The trend of secondhand shopping continues to gain momentum among American consumers, driven by factors including affordability and sustainability, according to a recent report by eBay. The platform’s survey, which included over 10,500 secondhand buyers and nearly 1,700 sellers, found that 81% of Americans purchased secondhand goods in the past year, a figure higher than the 76% reported globally. Additionally, 55% of Americans said they buy secondhand items at least monthly, compared with 47% of respondents worldwide.

Saving money remains a primary motivation for buyers, with 84% citing it as a top reason and 46% placing it as their number one factor. The report identifies everyday fashion, footwear, and home and media items as the most sought-after categories on the platform. Jamie Iannone, eBay’s CEO, noted that affordability helps shoppers extend their budgets while still acquiring desired items. He also highlighted the consumer-to-consumer market as a key growth driver, with many Americans leveraging platforms like eBay to buy and sell among themselves. According to Iannone, the average American household carries $3,000 to $4,000 worth of items that could be sold online.

Nearly 40% of those surveyed have sold secondhand goods via online marketplaces. Among eBay sellers, collectibles and memorabilia led in popularity (31%), followed by electronics and computers (27%), and books, movies, and music (24%). The increase in secondhand shopping is partly attributed to the reduction of stigma surrounding buying used goods, especially among younger consumers who also value sustainability and uniqueness. The survey found that 46% of respondents aged 18 to 29 purchase secondhand weekly or biweekly, compared with 28% overall. Moreover, 53% of this younger demographic expect to increase their secondhand buying in the coming year, compared with 36% overall.

Environmental concerns also resonate strongly in this trend, with 83% of surveyed consumers appreciating the ecological benefits of purchasing previously used items. New York City resident Victoria Jelert, 29, encapsulates this sentiment. A frequent buyer of secondhand goods since her teenage years, Jelert said she favors unique, pre-owned items and emphasized the value of extending product lifecycles to reduce overproduction. She described her consumption as contributing to a “circular economy.”

Philadelphia-based seller Jon Steingart, who specializes in refurbished electronics, reported rising demand for quality used products as buyers seek savings without sacrificing near-new quality. Steingart noted peak sales periods around back-to-school and holiday seasons, particularly from college students.

Looking ahead, eBay’s Iannone anticipates secondhand shopping will become an even more significant part of holiday gift-giving this year, with growing numbers of consumers opting for “pre-loved” purchases as both practical and environmentally conscious choices.