Refurbished smartphones and laptops sold with a warranty
Starting costs about $7,810 in the United States and 1,360,000 NGN in Nigeria. After 12 months, this business can bring in about $2,340 net per month in the United States and 527,000 NGN in Nigeria. The starting money comes back in about 9 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 247 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $7,810 | $2,340 |
| Nigeria | 1,360,000 NGN | 527,000 NGN |
| United Kingdom | £5,330 | £1,580 |
| Kenya | 349,000 KES | 79,900 KES |
| India | 170,000 INR | 58,300 INR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
New devices are expensive and private second-hand sales feel risky: hidden faults, worn batteries and no recourse.
The solution
Buy batches of used devices, test and clean them, replace batteries or screens, then resell them with a 6 to 12 month warranty.
Your customers
Students, families, freelancers and small businesses who want a reliable device at a lower price.
How you make money
Margin of 40 to 90 € per device sold, plus a 15 € warranty extension and accessories.
Competition
Large refurbished platforms, private classifieds, repair shops and informal resellers.
Who has an edge
A meticulous technical profile who diagnoses quickly and finds reliable batches from companies, schools or public bodies renewing equipment.
The risks
Poor-quality batches, costly warranty returns, stolen or locked devices, and price wars with large platforms.
The first 3 steps
- List three batch sources: companies, schools, second-hand wholesalers.
- Test and refurbish ten devices to measure the real cost.
- List them on a marketplace and locally with a written warranty.
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €10,000 − costs €8,400 = €1,600 net per month. Revenue: 40 devices × €240 + 25 warranty extensions × €15. Costs: device purchases, spare parts, online shop, warranty, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Refurbished phones and laptops?
About $7,810 (United States), 1,360,000 NGN (Nigeria), £5,330 (United Kingdom), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 247 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about $2,340 (United States), 527,000 NGN (Nigeria), £1,580 (United Kingdom) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 9 months, with 35 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
Poor-quality batches, costly warranty returns, stolen or locked devices, and price wars with large platforms.
Where do I start?
1. List three batch sources: companies, schools, second-hand wholesalers. 2. Test and refurbish ten devices to measure the real cost. 3. List them on a marketplace and locally with a written warranty.
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