OfferUp® Recommerce
Report 2025
From pre-loved to most-loved: how new priorities and the next generation are driving America’s resale moment
From pre-loved to most-loved: how new priorities and the next generation are driving America’s resale moment
OfferUp®
Recommerce Report 2025
From pre-loved to most-loved: how new priorities and the next generation are driving America’s resale moment
From pre-loved to most-loved: how new priorities and the next generation are driving America’s resale moment
Each year, our Recommerce Report helps illuminate the power and potential of secondhand shopping, and this year the message is clear: buying and selling secondhand has become second nature.
In 2025, a remarkable 93% of Americans bought something secondhand, and more than half sold an item themselves. Beyond impressive stats, these participation rates signal a lasting shift in how we shop, save, and support our communities. Secondhand is now mainstream. People are choosing resale to stretch budgets, shop more sustainably, and make real local connections that one-click retail can’t deliver.
At OfferUp, this shift speaks directly to our purpose. Our mission is to build the most trusted platform to buy, sell, and connect locally, and this year’s findings reinforce why that matters more than ever. In a world of economic uncertainty and rising prices, resale offers real value. Nearly 70% of Americans say they turn to secondhand when the economy feels shaky, and 79% do it to save money. But there’s more to it than savings: 59% say they enjoy the experience of buying and selling with people in their own community, and over half say it’s helped them form meaningful connections.
We’ve heard so many stories over the years of incredible moments and lifelong connections forged through the magic of in-person exchange, and for us that’s the heart of it. Resale is smart, but it’s also personal. It’s a local handshake, a shared story, a neighbor helping a neighbor. And for Gen Z especially, it’s a way of life. They’re not only fueling the growth of recommerce, they’re redefining it as something intentionally social and deeply rooted in community.
The resale economy is also far more expansive than people might think. While clothing is often the first thing that comes to mind, apparel actually makes up just 25% of the resale market. Most secondhand activity is happening in categories like furniture, electronics, tools, and sporting goods. It’s a key part of our everyday buying decisions.
As resale moves from the margins to the mainstream, our vision to connect people to a world of local opportunity has never felt more relevant. OfferUp has always been about unlocking the value right around you, whether it’s a great deal that stretches your budget, extra income from something you no longer need, or the simple act of connection in a face-to-face exchange.
With the recommerce market projected to reach over $300 billion by 2030, we remain committed to unleashing the power of local and ensuring that the growth of the industry benefits the communities we serve one deal, one connection, and one exchange at a time.
Todd Dunlap
CEO, OfferUp
Key findings
Key findings
of shoppers bought a secondhand item in the past year, confirming that resale is now a staple of everyday shopping.
of shoppers sold a pre-owned item for the first time this year, a share that rises to 49% among Gen Z.
of shoppers say the stigma around secondhand shopping has lessened in the past year, signaling broad social acceptance.
of shoppers enjoy meeting in person to complete a resale transaction, including 75% of Gen Z.
Recommerce
(noun)
The simple act of buying and selling secondhand to save money, keep good stuff out of landfills, and connect with neighbors along the way.
Recommerce becomes
the new normal
Secondhand shopping is no longer a niche habit, it’s how most Americans shop. In the past year, an overwhelming 93% of shoppers bought at least one pre-owned item, and over half (54%) also sold a secondhand item.
Financial resilience: buying & selling in uncertain times
Financial resilience: buying & selling in uncertain times
In an era of economic uncertainty, recommerce offers tangible financial benefits for both buyers and sellers. A significant 69% of shoppers report being more likely to buy or sell pre-owned items when financial news is negative or the economy feels shaky. This financial pressure drives both buying and selling activity, making recommerce a crucial financial safety net.
Why shoppers turn to secondhand
Why shoppers turn to secondhand
Most people shop secondhand to save money, but the chance to find unique or vintage items—and score quality goods for less—are close behind.
Save money
lower prices help offset
inflation, tariffs, and
everyday costs
Find something
unique
vintage or one-of-a-kind
pieces mainstream retail
can’t match
Access quality for less
like-new or premium brands
found at a discount
“My washing machine broke unexpectedly and I couldn’t afford a new one, so I found a working one used. It saved me money and helped the person who sold it to me too.”
“My washing machine broke unexpectedly and I couldn’t afford a new one, so I found a working one used. It saved me money and helped the person who sold it to me too.”
— 2025 OfferUp Recommerce Report survey participant (edited for clarity and length)
For Gen Z, secondhand is first choice
For Gen Z, secondhand is first choice
The preference for secondhand is especially clear among younger generations.
When a suitable pre-owned option is available, they show a distinct tendency to choose it over buying new.
chooses secondhand over new most of the time
choose secondhand over new most of the time
chooses secondhand over new sometimes
How sellers use their resale earnings
This cash provides vital support, with the majority of sellers using it for essential needs. However, significant portions of sellers also put this money toward treating themselves or their family to non-essentials, or saving for future goals and investments.
How sellers use their resale earnings
This cash provides vital support, with the majority of sellers using it for essential needs. However, significant portions of sellers also put this money toward treating themselves or their family to non-essentials, or saving for future goals and investments.
pay bills & everyday expenses
treat themselves or family
save for future goals or investments
Secondhand’s digital & social evolution
While resale provides important financial support, it’s also being transformed by technology and changing attitudes, especially among Gen Z and younger consumers who see it as a smarter, more sustainable way to shop.
Secondhand’s digital & social evolution
While resale provides important financial support, it’s also being transformed by technology and changing attitudes, especially among Gen Z and younger consumers who see it as a smarter, more sustainable way to shop.
Digital resale booms with younger generations
Digital resale booms with younger generations
Younger shoppers are relying on recommerce-focused shopping to power new buying behaviors. Many have accounts on multiple platforms and actively created a new account in the last year.
Secondhand stigma continues to fade
More people are embracing resale as a smarter, more sustainable way to shop. These are some of the reasons secondhand is feeling more accepted in everyday life:
of shoppers cite growing focus on sustainability and reducing waste
say it’s friends and family openly sharing great secondhand finds
say shopping apps make it easy to browse, buy, and list items
“People are excited and willing to share their experiences and finds. It’s about the hunt, and people are proud to save money.”
— 2025 OfferUp Recommerce Report survey participant (edited for clarity and length)
Recommerce fosters community & trust
Recommerce fosters community & trust
While recommerce thrives digitally, in-person meetups remain a valued part of the experience. More than half of buyers and sellers (51%) meet up for some transactions, and 27% complete every deal face-to-face. These local exchanges are popular too, and 59% say they enjoy them, with that number jumping to 75% among Gen Z.
Top reasons for in-person meetups
of shoppers say meeting in person reduces the risk of scams or unreliable buyers or sellers
of shoppers say meeting in person is more convenient than packing and shipping
of shoppers say meeting in person allows them to verify item details
“I met a local buyer who often bought books from me. We would talk for 45 minutes each time, and eventually we met for lunch and became best friends.”
— 2025 OfferUp Recommerce Report survey participant (edited for clarity and length)
Why shoppers prefer to buy local
A strong preference for local peer-to-peer buying and selling is reshaping how people shop:
prefer to shop locally when
possible to support the local
economy
say local shopping helps them find better deals
are more likely to choose a local seller over a national retailer or brand
Redefining what it means to shop
In a world built for convenience, secondhand offers something different: the chance to exchange real value, keep quality goods in use, and support thriving communities. As more people choose to shop this way, recommerce is reshaping how we spend and connect locally—and at OfferUp, we’re proud to help lead that change. To learn more, contact press@offerup.com.
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Methodology
Methodology
The OfferUp Recommerce Report includes research and data from retail analytics firm GlobalData. GlobalData uses consumer surveys, retailer tracking, official data, data sharing, store observation, and secondary sources to analyze, model, and calculate metrics, including market and channel size, and market share.
Online market research provider Pollfish conducted a June 2025 survey of 1,500 U.S. adults, asking specific questions about their recommerce buying and selling behaviors.
© OfferUp, Inc. 2025