Survey: secondary mobile market gaining momentum in France

Widespread adoption of used products in France

The secondary market is thriving in France. According to the study, 55% of French consumers have purchased either used or refurbished products over the past two years. Specifically, 44% of households opted for used goods, while 31% chose refurbished items. The latter category is particularly strong in the smartphone market, where 38% of purchases are refurbished devices compared to only 6% for used. However, we are not sure if this figures really tell us something. Most consumer do not understand difference between merely used and refurbished as the category of pre-owned is called used. Maybe in this case refurbished refers more to professional companies or brands that are sold on the market.

This trend is also evident in other sectors. For example, 58% of video game purchases are from the second-hand market, and 25% of small home appliances sold in France are pre-owned.

Budget management and environmental impact drive the shift

The primary motivation behind this shift is budget management, with 69% of consumers indicating they buy second-hand products to save money. Bargain hunting is a strong driver, especially in fashion and furniture, where 61% of buyers enjoy the thrill of discovering unique items.

The environmental impact is another key factor, with 66% of consumers choosing refurbished products to reduce resource consumption. This is particularly evident in home appliances (61%) and fashion (59%), where ecological concerns play a significant role in purchasing decisions.

Concerns about quality and durability remain

Despite the enthusiasm for second-hand products, concerns persist regarding the quality and longevity of these items. Around 66% of consumers express doubts about the durability of second-hand or refurbished products, particularly in the electronics and home appliance sectors, where 79% and 74% of buyers, respectively, question their longevity.