Verkkokauppa.com replaces underpowered computers with more powerful refurbished models at the same price

Verkkokauppa.com has made a surprising move in the name of customer-centricity: the company removed underpowered Windows computers from its selection and replaced them with high-quality used alternatives. The goal is to extend the lifespan of electronics while offering more sustainable options for those shopping on a student budget.

The back-to-school season is a peak time for computer sales, with many looking for budget-friendly laptops for secondary and higher education. However, shoppers should be careful: the low-quality processors in the cheapest models can catch uninformed consumers off guard.

According to Verkkokauppa.com experts, computers bought solely based on a low price tag often have significant shortcomings in performance, upgradability, and connectivity.

“We want to offer our customers high-quality, long-lasting solutions. In our view, computers that barely meet the minimum requirements for Windows don't fit that description. The processors in the cheapest laptops are often underpowered, making basic tasks slow and the overall user experience poor. In these entry-level devices, even basic components like memory or storage can't be upgraded, which means their actual lifespan is quite short,” says Verkkokauppa.com’s long-time Purchasing Manager Antti Aulavuori.

Replacing new Windows computers featuring Intel Celeron and N100 processors with used alternatives

According to Verkkokauppa.com’s Electronics Sustainability Barometer*, 41% of Finns expect electronics retailers to remove short-lived or otherwise unsustainable products from their selection.

The same survey shows that well over half of Finns would now choose a used device over a new one.

“We took a calculated risk with this change, as some customers are still hesitant about used devices. However, the future of used electronics looks bright. According to our latest Sustainability Barometer, 62% of Finns—and as many as 75% of current Verkkokauppa.com customers—would be willing to buy used devices if they were more readily available,” says Suvituuli Tuukkanen, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability at Verkkokauppa.com.

Prices for laptops under the FWD: brand, launched by Verkkokauppa.com two years ago, start at 100 euros. The selection currently includes models from Apple, HP, Lenovo, and Dell. Like new computers, these used laptops also come with a three-year warranty.

“Our goal is to extend the lifecycle of electronic devices, and we are prepared to make bold moves. A used device is not only ecological but also a more budget-friendly choice,” Tuukkanen concludes.

*Verkkokauppa.com surveyed Finns' thoughts on sustainable electronics purchasing and consumption. The survey was conducted by Kantar in May 2024, with 1,044 respondents aged 18–79. The full results will be published in September.

Additional information
press@verkkokauppa.com (Ulkoinen palvelu)

Verkkokauppa.com
Verkkokauppa.com is Finland's leading online retailer, offering a wide range of products from home technology to leisure and business needs. Operating since 1992, the company is one of the world's oldest online retailers, combining e-commerce and physical stores into a seamless omnichannel customer experience. Verkkokauppa.com's four megastores are located in Oulu, Pirkkala, Raisio, and Helsinki's Jätkäsaari district. To deliver an exceptional customer experience, the company delivers products to your door in as little as one hour, around the clock, using automation and robotics. Verkkokauppa.com employs approximately 600 people, and the company's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.