How the iPhone X is Holding its Value on the Secondary Market

We launched our first B2B marketplace for trade-in mobile phones in 2014 and have since grown into the world’s largest marketplace for trade-in devices and other mobile accessories.  We’ve seen some interesting trends develop over the years too; most notably the rise of the mobile secondary market and growing demand for refurbished, older model devices (both in the U.S. and around the globe). Today we focus on the iPhone X and how it is holding a higher value on the secondary market versus historical averages.

Normally, within six months after an iPhone launch, retailers and manufacturers can expect to sell that model at 60 to 70% of original retail value (this is typical through a B2B secondary channel, like the one B-Stock offers). The iPhone 6, 6s, 7, and 8 all achieved roughly 65% of retail value six months after launch across our network of mobile marketplaces.

Currently, we are seeing the iPhone X bucking those trends: across our mobile marketplaces, the iPhone X is selling at 75% of original retail value (for Grade A/fully functional condition).

According to our Mobile Team, here’s why:

• At a start price of $999, it’s the most expensive phone Apple has ever sold. Premium pricing tends to create a higher value for the product overall, and consumers tend to hold onto these phones for longer periods (meaning less supply on the secondary market).
• A second reason for the iPhone X model maintaining a high value could be due to the rumors that Apple will not be making newer versions of this model. Accordingly, many consumers may keep their iPhone Xs because there won’t be a new iteration of that model for trade-in.
• A final reason that the X might be keeping its value is that it sports the first new form factor since the iPhone 6, which was released back in 2014.  

So far this year, over tens of thousands of iPhone X units have been sold across our network of 10+ mobile marketplaces. Stay tuned to see how long the X will hold its value!

If you’re a manufacturer, retailer, or SMB with excess mobile devices that you’d like to sell on the secondary market, get in touch with us today.

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