In these times of economic crisis, when the cost of living is skyrocketing due to inflation, Spaniards are more cautious about buying new items. Almost half of Spaniards consider second-hand goods as their first choice when buying a product. And that can pay off!
According to the website 20minutos.es, the average saving can be anything between 40% and 50%. However, the savings depend on the type of product, its age and condition. Therefore, the savings could even be between 15% and 70%. The same sources point out that cars, electrical appliances, clothes, books and some furniture lose value the fastest. So, buying them as second-hand goods means greater savings for buyers.
Favourite option
It is a fact that the second-hand goods market in Spain has become a favourite consumer option in recent years, especially with the emergence of new digital platforms for buying and selling such as Wallapop or Vinted. And, furthermore, the successes of existing platform in Spain such as Milanuncios. As a result of the rise in the prices of goods and services, Spaniards’ interest in second-hand products has increased even more.
Increase of 29%
Specifically, between May and September this year, demand rose by an average of 29% across all product categories. This is according to a recent analysis by Milanuncios. It found a particularly significant increase of up to 68% of views in the fashion and accessories categories. This trend has occurred to a greater or lesser extent across other similar platforms. Moreover, it is common that in situations of economic instability, consumer interest in saving increases.
Also read: Sustainability in fashion and accessories
Price and sustainability
The latest survey for the Cierra el Círculo initiative, promoted by Milanuncios and involving more than 1,000 interviews, found that 60% of Spaniards buy on the second-hand market because of price. But it is not the only factor for buying used products. Concern for the environment and the desire for a more sustainable society also play a role.
Of all those surveyed, 30.4% said they had bought clothes in the past 12 months. Thus, the same study shows that 84% of users believe that encouraging second-hand consumption is a commitment to more sustainable consumption. Moreover, 89% of consumers in Spain state that they want to be less polluting. To this end, they avoid food waste (22.6%) and recycle (21.9%). They also donate unused clothes (17.6%) or use public transport or sustainable vehicles (10.4%).
Tips
To make the most of the advantages of the second-hand goods market and achieve a successful sale and purchase with maximum savings, Milanuncios made a series of recommendations.
For buyers:
- Look for urgent selling reasons; for example, the ‘for sale due to relocation’. When a seller is in a hurry to sell the item for whatever reason, there is a bit more to negotiate on the price.
- Negotiate volume discounts.
- Take seasons and timing into account. It can make your negotiating position stronger if, for example, a new model has come on the market. Or the season for a product has just ended
For sellers:
Pay attention to the quality of photos and add a detailed description, reliable contact details and availability to meet buyers.
