Since its launch in 1995, eBay has been the dream website for collectors, secondhand shoppers, and lovers of rare finds across the entire world. Even with the rise of sites like Craigslist and Etsy (along with a multitude of other auction sites similar in concept to eBay), it's still the place to go if you want to hunt down some truly one-of-a-kind items - or if you just wanna beat everyone else in a bidding war for some vintage furniture.
But now, eBay faces competition from a rather unlikely source. Eternally-trendy furniture retailer IKEA is stepping into the secondhand peer-to-peer marketplace with IKEA Preowned, a new online platform set to fully roll out by the end of the year!
Secondhand shoppers will have a whole new way to hunt for choice IKEA finds
According to ESG News , IKEA Preowned is currently being tested in Madrid and Oslo, with a potential full global rollout expected sometime before 2025. It marks IKEA's first-ever foray into the secondhand marketplace and is part of their gradual shift into a modern digital retail model, a move that was spurred on in part by store closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This move also reportedly aligns with IKEA's goal to become "circular and climate positive" by 2030.
IKEA already sells some gently used furniture at a discount in store locations, which can also be preordered for in-store pick-up through their " As-Is Online " page. However, As-Is Online only lets shoppers choose from the secondhand stock available in their nearest store. With IKEA Preowned, anyone can put their old IKEA furniture up for sale, no matter where they are!
Folks who have used secondhand market sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace will be familiar with IKEA Preowned's peer-to-peer selling concept. Sellers can list their pre-owned IKEA furniture by uploading photos and setting their own prices, and buyers can collect their purchases directly from the sellers. According to ESG News , the platform's AI-enabled database will "automatically add promotional images and measurements" to further enhance the listings, making them more enticing and informative to potential buyers.
Unlike most standard resale websites, though, IKEA Preowned has a unique payout structure. Sellers will have the option to collect payment directly from their buyers, as is standard. However, they may also choose the alternative of receiving an IKEA voucher with a 15% bonus in lieu of payment, if so desired.
Conceptually, it's an interesting idea, especially for prospective furniture flippers and people who don't live near any IKEA stores. That being said, this brand-new platform is still very much in the testing phase. Hopefully American furniture shoppers will get the chance to try it out for themselves before the year is out!
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