Sign of the times? Got a passion for the new and shiny – trade in the old (or not so old)

Saw the notices this week that Apple is encouraging the trade-in on iPhone 4S giving up to $345 on an Apple Gift Card.  Just in time for the (new) iPhone 5 to debut.  Doesn’t seem like much of a coincidence.  Sounds like recommerce to me.

You’ve heard of recommerce, right?  Trade in to trade up.  Unlock the value in past purchases.  Buy-backs, exchanges (commercial or private), insurance plans against obsolescence.

According to TrendWatching.com, recommerce is now increasingly affecting even consumers’ initial purchase decisions.  Just as most do when buying a car, consumers are factoring an item’s resale value into the cost of ownership for an ever-wider range of purchases.

Seems like we can’t wait for the ‘Next’.  We’ll make do with the ‘current’, but hedge our bets on what’s coming by fixing our mindset to make a change the first chance we get.

If you are interested in keeping ahead of what’s on the horizon, I recommend that you check out the free monthly Trend Briefing on trendwatching.com.  It’s an interesting and diverse site with a growing following and translated into eight different languages.

The July/August 2012 Trend Briefing offers up some unique perspectives on Newism that goes beyond the ‘new and improved’ of yesteryear to the genuinely innovative and creative explosion taking place worldwide.  Yet another trend to watch.

What are you trading in to trade up? Share your thoughts below!