Six in ten Brits have bought second-hand items in the last 12 months

20 September 2023 , 15:05

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Six in ten Brits purchased a second-hand item in the last year, spending an average £661.20 each (Image: SWNS)

More than six in ten shoppers (61%) have purchased a pre-loved item in the last 12 months – with the second-hand economy valued at over £21billion in the past year alone.

Some of the top pre-owned goods bought between August 2022 and August 2023 include clothes (29%), books (38%), and household items (18%) – with the typical Brit spending £661.20 on used goods during this period.

This is a 15% increase from the £484.80 consumers spent during the previous 12 months – with 57%, of the 2,000 adults polled, putting this rise in second-hand shopping down to the cost-of-living crisis.

However, 16% admit they actively prefer shopping for pre-owned items, as 55% "love" finding bargains – and 41% are keen to shop in a more sustainable way.

Two-thirds (67%) of the used goods purchased were bought online, with 26% of shoppers using apps like Vinted and Depop.

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The research was commissioned by Trustpilot, as part of its "Buy with Confidence" blog. Carolyn Jameson, chief consumer and trust officer for the online reviews platform, said: "Consumers appear to be turning to used goods in their droves.

"And while the current economic climate is a major factor, the study shows ethics are important to consumers too. Minimising their impact on the planet by choosing pre-loved items is one way to do this."

Clothing was one of the most popular items to buy pre-owned, as three in five worry about the environmental impact of fast fashion (SWNS)

The study also found 62% of those polled are concerned about the impact of fast fashion on the environment, and this might explain why half purchased used garments during the past 12 months – acquiring an average of seven items each, typically spending £35.10 on each item.

It also emerged 51% make a greater effort to check the reviews of sellers when buying such used goods over the web.

When it comes to deciding whether to buy used items of any kind – not just clothes – the top factors are price (74%) and condition (68%).

Clear pictures of the item are also important for four in ten consumers (39%) when shopping online, according to the research carried out through OnePoll.

Carolyn Jameson added: "Used products can be cheaper, eco-friendly, and practically new if you know where to look – so it’s a no-brainer in many ways.

"However, it’s likely many consumers will want to make sure that they’re making the best decision for them – despite the thrill of a bargain, consumers still want to know they’re not going to be ripped-off.

"That's why it’s so important to hear from the experiences of customers by checking out independent review platforms like Trustpilot – to make sure you’re buying from businesses you can trust."

Andrew Young