Happy Friday from trade2save!For all our Gamers our there, the success of GameStop, Game Crazy, EB Games, etc. is nothing new and the impact of buying/selling/trading used video games on the new market is common discussion. For those non gamers out there, in quick summary the used game market has not only led companies such as the infamous GameStop (which buys used games for very little and resells at almost full price) to gain tremendous profits, but also has become and interest/concern for video game manufacturers because of the decrease in demand for “new” products. Recently electronictheater.co.uk released an interesting look at video game companies attempt to deter used game sales by including special bonuses/privaleges for only those who purchase new copies of said game. While we here at trade2save frown upon the horribly unfair, used prices of game stores such as GameStop, we still love the pre-owned game market, as every new game produced still costs valuable resources and creates e waste! While we understand the gaming industries frusteration with lost sales, these new attempts to penalize those who choose to buy used ($60 per game IS quite pricey) is hurting both the environment and the consumer! Trade2save is interested to hear your take on this debate, so let us know your thoughts. One way or another, if you have a game that you no longer play, make sure to give it a good home, be it to a friend or through a fair priced dealer *cough* trade2save *cough*
World renowned “Stanford Graduate School of Business” recently published the results of a study on the effects of upfront recycling fees for old electronics, and frankly trade2save couldn’t be more excited. In a nut shell, the research strongly suggests that not only will upfront recycling fees encourage the life span of electronics and reduce waste, but actually benefit manufacturers as well, giving them more time to develop new, innovative products.
The study chose to cite California as it’s example of a flat, enforced fee charged to consumers when recycle electronics. Not only does this fee ensure the proper and safe disposal of the e waste by avoiding shady middle man companies (who often export e waste to developing nations) but the enforced charge makes consumers less eager to toss electronics at a whim. In the current economic situation, consumers are getting more spend conscious and this extra recycling fee is just the nudge consumers need to realize that tossing their last generation ipod for a slightly newer model may actually not be worth it.
The study also cited staggering statistics on the wastefulness of global consumers, noting that Americans buy a new cell phone every 18 months and businesses replace entire fleets of PCs every 4 years. By creating such an immediate demand for new products, consumers effectively instigate the “Osborne Effect,” in which the anticipation for new products actually hurts current product and manufacturer sales. Stanford’s Erica Plambeck argues that by extending lifespan and reducing the demand for arbitrary new products (Woo! 3 megapixel phone instead of 2!), electronics “manufacturers are in less of a rush to introduce new products. Consumers anticipate using a product for longer, and so are willing to pay more for it. Because manufacturers have additional development time, they can make larger leaps in both product capabilities and quality, so the new products coming out are substantially better than the previous generation.”
This truly is a win win scenario for all parties involved, so as usual we here at trade2save hope this research gets the recognition it deserves from both consumers and manufacturers! By extending lifespans of electronics and buying/selling/trading pre-owned we can all do our part to reduce e waste and save ourselves some hard earned cash during this economic situation, which hopefully will permanently change our wasteful habits.
Check out a good summary article by greenbang.com !
Today, online e- gadget blog “engadget” released a fantastic article regarding recycling e waste.
While detailing the engadget’s own absurdly large collection of gadgets accumulated from years of electronics reviews, the article then continues to briefly mention the problem of e waste and detail the recycling policies of many electronic manufacturers’ recycling policies, costs, and respective url links.
We here at trade2save are once again genuinely excited to see the positive example set by large scale electronics websites such as engadget that have a large base of followers. Not only will this article hopefully improve consumer awareness to the importance of electronic recycling, but also will give the tools and resources for consumers to research proper electronic disposal. For those savvier on the global e waste problem, this article serves as an excellent way to track big name electronics companies’ e waste policies.
However, once again Trade2save really must emphasize the importance of buying/selling/trading your used electronics! “engadget” only briefly mentioned this option. Just by looking at the reader comments, many of which asking engadget for their used electronics, it’s obvious that one person’s e-waste is another’s e-treasure. The constant demand for new products keeps this flow of e waste up, so never forget the option of re-selling your electronics before they become obsolete.
Happy Tuesday from trade2save!
After a brief break our blog is back to keep our readers updated on e waste news from around the globe.
Today, techie news website”PC World” reported that the community organized “eday” in New Zealand may have fallen subject to corrupt e waste recycling companies. According to PC World’s article, 3rd party e waste company CRTNZ which is responsible for the safe recycling of e waste collected on eday, is undergoing investigation regarding their handling and shipping of electronic waste to reputable recycling/re-using centers. While the whole investigation has been kept relatively mum on account of the potential bad publicity for both the company and eday representatives, it has been suggested that CTNZ may have breahed e waste regulations by branding e waste as reusable/resellable products.
While eday is likely to continue in New Zealand, the bad publicity could cause an overall drop in participants, public approval, and sponsorship. This potentially a huge problem for New Zelanders as eday is currently the only way for citizens to properly dispose of electronics (966 tons were dropped off last year alone).
The trade2save team is both thrilled to see that smaller countries such as New Zealand are making government and community initiatives to increase public awareness to e waste, but are also very frustrated to see such controversial news already tarnishing a good program. Internationally people need more options to recycle electronics as opposed to just the dump. Regardless of community/gov programs, the ability to re sell and extend the life of used electronics always exists! Hopefully our cry for consumers to buy/sell/trade pre owned electronics will be realized globally, as the garbage is never the place for old electronics (plus you’ll make some cash!)
The American economy is in the slumps and our culture of mass consumerism is being called into question both fiscally and morally. Originally posted in 2007, an extremely interesting and provocative lecture was held by McAlvany International Collectors Associates (ICA) economists, predicting the very economic declines and issues our nation is currently facing. Many of these very predictions seem to point to the growth of the pre owned sector in lieu of the current American economic situation. While it is always easy in hindsight to say these current recession trends were to be expected, more attention is now rightfully being given to the dramatic increase of gray market exchanges of used goods.
Perhaps the most relevant section of the lecture to trade2save.com concerns the issues of mass overproduction by China and other Asian exporters and the overconsumption by the US, specifically in the sector of consumer electronics. Fueled by economic bubbles created with the intent to encourage unsustainable amounts of production and purchases, a culture of spending and waste became the norm within the United States. Now, following the “.com” and housing market busts, millions of jobs have been outsourced, our purchasing power/currency is diminished, and our amount of “stuff” (including waste) and debt is overflowing.
Ironically it has been America’s spending power and over consumption that has kept its economy afloat over the past few years. With inflation and our weakening currency, saving money is far less profitable due to the dollar’s steady decline in value. However, now with debt finally catching up to consumers and the ability to purchase jeopardized, Americans are now becoming more frugal and conscientious in their spending and demand for new products. While most would be right to see these economic changes as negative, this could also be the transformation in buying discourse and priority that the U.S needs to reduce personal and national debt.
Just as trade2save.com encourages the buying, selling, and trading market for electronics, multiple indicators point to growth of buy/sell/trade markets and classifieds. Many business journals are reporting bulk consumer good superstores like “Sam’s Club” and “Costco” partnering with used electronics companies such as EcoNew.com and gazelle.com, partnerships that were unthinkable until recent events. As the spending power of the average American continues to fall, trends such as extended product use/life and buy/sell/trade expansion mark a major shift from the traditional market approaches by electronics companies.
As revenues from all consumer goods have fallen, the electronics industry took an especially hard hit, dropping as much as 50% in certain sectors. In a recent article, Electronics website and specialist “Electronics Design, Strategy, News,” or EDN, cited the major decrease in demand for new electronics is due to the lack of disposable income by consumers, a relatively new issue for the electronics market. EDN notes that “This downturn has a very different dynamic than anything that the electronics industry has seen before… Previous downturns were caused by too much capacity. This one…is caused by a steep and sudden drop in demand.” (Hamburt, 2009) With the entire population being affected by the recession, electronics companies are now forced to create new strategies to cope with “entire markets undergoing fundamental changes” (Hamburt, 2009). As electronics producers face lower demand for new products the pre owned market is flourishing, marking a major opportunity to focus on used electronics.
This growth of the buy/sell/trade gray market, specifically in the domain of used electronics, isn’t going unnoticed by consumers, many of whom are now purchasing from liquidated tech companies. With journals such as “U.S. News and World Report” publishing advice recommending the purchase of used electronics, its little surprise that electronics producers are witnessing buy/sell/trade exchanges taking a chunk of the electronics market. With many corporations going under, many of their electronic gadgets are being sold to liaison companies which refurbish and resell to businesses and individuals.
Liquid Technology Inc. is just one of many companies which, similar to trade2save, focuses on used electronics. According to economic journal “www.bloomberg.com,” the number of businesses filing for bankruptcy increased 42% in 2008, making failed companies’ electronics a major source for inexpensive technology. New businesses and individuals alike are all taking advantage of the situation, as “the fire sales have drawn customers that don’t normally buy used equipment…They’re finding they can still get brand-name equipment, such as computers from Round Rock, Texas- based Dell and Hewlett-Packard Co. or networking products from Cisco, at much lower prices.” (Hoffmann, 2008)
Buy/sell/trade gray market expansion is not just limited to electronic gadgets, as many forms of pre-owned home entertainment are gaining momentum and following the trend. With consumers opting to stay in and save money from costly outings, home entertainment such as movies (DVD, blu-ray) and video games are in high demand on the buy/sell/trade market. With companies such as GameStop making $2 billion on selling pre-owned games, nearly a third of GameStop’s revenue, it is clear that buying, selling, and trading xbox 360, playstation 3, Nintendo DS, and Wii titles is major market. Video game news site www.gamasutra.com reports that “numbers on resales are bound to head upward… as gamers — like everyone else — look to save a few bucks during the deepening recession” (Hyman, 2008). According to a recent survey of gamers, 1 in 4 gamers who had previously never purchased pre owned video games or game consoles planned to start in the next year. Furthermore, around 49 million gamers had purchased and 26 million gamers had sold a pre owned video game within the last year.
Perhaps even more telling is the rapid expansion of internet classifieds sites like “Craigslist,” which serve as popular channels for buy/sell/trade exchanges. According to Small Business Labs, in just the past year Craigslist.org showed a 105% year-over-year percent change in search prevalence, overcoming both “myspace.com” and “facebook.com.” This is attributed as a direct reflection of consumers’ increased interest in buying and selling used goods in order to save/make money during these harder financial times. Ranging from anything from laptops to last year’s iphone 3G, craigslist and classified represent a local effort to profit from what previously may have been stored in the garage or tossed.
Along with the success of craigslist and buy/sell/trade markets, multiple other classified sites have been launched and are already expanding quickly such as ebay’s “kajiji” and oodle. As new, must have electronics continue to be released, these exchanges of used smart phones, PS3 slims, etc. still allow a cash strapped consumer to get the hottest tech gear, albeit at a lower price. Time magazine noted the fierce competition for online classified supremacy, as the once considered “stagnant sector” of online classifieds has grown 35% in the past year alone, totaling to a $15 billion market.
With such buy/sell/trade practices on a dramatic rise, it is a strong implication that companies such as trade2save, which specialize in the used/refurbished market, will play a major role in the future of American consumption habits. Trade2save loves our gadgets as much as the rest of the world, and while there will always be a demand for new, innovative products, hopefully we all as consumers can still manage to purchase the products we want (even if used) while selling our unwanted products for others to enjoy as well (and make some pocket cash!) While trade2save strives to encourage the moral fiber of such buy/sell/trade exchanges because of their huge environmental and humanitarian implications, the average consumer will profit regardless of their intent and can rest assured that they are both saving some green while going green.
References:
Hamilton, Anita. “Taking Aim at Craigslist - TIME.” Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. 18 June 2008. Web. 15 Oct. 2009. <http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1814457,00.html>.
Harbert, Tam. “Electronics companies brace for a long, hard recession.” Electronics Design, Strategy, News. 10 Mar. 2009. Web. 14 Oct. 2009. <http://www.edn.com/article/CA6643065.html>.
Hoffmann, Katie. “Cisco, Dell Sales at Risk as Slump Fuels Gray Market.” Bloomberg.com. 5 Dec. 2008. Web. 15 Oct. 2009. <http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601204&sid=ag5pxFL3YpFY>.
Hyman, Paul. “As Recession Deepens, Used Games Get More Painful.” Gamasutra. Think Services, 8 Dec. 2008. Web. 15 Oct. 2009. <http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3872/as_recession_deepens_used_games_.php>.
King, Steve. “Craigslist Continues Strong Growth.” Small Business Labs. 23 Mar. 2009. Web. 14 Oct. 2009. <http://genylabs.typepad.com/small_biz_labs/2009/03/craigslist-continues-strong-growth.html>.
Lagesse, David. “Used Electronics Can Make Good Buys.” U.S News & World Report. 19 Feb. 2008. Web. 15 Oct. 2009. <http://images.usnews.com/money/business-economy/technology/articles/2008/02/19/used-electronics-can-make-good-buys.html>.
Welcome back from the weekend readers, trade2save wishes you a bright and productive start of the work week!
Today (Monday, Oct 19) marks the first day of “Break the Silence in Congo” week, a week dedicated to spreading awareness about one the bloodiest conflicts our planet has ever seen. Not only has this resource war claimed more than 5 million lives but also is the cause of starvation, rape, and uprooting of millions more in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fought by warlords, militias, and “government” forces and fueled by controversial, international demand for the DRC’s valuable resource mines, this war is potentially the most overlooked bloodbath of our era.
With many of the resources from the DRC used in consumer electronics (gold, copper, coltan, etc.) we here at trade2save think it’s all our responsibility as consumers to know more about the true costs behind our new HDTVs, iphones, PS3s, etc. Please keep an eye open for any events going on in your area on raising awareness for the war in the Congo and show your support!
http://www.congoweek.org/english/
With that, here is an excellent video from journeyman pictures summarizing the horrible situation in the congo and the global lust for resources that fuels it.
Happy Friday from trade2save!
A bit of bright news to all you readers out there to kick start your weekend with some optimism! AFP recently released pictures and details of the medals to be awarded for the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics which are making Olympic history. Not only are the gold, silver, and bronze set to be the heaviest Olympic medals ever (roughly a half kilogram each), but each medal will be made using a small percentage of recycled electronics.
While the amounts of gold, silver, and copper used from e-waste is quite small, (ranging from .12 to 1.5 percent) the gesture itself is a statement towards the proper disposal of materials that would typically be tossed in a haphazard manner. The use of recycled material in the medals is another Olympic first and quickly generating well deserved buzz. This is absolutely fantastic news, as the international exposure and recognition the Olympics hold with the focus on e-waste will make a great tool to spread the word about e-waste.
Today a fantastic article was published by Trib Total Media reporting on the shady dealings of many so called “electronics recycling” companies.
The report essentially detailed the fact that for e-waste to be properly handled and recycled there almost always will be a fee for those dropping off old computers, monitors, tvs, etc. While this is definitely not news that the average consumer wants to hear, the unfortunate reality of the situation is that our ewaste is incredibly toxic and difficult to safely dispose of, making a costly and time consuming procedure.
After following the trail of claimed recycling company EarthEcycle which offered to accept ewaste for free and even partnered with other philanthropic organizations to obtain ewaste, experts discovered a large amount of evidence pointing to EarthEcycle’s illegal outsourcing of ewaste to developing nations. The ewaste sent to developing nations is taken apart by hand, burned, and dumped, polluting the environment to the point of toxicity and killing many of the workers.
As much as trade2save can sympathize with the desire to save money, we beg our readers to either trade or sell your older electronics to avoid these malicious “recycling” schemes. If you decide to toss your old gear, make sure it’s with a reputable company. Yes, there will often be a charge, but by understanding where this money goes we here at trade2save hope that customers will make well educated, morally conscious decisions, so spread the word!
Happy Wednesday from trade2save!
A video by McAlvany International Collectors Associates (ICA) economists was recently brought to our attention predicting the very economic declines and issues our nation is currently facing.
Perhaps the most interesting and relevant section of the lecture to trade2save concerned the issues of mass overproduction by foreign countries and overconsumption by the US. Fueled by economic bubbles created with the intent to encourage such absurd amounts of production and purchases, a culture of lavish spending and waste became the norm.
With the economic downturn and buy/sell/trade markets on a dramatic rise, it is a strong implication that companies such as trade2save, which specialize in the used/refurbished market, will play a major role in the future of American consumption habits to combat our former overconsumption discourse.
Check out the full lecture
Today, www.theinquirer.net released a very interesting article interviewing the chief executive of “1E,” a software company which specializes in extending the life of computers. The chief executive, Sumir Karayi, noted 1E’s current development of an updated, health monitoring program for PC computers.
This program is intended to optimize the usage, servicing, and life span of personal computers. The implications of this software could be huge for small start-ups and giant corporations alike. Not only will money be saved by lengthening the usage of company computers, but the potential e-waste created by replacing a entire company’s fleet of personal computers every 3 years could be easily be reduced.
This is the exact mentality that trade2save loves to see taken up by companies. By upgrading only when necessary, customers and companies alike will avoid falling into the expensive and wasteful cycle of needless tech purchases AND reduce ewaste, a true win-win scenario. The article also continues to mention several other programs being developed to help servers and energy efficiency, which overall bodes very well if 1E truly takes off.
Check out the whole story here!
