{
  "id": 11167195,
  "title": "SA consumers rethink cost of tech ownership",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/sa-consumers-rethink-cost-of-tech-ownership",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-01T09:49:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ITWeb",
    "slug": "itweb",
    "url": "https://www.itweb.co.za/article/sa-consumers-rethink-cost-of-tech-ownership/KA3Ww7dzPpEqrydZ"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South African consumers are reevaluating the cost of owning technology devices, focusing on factors like repairability, refurbishment, warranties, and trade-in programs to minimize associated risks. NielsenIQ's Consumer Tech Trends 2027 report, which surveyed 17,000 adults across 17 markets, including South Africa, reveals that South Africans are among the most likely globally to consider refurbished products across various technology categories. The study shows that local consumers are becoming more value-conscious, assessing costs and responsibilities throughout a product's lifecycle rather than solely focusing on the initial purchase price. To capitalize on this shift, technology manufacturers and retailers should emphasize durability, efficiency, and utility in their products and consider offering repairability, refurbishment, warranties, and trade-in programs as part of their offerings. These strategies can extend the commercial life of a device and create new opportunities for engagement between brands and consumers.",
  "summary": "Rising price sensitivity pushes consumers to consider durability, energy-efficiency, warranties and resale value before buying a new gadget.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}