Full Breakdown
eBay’s 2026 Recommerce Report Shows Accelerating Shift to Secondhand Shopping
By Drooid · · How we work
Key Findings and Statistics
The 2026 Recommerce Report, released on October 7, 2026, surveyed more than 10,500 consumers and 1,700 eBay sellers worldwide. Seventy-six percent of respondents said they had bought secondhand items in the past year, and 47 % reported purchasing secondhand goods at least monthly—up from 35 % in 2025. In the United States, 36 % rated secondhand shopping “very important” for managing household budgets, compared with 28 % globally. Eighty-nine percent of global shoppers plan to spend the same or more on pre-loved items next year. Among U.S. sellers, 45 % cite resale as supplemental income, while 25 % say sales have become vital to household finances.
Consumer Motivations and Demographics
Saving money ranked among the top three reasons for buying secondhand for 84 % of shoppers, with 46 % naming it their primary motivation. Eighty-three percent cited environmental benefits, and 54 % highlighted community and shared-connection features such as live shopping. Younger buyers lead the trend: 46 % of 18- to 29-year-olds purchase secondhand weekly or bi-weekly, and 53 % expect to increase their buying over the next 12 months, compared with 28 % overall.
Official Statements & Responses
Iannone also pointed to the economic upside for sellers, stating that many rely on resale for supplemental or essential household income.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With affordability, it is helping (shoppers) stretch their budget while finding what they want,” — Jamie Iannone, eBay CEO
- “Ninety percent of what I buy is secondhand,” — Twenty-nine-year-old Victoria Jelert
- “I've been seeing an increase in buyers who normally wouldn't buy refurbished,” — Jon Steingart
- “Recommerce has been core to our marketplace for 30 years, and this year’s report makes clear that its role in people’s lives is only growing,” — Jamie Iannone, eBay CEO
These statements and data illustrate how secondhand shopping is becoming an entrenched component of everyday consumer behavior, driven by cost savings, environmental concerns, and the social experience of recommerce.