Gazelle

About Gazelle

Gazelle operates as a prominent e-commerce company focused on the reCommerce of consumer electronics. Founded in 2006 by Israel Ganot, Rousseau Aurelien, and James McElhiney, the company pioneered its online trade-in platform, Gazelle.com, in 2008. The core idea was straightforward: if consumers can trade in used cars, they should have a similar, simple option for their used electronics. This concept materialized into an online service offering instant quotes and free shipping for individuals looking to sell their used smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices.

The company's business model is circular, generating revenue by purchasing pre-owned electronics from consumers and businesses, and then reselling them. After acquiring devices, Gazelle inspects, certifies, and lists them for sale on its own e-commerce storefront, which was launched in 2014. This provides a cost-effective alternative for consumers who want to purchase devices without paying retail prices for new models. The business serves both individual consumers and bulk sellers, with a process designed to be simple and secure, including comprehensive data removal from all traded-in devices. Payment to sellers is issued via check, PayPal, or Amazon gift card.

Gazelle's growth has been marked by significant milestones. By September 2012, the company had processed its one-millionth device. It reached $100 million in revenue in 2013 and, by late 2014, had paid out $200 million to customers for over two million traded-in devices. In November 2015, Gazelle was acquired by Outerwall Inc., the parent company of ecoATM, another electronics recycling business. Although the company announced the discontinuation of its trade-in program at the end of 2020, the decision was reversed a couple of months later. Gazelle's certified pre-owned products undergo a rigorous 30-point inspection to ensure they are fully functional before being sold.