Makro Restored to sell refurbished tech

Popular retailer Makro has introduced a new way for South Africans to purchase pre-owned tech through an online portal Makro Restored.

There will be a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, desktops, audio (speakers and headphones), and gaming consoles as part of their restored tech devices on offer.

“Makro Restored offers customers quality refurbished and pre-owned devices at more accessible price points. These products are pre-owned, tested products at a fraction of the price of new, supported by warranty,” said Makro in a media statement.

The company says that customers will have peace of mind as sellers are carefully vetted to ensure “each device is thoroughly inspected, tested, and restored before sale”.

The items are also backed by warranty with return options, it adds.

Similarly, South Africans can also buy pre-owned Apple products from iStore Preowned, which has an online portal as well as in-store offering, plus another similar site called Tech Markit.

“By extending the life of devices that might otherwise be discarded, Makro Restored supports more sustainable consumption and contributes to reducing tech waste.”

It promises that items will undergo ‘complete functional diagnostics, secure data wiping, and professional grading before any device is approved for resale.’

Laura Hartnady VP Marketplace Massmart cites a Nielsen trend that shows restored tech is now central to consumer choice with for example at least 10% of all tech devices bought in the UK being refurbished in the first quarter of 2025.

It also highlights the emergence of a digitally savvy value driven, eco conscious consumer who is looking to make a smart investment when purchasing tech while being cognisant of the impact of their actions on the environment, says Hartnady.

“The trend is growing globally all over the world including in SA […] driven by rising prices of new devices, increasing acceptance of refurbished products, and a stronger focus on sustainability and re-use”.

“We know that in SA affordable restored tech devices are also about digital inclusion – giving more people access to the tools they need. With the launch of Makro Restored we are quite excited about leveraging the trusted Makro brand to show up for customers and support the needs of our country’s diverse range of customers in this increasingly digital world we live in,” says Hartnady.

Makro Restored Facts:

• Makro Restored devices are preowned devices that undergo comprehensive functional checks, diagnostics, and quality assessments to ensure reliable performance. Minor cosmetic imperfections that do not affect performance or functionality may remain.
• All Makro Restored devices are sold with an approved seller backed limited warranty of 6 to 12 months from date of purchase.
• All Makro Restored devices undergo a secure data wipe process, where applicable, to ensure previous user data is permanently removed.
• For peace of mind, only Makro approved resellers are permitted to list Makro Restored These sellers are vetted and required to meet defined industry and quality standards.
• Customers must retain proof of purchase for the duration of the warranty period, as a valid original receipt is required for any warranty claims.
• Makro Restored devices are subject to Makro’s standard Return and Refund Policy.

Visit makro.co.za/restored-store for more.