Today, The Edinburgh Remakery is a leader in sustainable e-waste management. Through eBay’s Refurbishment and Pro-Trader programmes, the organisation has expanded from a single technician to a team of eight, including e-waste operatives and repair specialists. Monthly sales now average £20,000, supporting initiatives like the Tech Gifting Programme, which has provided nearly 20,000 refurbished devices to those facing digital poverty since 2020.
Key milestones include joining the Refurbishment Programme, enabling The Edinburgh Remakery to offer a year-long warranty, which boosted buyer confidence and sales. What’s more, through the Pro-Trader Programme, their Hardware Manager gained valuable training and access to exclusive promotions, elevating their customer service and earning a 97.7% positive rating.
Meeting high demand hasn’t been without challenges, but the team have adapted by refining processes and expanding their workforce. A switch to Royal Mail also improved shipping reliability, enhancing customer satisfaction and their status on eBay.
For Barbara, eBay has been a transformative partner, now generating nearly 70% of their retail sales. This reach allows them to reinvest in their mission and deepen their impact. “eBay has allowed us to reach more people, and with each device we refurbish, we’re not just giving it a second life—we’re giving someone the chance to connect, learn, and grow,”. They now aim to increase monthly sales to £30,000 to expand their capacity and community support.
From humble beginnings to a pioneering social enterprise, The Edinburgh Remakery exemplifies the potential of e-commerce for environmental and social change. Through sustainable practices and eBay’s support, they’ve shown how a small initiative can make a big difference for people and the planet.
