Device Mama: From Secondhand to Trusted Brand

In Bangladesh’s rapidly growing digital economy, trust is no longer an optional value—it’s the foundation. And Device Mama, a brand born out of necessity, has emerged as a pioneer of this new trust-first economy, turning a fragmented and often mistrusted secondhand electronics market into a transparent, customer-centered business.

A New Market Built on Old Machines

Founded in 2016 under Exchange Kori Limited, Device Mama began with a simple challenge: how to responsibly and profitably manage a growing inventory of used laptops exchanged through other company programs. What started as an offshoot has now evolved into one of Bangladesh’s most recognized names in refurbished laptops and desktops, creating new opportunities for access, savings, and sustainability.

It targets the sweet spot of affordability and quality, selling laptops between 10,000 and 50,000 BDT. Each unit is upgraded to modern performance standards (minimum 8GB RAM, SSD storage), thoroughly tested, and backed with industry-best warranties.

In a country where new laptops are unaffordable for many, Device Mama’s value proposition is clear: upgraded, performance-tested machines with warranties, at half the cost of new ones. But what truly sets the company apart is not price—it’s trust.

Redefining Refurbished Through Standards and Service

Device Mama doesn’t just resell used electronics—it rebuilds them. Every device undergoes:

  • Standard upgrades like SSD installations and 8GB RAM
  • Replacement of vital parts such as batteries and keyboards
  • Strict cosmetic refurbishment, including screen and body polishing
  • Rigorous testing to eliminate unreliable or over-repaired devices

All laptops meet a consistent quality benchmark—an experience that rivals new devices in both performance and reliability.

Most importantly, every sale includes a 50-day, no-questions-asked replacement guarantee—a radical departure from industry norms, where warranties are rare or full of exclusions. Even accessories like bags and adapters are covered. Device Mama guarantees not just functionality, but peace of mind.

The No-Advance Revolution

In a market riddled with online fraud, Device Mama introduced a bold policy: customers can inspect the product before paying. No advance required. This approach neutralized the largest barrier in e-commerce for used electronics—fear of being scammed.

For deliveries in cities or district towns, the customer pays only after confirming satisfaction. Even in rural deliveries, where some upfront payment is necessary, Device Mama keeps the advance lower than the courier cost. By absorbing the risk, they’ve built what others couldn’t: trust at scale.

Going Beyond Dhaka: A Rural Tech Uprising

What many overlooked, Device Mama embraced: rural Bangladesh is not digitally disconnected—it’s underserved. From upazila training centers to freelancers in village towns, demand for affordable, reliable laptops is surging.

More than 50% of Device Mama’s orders now come from outside Dhaka. And in response, the company is establishing district-level distribution hubs, starting with Sunamganj, Munshiganj, and Tangail. These centers will stock devices locally, improving service speed and support in remote areas.

Trusted by Corporates Too

Once viewed as a solution only for students and freelancers, Device Mama’s refurbished tech is now embraced by corporate Bangladesh. Nearly one-third of their clients are businesses and organizations looking to reduce costs without compromising productivity. Device Mama now serves:

  • Corporates (30% of customer base), including Save the Children and Runner Group
  • Rural training centers and educational institutions
  • SMEs seeking cost-effective computing solutions
  • With nearly 50,000 devices processed and 1,000 monthly customers, its reach extends well beyond Dhaka. The rural market, once thought too risky, is now a growth engine thanks to the no-risk payment policy.

Their tailored approach—offering IT audits, on-site support, and device matching by role—has won the confidence of companies that traditionally avoided the secondhand market. For many, Device Mama has become not just a vendor, but a tech partner.

Building the Infrastructure of Trust

Device Mama’s growth isn’t just about sales—it’s about building a brand architecture rooted in consistency, transparency, and care:

  • Physical stores in Dhaka (Tejgaon, Mirpur), with plans for expansion
  • Online operations with safe delivery across the country
  • Dedicated service personnel, separate from Exchange Kori’s other divisions
  • A long-term vision: to capture 5% of the monthly PC market in Bangladesh by 2030

With each policy and customer interaction, Device Mama is doing what few secondhand sellers attempt—institutionalizing trust in a notoriously unregulated category.

Shifting Perceptions and Markets

Device Mama is also fighting outdated narratives. In Bangladesh, “used” often implied low quality. By focusing on education-first content, the brand is helping customers understand specs, performance benchmarks, and real-world needs—replacing myth with clarity.

In the process, Device Mama is redefining what it means to “own” a computer. It’s no longer about buying new. It’s about buying smart.

Environmental Impact Meets Economic Logic

Refurbishing is not just good business—it’s also better for the planet. By extending the lifespan of laptops by 4–6 years, Device Mama is contributing to e-waste reduction at a national level. For a country with rising digital needs and limited tech recycling infrastructure, this is a game-changing shift.

A Model for Emerging Markets

Device Mama’s success carries lessons for other developing economies:

  • Trust is more powerful than discounts
  • Clear policies beat flashy marketing
  • Rural markets are ready—if served right
  • Used tech, when standardized, can outperform new

In short, they’ve turned a risk-averse market into a trust-first movement, transforming secondhand devices into first-choice options.


Final Word: A Brand That Rebuilt the Market

Device Mama isn’t just fixing laptops—it’s fixing the broken relationship between consumers and secondhand technology. In doing so, it’s proving that trust, not tech, is the real disruption.

What began as a side project inside a larger company is now pioneering a new kind of digital inclusion in Bangladesh—where performance is guaranteed, and everyone, everywhere, deserves a second shot at the future.

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