The Second-Hand Guide

History of Second-Hand

The history of second-hand, and more specifically its online commercialisation, dates back to the 1990s with the emergence of pioneering sites such as eBay, Priceminister and LeBonCoin. These platforms revolutionised e-commerce by enabling users to sell and buy pre-owned items, encouraging a new way of consuming.

In the early 2000s, some retailers transformed, while other specialist sites emerged, offering second-hand products in various sectors such as fashion, electronics and sport. Second-hand has become a major trend in consumption, with growing awareness of its environmental impact.

Traditional retail companies, such as Decathlon, IKEA and Darty, have also launched their own second-hand platforms to meet this growing demand. Thus, second-hand has become a movement in favour of the circular economy, waste reduction and resource preservation.

Second-Hand in Numbers

Second-hand is experiencing significant growth in France, with a market estimated at over €7 billion in 2022. Globally, the second-hand market was valued at $177 billion in 2022. It is expected to double by 2027 to reach $350 billion, reflecting its growing adoption worldwide. In France, over 80% of online shoppers have already purchased second-hand products online. Clothing, cars, electronics and furniture are the most popular second-hand sectors.

In the fashion sector, specialist platforms such as Vinted and Vestiaire Collective make it easy to buy and sell second-hand clothing. Around 70% of buyers have chosen second-hand clothing in the past year.

In France, the used car market is one of the largest in Europe, with around 5.6 million used cars sold in 2020. Electronics, such as smartphones, laptops and household appliances, as well as second-hand furniture, are also in high demand.

The Main Players in Second-Hand

Major players in the second-hand market have helped popularise this way of consuming and create communities committed to reusing and recycling products.

Emmaüs is an association founded in 1949 by Abbé Pierre, which collects donations of used goods to resell at affordable prices. Thanks to its network of charity shops, Emmaüs has become a reference in the second-hand sector. In 2015, Emmaüs France launched Label Emmaüs, the first marketplace for reuse and solidarity players, offering an alternative to traditional online sales sites.

eBay, launched in 1995, is one of the world's first online sales platforms. Initially focused on auctions, eBay allows users to sell and buy a wide range of new and used products. The platform has evolved over time by introducing features such as Buy It Now and classified ads, and has paved the way for cross-border commerce.

PriceMinister (Rakuten), founded in 2000 in France, was one of the first sites to offer both new and used products. Its business model is based on directly connecting sellers and buyers, offering competitive prices. In 2010, PriceMinister was acquired by Rakuten, strengthening its international presence.

Leboncoin, launched in 2006, is the leader in online classified ads in France. It offers a generalist platform where individuals can sell and buy a wide variety of goods. Leboncoin has revolutionised the market by simplifying the sales process with a user-friendly interface and an internal messaging system to facilitate exchanges between users.

Vinted, launched in 2008, is a platform dedicated to buying and selling second-hand clothing. It allows users to create "virtual wardrobes" to showcase and sell their clothes. Vinted also encourages exchanges between users, thus promoting a circular and responsible economy in the fashion industry.

The Best-Selling Second-Hand Products

Different product categories offer the opportunity to save money while helping to protect the environment by giving objects a second life. The brands and marketplaces mentioned are among the most popular in their respective fields in the second-hand market.

Furniture: Second-hand furniture is one of the flagship categories for buying and selling second-hand. Consumers can find a wide variety of furniture, from sofas and tables to chairs and decorative accessories. Sites such as LeBonCoin and Selency are renowned for offering quality furniture at affordable prices. It's a great way to give your home a new lease of life while saving money. Buying second-hand furniture also helps reduce waste production and promotes more sustainable consumption.

Fashion: The second-hand fashion market is becoming increasingly popular. Specialist platforms such as Vinted and Vestiaire Collective allow buyers to find branded clothes, shoes and accessories at much lower prices than new products. Buying second-hand clothes has many advantages, including the chance to find unique pieces, follow trends at a lower cost and help reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.

Household appliances: Second-hand household appliances are gaining in popularity due to their economic and ecological benefits. Specialist sites such as BackMarket and youzd offer verified and reliable products at competitive prices. Whether you're buying a fridge, washing machine, vacuum cleaner or other appliances, second-hand offers an affordable and sustainable alternative. By opting for second-hand appliances, consumers can make significant savings while extending the useful life of products and reducing electronic waste.

Sport: Sports enthusiasts can find a wide range of second-hand equipment at reduced prices. Bikes, surfboards, skis, sportswear and many other items are available on specialist sites such as Decathlon Occasion, Everide and Campsider. These platforms enable sportspeople to sell or buy second-hand sports equipment in good condition. It's a great way to get equipped at a lower cost, discover new activities and contribute to the reuse of sports equipment.

New Trends

Second-hand has become increasingly popular, especially among younger generations who are more and more sensitive to environmental issues. In addition to being an eco-friendly alternative to buying new products, second-hand also offers financial benefits. In fact, 80% of consumers choose second-hand products to save money.

New players have recently entered the second-hand market by offering innovative solutions. Vinted and Vestiaire Collective, for example, have created online communities where buyers and sellers can exchange tips and advice on fashion and sustainability. These sites have succeeded in modernising and making second-hand trendy, encouraging consumers to opt for more sustainable products.

Second-hand is part of a broader trend, that of the circular economy, which aims to reduce waste by extending the lifespan of products and recycling waste. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their consumption and are looking for more sustainable alternatives. In this context, second-hand offers an obvious solution to environmental challenges.

The emergence of online platforms and mobile apps dedicated to second-hand has greatly facilitated access to pre-owned products. These platforms offer users a convenient and secure experience for selling, buying and exchanging. They offer advanced features such as targeted search, geolocation and rating systems, making transactions easier.

Another trend in second-hand is collaboration between brands and second-hand platforms. Some brands have set up take-back or buy-back programmes for their own products to put them back on the second-hand market. This allows consumers to access branded items at reduced prices while supporting brands' sustainability initiatives.

The growing demand for vintage and collectible products has led to a booming market. Fashion, design and pop culture enthusiasts are looking for old and rare pieces with historical or aesthetic value. These items can be found in specialist shops, flea markets and online platforms, adding a touch of originality and authenticity to second-hand.

Upcycling is an emerging trend in the second-hand sector. It involves transforming second-hand products or salvaged materials into new, higher-quality or value-added items. Designers and artisans use their creativity to give objects a new lease of life, turning them into unique pieces or incorporating them into artistic projects. Upcycling helps reduce waste while giving objects a second life.

Opportunities

For consumers:

There are many advantages to buying second-hand. In addition to its economic appeal, second-hand has many other positive aspects! Among its main benefits:

• Promotes social reintegration and creates jobs: By supporting resource centres, recycling centres and charities offering second-hand items, buying second-hand helps with professional reintegration and job creation.
• Reduces carbon footprint: Choosing second-hand products helps reduce the environmental impact of businesses and communities by avoiding the production of new goods.
• Helps save money every day: By buying second-hand items, consumers can make significant savings compared to buying new products.
• Promotes the circular economy: Second-hand is part of a circular economy approach by encouraging the reuse and recycling of products, thus reducing dependence on raw materials and waste production.
• Allows you to find unique objects, clothes and accessories for a personalised style: By exploring the second-hand market, consumers have the opportunity to find unique pieces that reflect their individuality and personal style.
• Encourages social interaction: Events such as car boot sales and flea markets, where second-hand items are sold, offer the chance to meet other enthusiasts and share rewarding experiences.

For retailers:

Second-hand offers many advantages for retailers. Here are a few reasons why they should consider entering this growing market:

• Growth potential: Second-hand is a long-term trend with huge potential. By joining this market, retailers can benefit from the growing enthusiasm of consumers for second-hand products.
• Meeting customer needs: By offering second-hand products, retailers are responding to the growing demand from consumers for sustainability and responsible consumption. This enables them to build customer loyalty among those who care about the environment.
• Diversification of the offer: Integrating second-hand allows retailers to expand their product range and offer a wider variety of choices to their customers. This can attract new buyers and create new business opportunities.
• Profitability: Second-hand products can be acquired at lower prices than new products, offering retailers potentially higher profit margins. It can also help them clear unsold stock or end-of-season items.
• Positive brand image: Getting involved in second-hand demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. This strengthens retailers' brand image and can win over consumers who value these values.

Second-Hand Logistics

Logistics is a crucial element in the second-hand market. While online second-hand sales platforms have revolutionised exchanges between buyers and sellers, they face a major challenge: implementing suitable logistics.

Delivery is a particular challenge for second-hand sales sites. Unlike traditional online sales sites, which often use standard carriers, second-hand platforms focus mainly on local or national transactions between sellers and buyers.

The items sold on these platforms can vary greatly in size, shape and weight, making it difficult to use standard delivery solutions. Sellers and buyers often have to find customised delivery arrangements, which can be time-consuming and incur additional costs.

In this context, co-transportation plays an essential role in the second-hand market. Cocolis, for example, offers retailers an innovative delivery solution based on the principle of carpooling by using the free space in travellers' vehicles. It enables retailers to offer their customers cheaper, more eco-friendly deliveries in very short timeframes.

This approach can reduce delivery costs by up to 60% for customers. It also offers greater flexibility and helps reduce CO2 emissions from transport, saving an average of 25kg of CO2 per delivery.

Logistics is a major challenge for second-hand sales platforms, due to the diversity of items on offer. Thanks to solutions like Cocolis, the efficiency and sustainability of the second-hand market are enhanced, even for large volumes!

Are you a retailer looking to implement an economical and eco-friendly delivery solution tailored to second-hand?