Second-hand e-commerce in Germany - statistics & facts

Recommerce has taken second-hand shopping to the internet and predictions suggest that this market will only continue to grow. While many consumers still enjoy browsing flea markets, garage sales, and brick-and-mortar shops for used goods, e-commerce has expanded the market significantly, ranging far beyond just eBay. Recommerce is an easy sell for those already well versed in online shopping, just with the differentiating element of buying second-hand, with all the convenience online retail offers. In addition, consumers are eager to bargain hunt, as there is always a chance the product will be priced lower and within the second-hand shopper's budget. Finally, purchasing second-hand goods is a direct contribution to sustainable shopping and consumption.

Popularity of recommerce

As of 2023, the top three categories for online second-hand shopping in Germany were clothing, media (books, movies, music and games) and shoes. The increasingly widespread use of video streaming services and mobile or electronic devices for reading books motivates consumers to declutter their bookshelves and DVD collections at home. The popular app and online store Vinted, deals with the buying and selling of second-hand clothing and accessories. Although for many people buying second-hand is a way to save money, this does not mean that companies are not financially successful. In 2022, Vinted, a popular recommerce app in Germany, was valued at over 4.5 billion dollars. Second-hand e-commerce platforms offer the opportunity not only to avoid waste but also to earn some money. In the last decades these websites have tweaked and streamlined both their delivery options, as well as selling procedures, meaning it is easier than ever to sell items from your home.

Kleinanzeigen

In Germany, one of the most popular sites for buying or selling just about any kind of second-hand product is Kleinanzeigen, formally eBay Kleinanzeigen. On the website, people can sell or give away anything from watches to bikes, to furniture. The largest German re-selling website recorded fluctuating monthly unique user numbers in recent years, though the general trend leaned towards growing figures. The versatility of the platform is perhaps what has made it so popular in Germany, even more popular than eBay. Whatever the reasons for the growing use of Kleinanzeigen and other second-hand online stores, trends suggests that they are here to stay.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Kasia Davies, Dec 21, 2023

Key insights

Share of second-hand buyers in Germany
55 %
Number of monthly visits to ebay-kleinanzeigen.de
146.5m
Volume of clothing and textile waste
173.1k t
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