Buying a used phone booth may seem like the obvious choice. The price of a new soundproof booth often ranges from €4,000 to €15,000 (excluding tax), depending on the size. In contrast, the second-hand market offers savings of 40% to 60%. CFOs, office managers, and CSR managers are therefore torn between a new acoustic booth, a refurbished one, and a lower price.
This guide reviews the points to check before buying a used phone booth.
- Where to look.
- What prices to expect.
- What risks to anticipate.
- What criteria to check before signing.
You’ll also find a comparison of new vs. used options, based on actual costs over 5 years.
We’ll cover the difference between used and refurbished, reasons for buying, risks, purchasing channels, 2026 prices, verification criteria, and then the Essential alternative: a new, French-made booth at a controlled price and 100% recyclable.
Used or Refurbished Phone Booths: Understanding the Difference
A used phone booth refers to an office soundproof booth that has already been used in a business and is then put back on the market. But this term covers two very different realities. The quality, warranty, and price are not the same.
The raw used booth is sold as-is. It often comes from a company that is moving, closing a site, or replacing its furniture. There is no inspection, no refurbishment, and no warranty. It is mainly found on Leboncoin or sold directly between businesses. The technical risk is also higher.
Reconditioned booths go through a specialized reseller. The process often includes cleaning, fabric shampooing, inspection of acoustic seals, ventilation testing, verification of connections, and sometimes replacement of parts.
These booths mainly come from three sources: company relocations, end-of-lease situations, and trade shows such as Workspace Expo, Maison & Objet, or Stand UP. A few booths also come from liquidations. Supply remains limited. This is one of the challenges of the used acoustic booth market and the used inventory.
4 reasons why companies buy used
Why do some companies consider a used acoustic booth rather than a new model? Four reasons consistently emerge from B2B buyer feedback.
1. Immediate savings
This is the primary driver of the purchase. A refurbished 1-person booth costs between €2,500 and €4,000 (excluding tax). Its new equivalent often costs €5,000 to €7,000 (excluding tax). For a 4- to 6-person booth, the savings can reach €5,000 to €8,000. For an SME or startup, this allows them to equip their offices without straining the furniture budget. For a large corporation, this sometimes allows them to purchase twice as many booths.
2. Nearly Immediate Availability
A standard new cubicle typically requires 6 to 12 weeks of production. Essentielle is an exception, with a 2-week delivery lead time. A refurbished cubicle available in stock can be delivered very quickly. Sometimes, it can even be picked up immediately. This is useful during an urgent move, rapid growth, or a new move-in.
3. The circular economy approach
Buying used extends the lifespan of a product that has already been manufactured. It also avoids the consumption of new raw materials. This is a useful tool for companies committed to CSR, particularly in their non-financial reporting.
6 risks to be aware of before buying a used phone booth
A phone booth is a piece of technical equipment. It incorporates electronics, acoustics, and mechanics. LEDs, ventilation, dimmers, foam padding, seals, glass, doors, and magnetic closures all wear out. This wear and tear isn’t always visible.
- A limited warranty
On a refurbished booth, the warranty is significantly reduced. On Leboncoin or in direct sales, there is generally no warranty at all. A ventilation failure after 18 months is therefore your responsibility. On a new Essentielle booth, the manufacturer’s warranty is 3 years, with 2 years on electrical components.
- Degraded acoustic performance
This is the most underestimated risk. Soundproofing seals compress over time. The foam absorbs ambient moisture and loses density. A booth that provided 30 dB of sound insulation when new may only provide 20 to 22 dB after 5 years of intensive use. Insist on a post-refurbishment acoustic measurement report.
- Uncertain sanitary condition
An acoustic booth is an enclosed space. It may have been used by hundreds of people. Stained fabrics, sagging benches, and odors of perfume, coffee, or sweat may linger, even after cleaning. The most thorough resellers replace fabrics and foam. Verify this point.
- No customization
You take what’s available. Exterior color, interior fabric, bench, glass back, and connectivity options are already set. This can sometimes be a deal-breaker for a corporate headquarters, a designer open-plan office, or a project with a specific brand identity.
Where can you find a used acoustic booth in France?
The French market for used phone booths is organized around five channels. Their reliability, warranties, and prices vary widely.
Specialized marketplaces are the most structured.
Specialized refurbishers focus on acoustic booths. Their advantage: genuine product expertise and a more reliable refurbishment process. Prices are sometimes higher.
Some manufacturers also resell booths at the end of a lease or after trade shows. Ask if the brand has a structured program.
Leboncoin and general marketplaces offer the lowest prices. However, there is no warranty, refurbishment, or delivery included. These are best suited for buyers who can inspect the product in person.
Finally, the end of trade shows can offer good deals. The booths have seen little use. Supply remains scarce and concentrated over a few weeks each year.
How much does a used phone booth cost in 2026? The price guide
The price depends on three factors: size, brand, and level of reconditioning. An unrefurbished booth costs less. A reconditioned booth with new fabric and foam is closer to new.
Booth type New price (excl. tax) Unrefurbished price Reconditioned price (excl. tax)
Solo (1 person) €5,000 to €7,000 €1,500 to €2,500 €2,500 to €4,000
Duo (2 people) €8,000 to €12,000 €3,000 to €5,000 €4,500 to €7,000
4 people €10,000 to €15,000 €4,500 to €7,000 €6,500 to €9,500
6 people €12,000 to €20,000 €6,000 to €9,000 €8,500 to €12,000
The price difference between new and refurbished models is often between 35% and 50%. The difference compared to a used model can exceed 60%. But the larger the booth, the higher the additional costs.
The listed price is never the final price. Add shipping. Add handling and installation. Sometimes add refurbishment costs: fabric, fan, bench, or shelf. Also check the connectivity. Because an older booth may not have USB-C.
The 8 criteria to check before buying a used sound booth
Before signing, insist on an inspection or specific documents: refurbishment report, detailed photos, acoustic tests, and written warranties.
- Acoustic seals. They must be flexible, not crushed, and not cracked. A compressed seal lets sound and air through. This is common in booths over 4 years old.
- Ventilation. Test it under real-world conditions. The fans must run without whistling or vibration. Check the airflow at the vents. A good booth renews the air in 40 to 60 seconds.
- The glazing and door closure. Laminated glass must be at least 8 mm thick. It must not have any scratches or impact marks. The door must close without slamming. A faulty closure ruins the acoustics.
- Connectivity. Test the 220 V, USB-A, USB-C, and RJ45 ports. Also check the touch-sensitive dimmer, LED light, and ventilation.
- Upholstery and seats. Look for stains, tears, and odors. The foam should remain firm. Ask if the upholstery has been replaced or just cleaned. Shampooing doesn’t always remove a stubborn odor.
- The brand and year. Identify the manufacturer, model, and year. This affects spare parts and resale value. Be wary of counterfeit European brands.
- The warranty. It must be listed on the invoice. Check the coverage: acoustics, ventilation, electrical system, and structure. A warranty of less than 1 year should lower the price.
- The reconditioning report. It must detail the inspections, replaced parts, and tests performed. Without this document, it may simply be a case of cleaning.
Essentielle: the new cab that meets the 3 expectations of a used vehicle
If you’re looking at used vehicles, it’s often for three reasons: price, speed, and environmental friendliness. Essentielle meets these expectations without the compromises of a used unit.
1. A controlled price
The Model S Essentielle starts at €5,150 excluding tax. A premium reconditioned unit can cost up to €4,000 excluding tax before fees. Once transportation, installation, and refurbishment costs are added, the price difference narrows. Over 5 years, the Model S works out to €1,030 per year. A comparable refurbished unit can cost up to €1,160 per year. Bulk orders also benefit from volume discounts: 5% off for 3 or more units, 10% off for 5 or more, and 15% off for 10 or more.
2. Fast delivery
Standard E3.I3.A2403 finishes are available for express delivery within 2 weeks. Custom configurations are delivered within 6 weeks. Transport and installation are coordinated by Essentielle. The Model S can be assembled by two people in 40 minutes, without any major construction work, using a standard 220V outlet.
3. A clear commitment to sustainability
Essentielle has an Eco Impact A rating. The cabin is made from 60% recycled materials. The Gabriel Chili fabric is 100% post-consumer recycled. The wood panels contain over 50% recycled materials. Components are disassemblable and recyclable at end-of-life. Manufacturing takes place in France, in the Drôme region, using local supplies: Ardèche foam, Drôme glass, Isère bench.
Buying new from Essentielle therefore allows you to retain the benefits sought in second-hand products: price, speed, and eco-friendliness. No short warranties, degraded performance, or uncertain after-sales service.
The Essentielle range at a glance: 5 models manufactured in Drôme
Essentielle designs and manufactures 5 models of soundproof booths in its workshop in Drôme. All share a solid technical foundation: mobile base, silent ventilation, complete connectivity, and measured acoustics.
Model Capacity Floor Area Ventilation Starting Price (excl. tax)
Essentielle S 1 person standing 0.9 m² 280 m³/h €5,150
Essentielle S Office 1 person seated 0.9 m² 280 m³/h €5,650
Essentielle M 2 people 1.8 m² 575 m³/h €8,750
Essentielle L 4 people 2.4 m² 750 m³/h €10,290
Essentielle XL 6 people 3 m² 750 m³/h €12,350
The S Model is designed for quick calls and sales calls. It has a compact footprint. Its tablet is at 103 cm. The S Office Model adds a bench seat. It is suitable for video calls and longer sessions. The M Model accommodates two people. It is used for interviews, sales meetings, or one-on-one video calls. The L Model becomes a mobile meeting room for 4 people, without any construction work. The XL Model accommodates up to 6 people for projects, committee meetings, or regular brainstorming sessions.
Buying a used or refurbished phone booth can be a good deal in certain cases: urgent need, tight budget, or limited usage time. But technical risks, variable performance, and the lack of a long-term warranty make the long-term cost-benefit analysis less clear. Over 5 to 10 years, a new Essentielle booth made in France often ends up costing less. It offers guaranteed acoustic performance, fast delivery, clear after-sales service, and a documented eco-friendly approach. Configure your booth at essentielle.fr or request a personalized quote. An advisor will get back to you within 24 business hours.
