Reebelo aims to help the world switch from a wasteful and linear way of tech consumption to a more sustainable path
TECHNOLOGY has evolved to become a key aspect of the learning process globally. For students, learning with technology means having unlimited access to information, exploring new verticals from anywhere and at any time, not to mention actively participating in fun learning activities virtually.
However, acquiring technology devices like smartphones and laptops for online learning and other education purposes can be costly for many average income parents.
According to research conducted by the Education Ministry, involving more than 670,000 parents and 900,000 students, ownership of hardware and electronic devices for learning purposes is limited. About 36.9 per cent of students nationwide do not possess any electronic gadgets, due to the unavailability of suitable electronic devices as it is generally simply too costly.
ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM
One of the ways to make technology devices affordable to all is through refurbishment and that's what e-commerce marketplace Reebelo (www.reebelo.com.my) has been doing since its establishment in 2019.
According to the company's country director Shen Ong, the platform works with a curated list of vendors, offering people the latest in high-quality refurbished technology, all at affordable prices.
"In choosing these pre-loved gadgets which work as efficiently as any other device, we believe that parents will be able to mind the bottom line while instilling the spirit of sustainability in their kids at an early age," he said.
Devices offered include smartphones, tablets and notebooks.
SUSTAINABLE METHOD
Recognising e-waste as the fastest growing waste category on the planet, Reebelo aims to help the world switch from a wasteful and linear way of tech consumption to a more sustainable method, via refurbishment and recycling.
"The cost-saving benefits of using refurbished and secondhand gadgets, focusing on how this alternative means of consuming technology is also very sustainable," said Ong.
In terms of demand, he said it has been very encouraging for the last few years.
"The demand for secondhand tech in this region and Malaysia has been incredibly high. Over the past few years, the refurbished industry has truly boomed, as we are currently seeing double-digit growth month on month. The industry itself has done over US$100 million in sales since 2020," said Ong.
"Also, with Covid-19 causing widespread school closures, education has changed dramatically, resulting in the rise of e-learning. As a result, we do get a lot of parents now buying devices for their children, mostly refurbished iPhones and iPads for education. It's a good way to not spend too much money, in case your child accidentally damages his or her device," he said.
PRE-LOVED DEVICES
While many people would worry about the quality of pre-loved devices, Ong said this should not be a major concern.
"We promise high-quality products at low prices. In terms of the quality of the individual products, they may vary slightly, but we typically keep to a very high standard for all our gadgets," he said, adding that Reebelo only works with the best vendors, with the best ratings to ensure all facets of the device are in excellent working condition.
"We have a list of vetted and reliable vendors that have been in the industry for years. Our trustworthy Malaysian vendors ensure that all devices sold are fully functional and according to our specifications," he said.
"Before the products are sold, they are put through 40-plus quality checkpoints to ensure that they are in perfect working condition. Besides that, the company also gives a 14-day money back guarantee and a three-month warranty (depending on the vendor) with no questions asked on its products," said Ong.
In terms of prices, he said newer devices are typically sold at a 20 to 30 per cent discounted price, whereas older devices can go as low as 70 per cent off retail.
"For example, we have older iPads going for less than RM700," he said.
FUTURE PLANS
Ong aims to grow the business by over 10 times in the next two years and re-educate the market on refurbished devices.
"Education is important as it is not just about cost saving but also reducing e-waste," concluded Ong.
