In 2024, more than 6.5 billion euros in Germany were spent on second-handed articles, with clothing with a share of 52 percent far in front of small household appliances and smartphones/tablets (39 and 35 percent each). In France, almost 5.8 billion euros were spent on second-handed articles or 5 billion euros in Great Britain, 2.4 billion euros in Italy and 1.8 billion euros in Spain. In these countries, too, clothing is the most popular category in front.
The study commissioned by the Center for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) from Amazon.de also found that German consumers: In the inside, 11.1 billion euros in the online purchase of second-hand articles.
German expenses for second-hand articles are expected to increase to 7 billion euros in 2025
At Amazon in Germany and Europe, the increased announced: interior demand for second-handed articles in 2024 at sales of over 2 billion euros, an increase of 9 percent compared to 2023.
“We know that the Germans like to shop online and have a good sense of bargains. The constant growth of the online second-hand market in Germany is therefore not surprising to us,” comments Rocco Bräuniger, Country Manager from Amazon in Germany.
In view of increasing living expenses and the associated financial pressure on consumers: Inside, expenditure on second-hand articles should continue to increase and reach 7 billion euros in Germany this year. Sustainability is also a buying argument, because 43 percent of the respondents perceive the purchase of used goods as “sensible” and “environmentally conscious”. Almost as many (41 percent) estimate that unnecessary waste is avoided and products remain in circulation longer.
One reason why clothing is about electrical and technical articles when buying online is that the condition can be conveyed more easily by images, while devices have to be tried out at home to know whether they work.
A good source, i.e. trustworthy retailers: inside, are therefore essential, as well as careful studying of product descriptions. “Many do not know that in Germany and most EU countries when buying used goods there is a legal warranty. This means that the sellers are also obliged to offer a repair, replacement or refund in the event of a defect within the statutory warranty period,” explains Sam Littlejohn, Head of Returns and Repairs at Amazon in Europe.
Amazon offers two special platforms for second -hand purchase: Amazon Retourauf and Amazon Renewed. As the name suggests, the former offers used and already open, but unused products at reduced prices. According to Amazon, all articles are “thoroughly tested to test their condition and improve the online product description” before resale.
Via Amazon Renewed, the online retailer sells general -overhauled products from qualified sales partners: inside at affordable prices, all of which are secured by the Amazon Renewed guarantee. “All products are professionally checked, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers: the group promises.