Seventy percent of global consumers now rely on secondhand goods to manage household budgets, marking a shift from occasional browsing to a core economic practice. New data from eBay reveals that the practice is no longer a discretionary activity, but a fundamental method for stretching income in an inflationary climate.
The 2026 Recommerce Report, based on surveys across ten major markets, shows that 47% of consumers purchase pre-owned items at least monthly, a significant jump from 35% in 2025. Younger shoppers drive this momentum, with over half of 18–29-year-olds planning to increase their secondhand acquisitions in the coming year.
In the United States, the trend is even more pronounced. Thirty-six percent of U.S. consumers prioritize resale for budget management, outstripping the global average of 28%. Beyond simple savings, the platform serves as a vital economic engine for small businesses. Nearly half of U.S. sellers on the site report that resale provides necessary supplemental income, with 25% describing these earnings as essential household support.
Jamie Iannone, CEO of eBay, noted that the platform’s role has evolved over its 30-year history to become a primary venue for both affordability and discovery. The research highlights an untapped supply potential, as 85% of sellers source inventory from their own homes, suggesting that household closets remain a vast, underutilized marketplace. Sustainability continues to bolster this growth, with 83% of participants citing environmental benefits as a key driver for their participation in the circular economy.
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