The Old Hand: ten years of B2B smartphone trading, March 2019

The past decade has been one of the most dynamic stretches of trade activity in the industry’s history. Social media was only just beginning to make its way into our daily lives, multiple-camera systems were technologically unfeasible, and nobody had any idea what augmented reality was. We have gotten to the point where smartphones are central to all of these features, and more.

Back in 2009, it seemed unthinkable that Nokia would ever disappear from the market, having a stranglehold on 40% of the market. In the next year, however, the Finnish stalwart’s share dwindled precipitously; Apple and Samsung pushed the smartphone market to evolve through bold introductions of dazzling features that became essentials for consumers worldwide, eventually creating the necessity for inventions such as tablets, tabphones and smartwatches. Nokia simply failed to keep up, and has only recently begun to start the process of repositioning themselves to meet particular needs on the market.

The story of the 2010s was the story of the race between Apple and Nokia. Device release dates became events. Lines ran for blocks around electronics stores in cities everywhere. In these lines were loyal customers crazy about new phones to be sure, but also those who were looking to buy devices for traders to resell in Russia, China, and the Arab-speaking world. As the amenities of electronics diversified, so too did the channels of trading as untapped markets sprang up and lots of fortune and opportunity awaited!

From the middle of last decade, online retail has begun overtaking brick-and-mortar shopping establishments in consumer popularity. Big box electronic retailer have fallen by the wayside as Amazon, eBay, Aliexpress and Allegro have become prime outlets for sales of smart devices. Moreover, Chinese brands have skyrocketed in prominence. Where China was once a thirsty market for Apple and Samsung, they have in turn created their own #1 and #2 in Xiaomi and Huawei, brands who are now beginning to take over the world. Even better, more brands like OnePlus and Vivo are hot on their heels.