternative to buying new while helping to reduce CO2 emissions and conserve resources.

Shoppers can choose from roughly 500 models across popular colours and four cosmetic categories, with transparent battery information and the option to add a new battery for a fee. This breadth, combined with competitive pricing and full service backing, aims to address common concerns about longevity and reliability, issues that have made some consumers cautious about refurbished devices. For context, an iPhone 16 starts from €625.90 in the refurbished shop versus €849 new, underscoring the potential savings.

The launch builds on Vodafone’s existing “Re‑trade” programme with Recommerce, running since 2022. Customers can assess their old phone via smart diagnostics, receive a guaranteed buy‑back price, and have data securely erased. Devices are then refurbished or responsibly recycled depending on condition. More than 50,000 phones were returned via Re‑trade in the last financial year, and the new Partner Shop routes many of these devices straight back to new owners, tightening the reuse loop. Recommerce underpins quality with certifications including RECQ (by DEKRA) and ISO 9001.

It also complements Vodafone’s wider sustainability measures: a five‑year promise for GigaMobil M and above (extended warranty plus one free battery replacement), flexible 12/24/36‑month financing to encourage longer use, the “One for One” circular pledge with Closing the Loop that has diverted over 2.7 million devices from waste streams, and insurance that supports repair over replacement. Together, these initiatives advance Vodafone’s commitment to a more circular smartphone market while giving consumers broader choice, lower prices, and added confidence in refurbished quality.

Wolfgang Fettes, Head of Consumer Products & Services at Vodafone, noted that research from the Vodafone Institute indicates many people in Germany remain cautious about purchasing refurbished handsets. He called this a missed opportunity, as revitalised smartphones deliver strong value for budget‑minded buyers and those focused on sustainability. With the launch of the new Partner Shop, he said, Vodafone aims to open up these advantages to a much wider audience.

Recommerce Group CEO Augustin Becquet said the collaboration with Vodafone marks meaningful progress for a greener smartphone ecosystem, pointing out that choosing a refurbished device can prevent roughly 50 kg of CO2 emissions versus buying new. He added that together the companies can broaden access to affordable, sustainable tech backed by recognised certifications such as the RECQ quality label from DEKRA and ISO 9001. Building on existing trade‑in initiatives, extending into refurbished sales gives customers a credible alternative to new devices and helps complete the circular loop.