What is recommerce?

Selling secondhand goods has long ceased to be a niche activity. Today, it's becoming a mainstream trend in digital commerce. Platforms like Vinted, OLX, and eBay are experiencing record user growth, and recommerce is increasingly influencing consumer behavior. Shoppers—especially younger generations—are seeking cheaper, yet more environmentally conscious alternatives. As a result, purchasing patterns, product life cycles, and expectations of brands are changing. This is a clear signal that the digital world is becoming not only a space for novelty but also for "second lives" for products.

Vinted and OLX – leaders of the digital second-hand revolution

Vinted built its advantage through its intuitive mobile app, free sales, and strong community. OLX, on the other hand, still dominates the home appliances, furniture, and electronics categories. Both platforms support the circular economy , allowing users to sell and buy items that would otherwise end up in landfill. Larger brands are increasingly joining the recommerce movement, offering outlet channels and pre-owned sections on their own websites.

Why does recommerce attract customers?

Shopping secondhand isn't just a trend—it's a shift in how we think about consumption. Recommerce responds to growing customer expectations in terms of price, value, lifestyle, and social awareness.

• Save money – buying secondhand allows you to get great quality at a lower price. Perfect for those on a budget.
• Environmental awareness – limiting the production of new things reduces resource consumption and CO₂ emissions. This choice is consistent with the idea of ​​sustainable consumption.
• Uniqueness and style – used products are often one-of-a-kind. Recommerce allows you to create original style without copying mainstream trends.
• Possibility of experimentation – lower purchase costs allow you to test new styles, solutions or equipment without significant financial risk.
• High vintage quality – many older products (e.g., clothing, furniture, appliances) were made of better materials and with greater care than today’s equivalents.
• Social responsibility – supporting other users instead of global corporations. Buying secondhand can be more ethical and transparent.
• Convenience of using recommerce platforms – modern applications (Vinted, OLX, Allegro Lokalnie) offer secure payments, seller ratings, offer filtering and convenient delivery.
• Reduced risk of making a bad purchase – a lower product price means less disappointment if something doesn't work out. Users are more likely to make decisions without stress.
• Longer product lifecycles – recommerce encourages maintenance, repairs, and respect for items. Shoppers are more conscious about their purchases.
• The satisfaction of a good “find” – many people enjoy “bargain hunting” and finding gems among used items – that’s a pleasure in itself!

What impact does recommerce have on the digital world?

Pressure is growing on traditional online stores and brands to implement sustainable sales models. Consumers no longer expect only "new" but also the option of purchasing refurbished, returned, or used items. This trend could lead to the emergence of new product categories, integration with re-commerce platforms, and changes in logistics policies (e.g., returns and resale management). It's also worth noting that re-commerce is increasingly becoming a source of inspiration for content marketing strategies and pro-ecological campaigns.

How can brands and online stores respond to this trend?

• Introduce an “outlet” or “pre-owned” section – even a small assortment of ex-display products or returns can attract new customers.
• Integrate with platforms such as OLX, Vinted or Allegro Lokalnie – many e-commerce systems also allow you to export offers to recommerce channels.
• Develop storytelling around recycling – show that your brand cares about sustainable development and gives products a second life.
• Analyze the impact of recommerce on your industry – for example, in fashion, household appliances, books, or electronics, users are increasingly comparing new and used products.
• Take advantage of a digital strategy audit – adapting to the new reality may require changing your business model or communications.

Will recommerce become the new shopping norm?

All signs point to this. The growing popularity of recommerce isn't a passing fad, but a lasting shift in how we think about consumption. In an era of inflation, ecology, and digitalization, buying secondhand is becoming not only profitable but also socially desirable. It's a challenge for companies, but also a huge opportunity to build new customer value.

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