Electronics recommerce platform 3cat has raised $4 million in fresh funding to expand its refurbished device retail business in the Philippines.
The company said the funding will support the acquisition of refurbished smartphones and computing devices, quality inspection and testing, as well as the development of retail and distribution networks across the country.
3cat plans to offer consumers certified pre-owned devices that have undergone inspection, repairs and testing, with warranties designed to provide greater assurance to buyers.
The move comes as demand for more affordable smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices grows across Southeast Asia, where rising prices for new flagship products are pushing some consumers towards refurbished alternatives.
Refurbished devices are typically sourced from returned products, trade-ins, corporate fleets, carriers and individual consumers before being graded, repaired and tested for resale.
3cat said its model is aimed at bringing greater structure to the secondary electronics market by providing standardized quality checks and warranty coverage.
The company is expected to initially focus its retail rollout on Metro Manila before expanding into other parts of the Philippines.
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It also plans to develop partnerships with businesses, device distributors and other suppliers to secure a steady supply of used and trade-in devices for refurbishment.
The Philippines has a large mobile device market, with consumers increasingly seeking lower-cost alternatives to new smartphones and other electronics.
3cat’s expansion will put it in competition with informal sellers and physical gadget markets that dominate much of the country’s secondhand electronics trade.
The company will now focus on building its local inventory, inspection operations and warranty fulfilment network as it expands its refurbished device business in the country.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
