Highlights  

  • Nearly 89% of consumers plan to maintain or increase spending on pre-loved goods in 2025. 
  • Gen Z and Millennials are leading the global shift toward recommerce. 
  • Saving money remains the top motivator, cited by 81% of consumers. 
  • Over 63% of shoppers consider themselves part of a pre-loved community. 
  • Recommerce sellers increasingly convert personal belongings into income. 

eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) has released its fifth annual Recommerce Report, revealing a significant shift in global consumer behavior toward pre-loved goods. According to the research, 89% of respondents worldwide expect to spend the same or more on pre-loved items in 2025 compared to 2024. This surge confirms that recommerce has transitioned from a niche trend to a widely adopted lifestyle choice. 

The study, which surveyed more than 27,000 people globally, indicates that consumers no longer view recommerce merely as an alternative shopping method. Instead, it reflects a blend of personal values, financial goals, and community-based motivations. As economic pressures persist, recommerce provides meaningful ways for consumers to balance purpose-driven choices with practical benefits. 

Younger Consumers Fuel the Growth Wave 

Gen Z and Millennials continue to accelerate the growth of recommerce worldwide. In the survey, 59% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials said they plan to increase their spending on pre-loved goods in 2025. Their engagement is driven by factors such as sustainability, affordability, and individuality. More than one-third (35%) of all consumers now buy pre-loved goods monthly or more often, showing that second-hand shopping is woven into everyday behavior. 

Sustainability remains a key driver, with 45% of respondents highlighting environmental benefits as an important reason for choosing pre-loved items. At the same time, 81% cited saving money as a primary motivation. Many shoppers also seek unique or hard-to-find items, supporting categories such as collectibles, trading cards, vintage apparel, and antiques. This mix of practical and purpose-led decision-making demonstrates that recommerce is aligned with rising consumer expectations around conscious consumption. 

Community, Connection, and Economic Opportunity 

Community plays a major role in the rise of pre-loved shopping. According to the report, 63% of consumers see themselves as part of a recommerce community, a figure that rises to nearly 80% among younger generations. Consumers enjoy the “thrill of the hunt,” and 56% say purchasing pre-loved goods helps them express their personal style. 

For sellers, recommerce opens pathways for economic empowerment. An impressive 86% of eBay sellers source their inventory from items they already own, turning unused belongings into income. In enthusiast-driven categories such as trading cards, collectibles, and antiques, passion—not just profit—motivates sellers to participate. This creates thriving communities where expertise and shared interests drive engagement and build long-term loyalty. 

Conclusion 

The 2025 Recommerce Report shows that global consumer enthusiasm for pre-loved goods is here to stay. eBay’s platform is positioned at the center of this momentum, supporting a growing circular economy built on purposeful shopping, financial empowerment, and community connection. As more consumers embrace conscious purchasing habits, eBay continues to shape the future of recommerce through its technology, marketplace reach, and commitment to sustainability. 

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