In today’s technology-first world, personal computers are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity. However, this essential tool comes with a hefty price tag for businesses—an essential but expensive investment. As companies increasingly rely on technology to power their operations, the cost of maintaining and upgrading IT infrastructure has become a significant financial investment. Some sources suggest that over 80% of a company’s IT budget is spent on personal computers and related equipment. Add to this the rising costs of technology due to supply chain disruptions, inflation, and new taxation policies, and it’s clear why businesses are looking for smarter, more sustainable solutions that can save costs while ensuring quality and performance.
Enter ExchangeKori’s B2B solution that’s turning the traditional model of corporate IT spending on its head by offering businesses a smart alternative to the endless cycle of buying new laptops. By offering refurbished laptops and a suite of cost-effective services, ExchangeKori is helping businesses save money while reducing electronic waste. But this isn’t just about selling used laptops—it’s about rethinking how companies approach technology investments altogether.
For those who don’t know, ExchangeKori is a Dhaka-based circular economy company that is addressing the growing demand for technology while also dealing with the growing challenge of electronic waste and disparity in access due to costs and affordability.
Founded by Rasel Ahmed and M Ahsan Habib, ExchangeKori began as an initiative under SystemEye Technology Ltd. What started as a small operation has quickly grown into a team of 19 employees, two physical outlets in Dhaka, and a rapidly expanding online platform. The company’s mission is simple yet impactful: to make technology accessible and affordable while addressing the growing problem of electronic waste.
ExchangeKori’s model revolves around buying, refurbishing, and selling used electronics, primarily laptops. By doing so, it provides affordable options for individuals and businesses that can’t afford brand-new devices. One of the company’s real innovations lies in its B2B offering, which is tailored to the specific needs of corporate clients.
For most businesses, the cycle of buying new laptops every few years is both expensive and unsustainable. High upfront costs, frequent upgrades, and the environmental impact of discarded electronics create a triple challenge. Many companies want to cut costs in this area but struggle to find solutions that don’t compromise quality or performance. This is where ExchangeKori steps in, offering a pragmatic alternative that’s both budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
ExchangeKori's B2B solution is designed with the specific needs of corporate clients in mind. The company recognizes that over 80% of a company’s IT budget goes towards personal computers and related items, with printing solutions coming in second. ExchangeKori’s B2B solution provides a means to reduce these expenses, offering a mix of services including used laptops, laptop exchange, upgrades, and direct sales that can save companies up to 40-50% on their hardware costs.
The ExchangeKori model is predicated on the idea that most businesses don't need the latest cutting-edge technology to perform their daily operations. Often, they need reliable machines that can handle everyday tasks like word processing, email, and basic software applications. These needs can be met with quality used or refurbished devices.
For example, a company may have older laptops that are no longer meeting their employees' needs. ExchangeKori steps in and offers to take these older machines and provide newer, more powerful ones in exchange. This exchange isn't a simple swap; it involves a careful evaluation of the old devices, determining what upgrades are needed, and providing newer or upgraded machines for a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.
ExchangeKori’s B2B model is designed to help businesses optimize their IT spending. Here’s how it works:
Direct Sales and Purchases: ExchangeKori sells refurbished laptops directly to businesses and buys used laptops from them. These pre-owned devices come with warranties and service guarantees, ensuring reliability at a fraction of the cost of new laptops.
Upgrades and Repairs: Instead of discarding older laptops, companies can upgrade them with SSDs, additional RAM, or new batteries. These upgrades can breathe new life into aging devices, extending their usability by 2-3 years. This is especially helpful for companies that have a number of older laptops that may have minor issues, such as a faulty keyboard or a dead motherboard.
Laptop Exchange Program: Businesses can trade in their old laptops for newer models. ExchangeKori assesses the value of the old devices and offers newer, more powerful machines at a significantly reduced cost. For example, a company using outdated fourth or fifth-generation laptops can upgrade to eighth or ninth-generation models without breaking the bank.
Complete IT Infrastructure Setup: Beyond laptops, ExchangeKori also helps businesses set up their entire office IT infrastructure, including routers, printers, and CCTV systems, through partnerships with freelancers and vendors.
ExchangeKori has developed a dedicated service process for its B2B solution. When a company shows interest, ExchangeKori sends a team consisting of a sales executive and a hardware expert to the client’s office to assess the existing hardware and the client’s needs. The technician inspects the hardware while the executive discusses pricing. They check the devices carefully and provide options for companies to choose from including exchange, upgrade, repair, or direct sales.
This on-site evaluation leads to a verbal quote followed by a formal written offer. Once agreed, ExchangeKori manages delivery, installation, and setup.
ExchangeKori’s B2B solution isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about delivering value on multiple fronts. At its core, ExchangeKori’s strategy is about unbundling the cost of the performance of computing devices. The company recognizes that for many corporate tasks, a brand-new, high-end laptop is overkill. Instead, it offers pre-owned laptops that deliver comparable performance at a fraction of the cost. This is a key element of the value proposition of ExchangeKori’s B2B solution.
Significant Cost Savings: ExchangeKori claims businesses can reduce their laptop expenses by 40% to 50% by opting for its services. For instance, a high-configuration used laptop from ExchangeKori might cost BDT 40,000-45,000, compared to BDT 80,000-90,000 for a new one. This isn't just a marginal saving, but a substantial reduction in a significant area of expenditure.
Performance Parity: The company asserts that a pre-owned refurbished laptop from ExchangeKori (priced at 40,000-45,000 BDT) can perform just as well as a new laptop costing 80,000 BDT. Refurbished laptops from ExchangeKori are carefully tested and upgraded to ensure they meet the performance needs of most businesses. Whether it’s word processing, email, or basic software applications, these devices deliver reliable performance without the premium price tag. This is a critical point – the company is not just selling cheap, it is selling a "good enough" solution for most business needs.
Extending Lifespan: By offering upgrades to existing laptops (SSD, RAM), ExchangeKori helps extend the useful life of devices by 2-3 years, further reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Sustainability: Finally, by extending the lifespan of laptops, ExchangeKori helps reduce electronic waste. Instead of ending up in landfills, older devices are given a second life, benefiting both businesses and the environment.
One of the biggest challenges in the used electronics market is building trust. ExchangeKori addresses this through a rigorous refurbishment process and a commitment to transparency. Every laptop undergoes a thorough testing and refurbishment process.
Damaged parts are replaced, and components are upgraded for optimal performance. The company even repaints the exterior of devices to ensure they look as good as new.
The company maintains full transparency with costumes. It openly informs customers about any refurbishments and discloses any changes made to the original devices, such as adding an SSD or replacing a battery.
To further reassure clients, ExchangeKori offers a 50-day replacement guarantee for any hardware issues and provides five years of free service, with only a nominal transport fee for on-site support. This level of service has helped the company build a strong reputation among businesses, from small startups to large corporations.
For many companies, especially SMEs, the constant need to upgrade technology can be a financial strain. ExchangeKori’s solution offers a way to stay competitive without overspending. By providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable IT solutions, the company is filling a critical gap in the market.
Moreover, ExchangeKori understands that not all businesses have the same needs. It segments its customers into three categories: learners (students), professionals, and high-tech professionals. This allows the company to tailor its offerings to match the specific requirements of each group, ensuring that every client gets the right device for their needs. Learners might only need a basic machine for web browsing and word processing, while professionals require more robust hardware for their day-to-day work, and high-tech professionals require more specialized equipment. ExchangeKori customizes the devices to match these different requirements. A student in a rural area, for instance, may be happy with a reliable laptop that they can use to complete schoolwork, while a graphics professional needs a high-powered machine with a lot of RAM. The company will never recommend a low-end machine to someone who has a demanding use case.
ExchangeKori’s approach represents more than just a business model—it’s a shift in how we think about technology. In a world where innovation often comes at a high cost, the company is proving that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand. By focusing on value over novelty, ExchangeKori is not only helping businesses save money but also contributing to a more sustainable future.
While the growth potential is significant, ExchangeKori faces its share of challenges. Building trust in the used electronics market is an ongoing effort, and maintaining quality and service levels as the company scales will be critical. Additionally, as the market for refurbished laptops grows, competition is likely to intensify.
However, ExchangeKori’s vertical integration—controlling the entire refurbishment process—gives it a unique advantage. By ensuring quality and reliability at every step, the company is well-positioned to become a key player in Bangladesh’s corporate IT sector.
ExchangeKori’s B2B solution is more than just a used laptop reseller. It’s a platform that provides cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of corporate clients. By addressing the pain points of rising IT costs and electronic waste, the company is carving out a niche in a market ripe for disruption.
As businesses continue to seek ways to optimize their technology investments, ExchangeKori’s innovative approach offers a compelling alternative. With its focus on cost savings, performance, and sustainability, the company is not just solving a problem—it’s paving the way for a smarter, more resourceful future.
