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Quality is a big draw for second-hand buyers

Oct 15, 2024 United States

More than half of consumers surveyed for the 2024 OfferUp Recommerce Report believe that used apparel items are generally of better quality than new items sold in stores today

According to the third recommerce report from OfferUp, more than half of buyers (53%) “find reselling to be an enjoyable experience,” and 51% of respondents say they believe that second-hand items are generally of better quality than new items sold in stores today, especially in categories such as clothing (62%).

“Among retail categories, clothing is where shoppers firmly believe second-hand offers better quality than new items. People are discovering premium, well-crafted pieces at much lower prices than low-quality new items, and this is a key reason why second-hand shopping is on the rise”, told Ken Murphy, senior vice president of product at OfferUp, to Fashion Dive.

“Essentially, the growing emphasis on durability, style, and eco-consciousness is reshaping the way we appreciate preloved fashion”, he concluded.

The report also found that 63% enjoy meeting in person for second-hand transactions and 51% have formed new friendships or meaningful connections through these experiences. “These findings highlight not only a growing affection for pre-loved items but also the vibrant local communities being built around them”, highlighted Todd Dunlap, CEO of OfferUp.

Overall, 72% of the participants believe the stigma of buying second-hand has decreased, with 35% of shoppers making their first resale journey in the last year, an 8% increase in new participants compared to the previous year. However, increased cost of living (58%) and cost savings compared to buying new (53%) remain a key factor in the choice of pre-owned goods.

OfferUp, a digital peer-to-peer marketplace app, used research and data from retail analytics firm GlobalData in its report. Additional data was provided by online research firm Pollfish, which surveyed 1,500 US adults in July, focusing on recommerce buying and selling behaviour.

The recommerce market is forecast to reach 291.6 billion US dollars by 2029, when it will account for 8% of total retail, according to the report. By the end of the decade, the expansion of recommerce could outpace the overall retail market by 21%.

Image Credits: about.offerup.com

United States ecommerce Fashion Resale Second-hand