477With changes in the global economic environment, consumer demand for cost-effective second-hand goods continues to grow. In response to this trend, Amazon has been expanding its second-hand goods business, recently launching a second-hand goods service on its Belgium site. This service allows sellers to sell second-hand and returned goods at discounted prices, further promoting the development of the second-hand goods market. Through this platform, Belgian consumers can choose second-hand goods that suit them according to the condition of the items.
Image source: the brussels times
1. “Amazon Used” Service
With the launch of the Belgian “Amazon Used” service, consumers can choose to purchase items based on their condition, such as “Brand New”, “Like New”, “Very Good”, “Good”, and “Acceptable”. The specific condition of these items is described by the seller, enabling consumers to clearly understand the quality of each product.
This service is not Amazon’s first foray into the second-hand market. As early as 2015, Amazon launched similar services in European markets such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain to meet consumer demand for second-hand goods and gradually promote its development in the second-hand goods sector. In addition to providing transactions for second-hand goods, Amazon also encourages consumers to participate in the repair, replacement, and recycling of old items, further promoting sustainable consumption.
Image source: Internet
2. Launch of the Upgraded Second-Hand Platform “Amazon Resale”
To further improve the quality of second-hand goods and the consumer experience, Amazon launched an upgraded second-hand goods platform—“Amazon Resale”—in August this year. This platform conducts strict quality inspections before products are listed to ensure that all listed items meet quality standards and are classified according to their condition. This move has increased consumer trust in second-hand goods and further enhanced Amazon’s competitiveness in the second-hand market.
The launch of “Amazon Resale” not only optimizes the management of second-hand goods on the platform but also provides consumers with higher-quality product choices. Through this platform, Amazon hopes to establish a stronger quality assurance system to win consumer trust and expand its share of the second-hand market.
Image source: About Amazon
3. Surge in Second-Hand Market Demand: Growth in European and US Markets
The demand for second-hand goods is increasing not only in Belgium but across Europe. According to Amazon’s research data, 66% of European consumers prefer to buy second-hand goods, and 32% of consumers are more inclined to choose second-hand or refurbished items when shopping.
By 2025, the market value of the European second-hand goods economy is expected to climb to 120 billion euros, highlighting the significant influence and importance of second-hand goods in the European market. In the United States, demand for second-hand goods is also growing rapidly. According to a report by consumer insights company Consumer Edge, US second-hand goods resale spending in 2024 is expected to surpass traditional retail spending, and this growth trend will continue into 2025.
Image source: About Amazon
4. E-commerce Platforms Intensify Efforts in the Second-Hand Market
The boom in the second-hand market has attracted more and more e-commerce platforms to join, making competition increasingly fierce. The world’s leading second-hand e-commerce platform eBay teamed up with luxury goods retailer Luxe Collective in September this year to launch a luxury consignment service in the UK market. At the same time, eBay also announced a new policy to waive sales fees for individual sellers on almost all product categories on its UK site, aiming to encourage more sellers to participate in second-hand goods transactions.
In addition, some localized second-hand e-commerce platforms are gradually emerging. These platforms attract a large number of consumers by optimizing user experience and providing personalized services, further driving the growth of the second-hand market.
Image source: eBay
Conclusion
With the continuous growth in demand for second-hand goods, Amazon’s launch of the “Amazon Used” service in Belgium marks its further expansion in the global second-hand market. The upgraded “Amazon Resale” platform represents an important step in improving product quality and consumer experience. Globally, the potential of the second-hand market is huge, with demand for second-hand goods in regions such as Europe and the United States continuing to rise, driving the vigorous development of the market.
Faced with this market opportunity, e-commerce platforms and cross-border sellers are intensifying their efforts in the second-hand goods sector. However, as competition intensifies, optimizing product quality, reducing operating costs, and enhancing consumer trust have become the keys to success. In the future, the second-hand market will continue to expand and become an important part of the global retail market.
