Recommerce: the new era of second-hand markets?

A substantial 77% of Americans are currently sensitive to the extent of wastage initiated by their purchases. This has even made the retail market reconsider its approach. Many are, therefore looking at practicing a circular economy as a strategy to curb the source of much wastage in the fashion industry.

This puts the focus on the repair and recycling of already existing materials or products in order to maximize the lifespan of the items. In support of such a paradigm shift, businesses are gradually beginning to offer buy-back, trade-in, and upcycling services. These raise the sustainability performance and brand reputation, affirming what is good for the planet can be good for business.

What is recommerce?

While this practice is far from new, dating back centuries, it historically lacked formal structure. People have long traded everything from art and luxury items to farm tools and baby clothes through informal markets.

However, technology is now providing the framework needed to elevate recommerce. User-friendly ecommerce platforms that instill confidence in buyers are driving significant growth in this market. What was once a casual weekend hobby has transformed into a booming industry, proving that recommerce is now a serious business.

How does recommerce work?

On a broad scale, recommerce involves giving old, still-usable products a second life, offering a cost-effective alternative to buying new. However, on a more detailed level, it becomes complex and distinctly unique within ecommerce.

So, what can be sold? Essentially, anything someone is willing to purchase. This can range from million-dollar construction machinery and luxury handbags to nostalgic items like Tamagotchis (remember those?).

Image source: Wikipedia

Items can vary from being well-worn to barely touched or even upcycled—where old objects are creatively transformed into something new, such as converting glass bottles into stylish planters.

Several key markets are driving the growth of recommerce, with fresh, emerging sectors joining the ranks regularly. Let's dive into a few of them:

• Electronics: The market for refurbished or even broken electronics has been thriving for years. Some hardware manufacturers have jumped on board, offering refurbished gadgets directly to consumers.
• Clothing: The resale of apparel has ballooned into a major industry, spanning everything from luxury fashion and children's clothes to vintage treasures.
• Sporting Goods: Secondhand sporting goods like shoes, golf clubs, and weightlifting equipment are highly sought after, often performing just as well as new items.
• Music Gear: Whether it's amps, guitars, or trumpets, musical instruments retain their value long after their initial purchase, catering to the endless demand from budding bands and musicians.
• Jewelry: The allure of luxury jewelry never fades. Diamonds, watches, precious stones, and even quirky costume pieces continue to captivate buyers.
  
  

Benefits of recommerce:

Taken at its core, one of the greatest advantages accruable from recommerce is the creation of further streams of income from previously used products among various sellers. Additionally, recommerce drives sustainability since it gives even used products a new life rather than having them land in landfills. Here are the primary benefits of recommerce:

1. Cost savings

Consumers shopping in the secondary market can enjoy substantial savings compared to original prices, all while acquiring quality items in excellent condition.

2. Conscious Consumption

Shoppers are becoming more mindful of their purchases, often choosing products with strong resale value. This thoughtful approach maximizes the return on their investments over time.

3. Sustainability

Recommerce promotes the recycling and reuse of items, from clothing to electronics. By reducing the need for manufacturing new products, it cuts down on energy consumption and minimizes environmental impact.

4. Recycling

The recommerce market encourages consumers to resell and reuse items that still have plenty of life left. By extending the lifespan of quality products, recommerce reinforces sustainability and finds new homes for these goods.

5. Space saving

Inspired by the tradition of garage sales and flea markets, recommerce helps individuals declutter their spaces. Selling items like baby clothes, toys, or older electronics not only frees up room at home but also contributes to the growth of the recommerce market.

3 Recommerce consumer electronics marketplaces we support:

In 2024, the growing trend of refurbished electronics is driven by eco-conscious and budget-savvy consumers.

• BackMarket connects shoppers with certified refurbishers, focusing on sustainability and quality.
• Refurbed, a European marketplace, emphasizes green practices by planting a tree for each sale and offers a 12-month warranty on all items.
• PcComponentes caters to tech enthusiasts with a wide range of electronics and supports B2C sales with features like smart filters, listing options, and a mobile app.

These are just a few of the many recommerce marketplaces we support, offering sellers opportunities to align with sustainability and reach a broad audience in the refurbished electronics market.

Some challenges recommerce brands face:

As with any burgeoning industry, recommerce faces its own set of challenges. While many of these issues may diminish as the industry matures, they are significant for now. Companies and individuals venturing into the recommerce market should be aware of these potential pitfalls.

1. Slim margins

Pricing recommerce goods can be tricky, often leading to thin profit margins. Without a standardized manufacturing process, determining an item's market value can be elusive, usually boiling down to "it's worth what someone will pay."

Considerations like the time spent acquiring an item, company overhead, and procurement costs all factor into pricing, making it a complex equation for many businesses.

2. Authentication challenges

Consumer confidence in recommerce products hinges on authenticity. Electronics need to work flawlessly, and clothing must be genuine, not knockoffs.

While third-party authentication services exist, they add time and cut into margins. Ensuring that a Louis Vuitton purse is truly Louis Vuitton or that Levi’s jeans are genuinely Levi’s can be a cumbersome process for businesses.

3. Competition from larger players

As the recommerce sector has grown, it has attracted attention from major enterprises. For instance, companies like Apple now sell refurbished iPhones and laptops directly through their websites, ensuring high standards and warranties. 

This influx has made the market more crowded, posing a challenge for new businesses trying to break in and compete with these established brands.

How recommerce is reshaping ecommerce:

For retailers and large manufacturers, launching programs that promote recommerce allows them to keep their existing customers engaged through trade-in and upgrade initiatives. It also attracts a new demographic eager for refurbished products at significant discounts.

The potential for growth and opportunity in the recommerce arena is vast. The industry is set to expand further, fueled by peer-to-peer sales and brands creating their own recycling, refurbishing, and product upgrade pathways.

Notably, recommerce merchants are experiencing growth at a rate 20 times faster than the broader retail market, underscoring the high demand and necessity for businesses to tap into this thriving sector.