Second-hand online shopping boom: what buyers and sellers should know

Price of dwelling and sustainability issues are driving a next-hand shopping increase, according to new analysis from eBay Advertisements. 

The survey of 1,000 shoppers observed that a quarter acquired second-hand trend in 2021, with 1 in five expressing they commonly purchase 2nd-hand or refurbished objects. 

The facts corporation which is a companion of eBay observed searches for ‘upcycled’ rise by 40% involving December 2021 and January 2022, along with boosts in similar research terms like ‘second hand’ (up 24%) and ‘repair kit’ (up 21%).

This arrives as ITV truth clearly show Adore Island’s newest year has started, positioning a aim on second-hand manner by means of its partnership with eBay. For the previous 3 a long time, Really like Island was sponsored by quickly-style chain I Observed It To start with. 

Here, Which? looks at what’s driving individuals to 2nd-hand buying and shares guidance on the platforms to use if you are imagining of acquiring or selling pre-loved things.

What’s driving the increase of next-hand procuring?

eBay Advertisements observed that 20% of those surveyed say they acquire additional 2nd-hand items than they did two a long time back. 

Obtaining solutions next-hand can perhaps tackle two problems. It’s generally cheaper, which is vital in the course of the ongoing cost of dwelling disaster. It is also commonly far more sustainable, an significantly vital concern for shoppers.

With inflation at a 40-yr high, customers’ budgets are getting squeezed from all instructions. Vehicle and gas expenditures are the greatest motorists of inflation, in accordance to the ONS, but foods rates are also skyrocketing. 

You can’t get petrol which is by now been burned or food stuff that is presently been eaten. But you can purchase outfits that have been worn and phones that have been made use of. So it is a clear funds-conserving and cash-earning option for funds-strapped shoppers. 

• Uncover out far more: 15 means to preserve dollars on outfits and shoes

How can I make cash advertising on the web?

With ‘second hand’ queries rising, the desire for pre-loved merchandise is very significantly there. 

Selling your possess belongings could be a terrific way to capitalise on this and make some further dollars. Plus, it will preserve any wearable or repairable things going to landfill if the option was throwing them away. 

Even though eBay may possibly continue to be the most perfectly-identified, there are now a selection of on-line marketplaces to select from if you’re searching to offer. So how do you know which just one justifies your outdated t-shirts or games consoles?

In January, we requested 4,000 persons about providing through 10 of the most preferred 2nd-hand online marketplaces. We questioned thoughts on factors this kind of as delivery possibilities, ease of use and payments to find out which website was very best. 

Sellers rated Vinted the greatest, with the web site earning a 75% consumer score. Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree adopted, both of those with 68%. eBay and Freecycle have been tied 3rd very best, with 67% purchaser scores. 

• Uncover out extra: ideal areas to buy and promote second-hand on the web

What are men and women buying 2nd-hand?

In January we also asked 4,000 people about their ordeals of shopping for applying the most well known next-hand marketplaces.

Purchasers also rated Vinted as the most effective area to go, with top rated scores for relieve of getting in contact with the vendor, earning an offer and looking for merchandise.

The study also discovered the most common objects acquired working with second-hand marketplaces had been textbooks (33%), clothing, components or shoes (27%) and video games and toys (19%).

• Come across out extra: how to obtain next-hand on the web

Is selling on the net truly worth it?

We can not say particularly how a lot you are going to make from promoting your aged products, but our survey of 4,000 sellers uncovered the most popular merchandise sold ended up clothes (32%), books (26%) furniture (21%) and video games (21%).

Read through our information on how to market second-hand online for suggestions on how to make it as easy as achievable. 

What are my legal rights when browsing next-hand on the web?

If you’re contemplating of switching to next-hand shopping – maybe you’re inspired by the outfits you’ve noticed on Like Island contestants – continue to keep in intellect your buyer legal rights. 

Returns

This depends on if you buy from an person or organization.

If you purchase from a trader or retailer you have the similar return rights when shopping for next-hand on the web as you would when browsing by way of a business’s web-site. 

When you purchase from an personal (as opposed to a retailer), it is not as straightforward.  Be informed that most sellers/marketplaces will not likely have a returns coverage. The exception is Amazon Marketplace in which sellers have to have just one.

So it’s crucial to check out who is dependable if a little something goes mistaken – does the website give any variety of customer safety or dispute resolution, or are you likely to be on your very own?  If there is buyer defense examine for time limitations on making a declare and what variety of buys are qualified.

Refunds

You can even now claim a refund if the item you acquire is faulty or not as explained. You could also be in a position to assert your income back again by using Section 75 if you purchased some thing really worth in between £100 and £30,000 by way of credit score card. 

• Come across out much more: what are my purchasing rights on an online marketplace?