Ebay, a pioneer in the online resale industry, has recently released its fourth annual Recommerce Report, shedding light on the growing trend of secondhand goods sales across various categories and channels. This trend is particularly evident as economic conditions push consumers to prioritize value pricing.
The report revealed that saving money is the primary driver for consumers when purchasing pre-owned items, with 62% ranking it as the top reason. Other factors influencing the purchase of secondhand goods include sustainability/environmental benefits (26%), the inability to find a specific item new (25%), the affordability of brands as pre-loved (24%), and the appeal of unique or collectible items (18%).
In a larger view, Ebay’s Recommerce Report surveyed 28,000 global consumers, sellers, and buyers to understand broader consumer sentiment and behavior towards resale. The findings underscore a shift towards value-seeking behavior and conscious consumerism, with 70% of consumers planning to shop for recommerce or pre-loved items this year. Additionally, 60% of Ebay shoppers noted that buying pre-loved items has become more important to them.
Younger generations, especially millennials and Gen Z, are significant drivers of this trend, with a substantial percentage indicating monthly purchases of pre-loved items. However, nearly three in five global consumers across all age groups have bought pre-loved goods in the last year, indicating a widespread adoption beyond generational preferences.
The top categories in the resale market globally include clothes (48%), books (34%), shoes (24%), home and garden (23%), and tech and electronics (22%). The report also highlights that consumers see buying pre-loved goods as a lifestyle choice that allows them to pursue passions, invest in what matters, and prioritize meaningful experiences over material possessions.
To celebrate the launch of the report, Ebay hosted Recommerce Day on its site on May 21, with plans to make it an annual platform-agnostic event. This initiative aims to promote the importance and benefits of recommerce as a positive path forward, providing inspiration, opportunities, and hope for a more sustainable and conscious consumer culture.
