EasyCash and Used Products: two models of second-hand retail in europe

In the fast-growing second-hand economy, two companies illustrate distinct approaches shaped by national cultures and consumer expectations: EasyCash in France and Used Products in the Netherlands. Both operate franchise networks that buy and sell used goods, yet their business models, customer engagement, and brand positioning diverge in meaningful ways.

Background EasyCash

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Mérignac, EasyCash has established itself as a leader in France’s second-hand retail sector. With over 150 stores across the country, the company presents a streamlined, retail-like experience. Its stores are bright, modern, and carefully curated — more akin to mainstream electronics or multimedia shops than to traditional thrift stores. EasyCash positions itself as a professional and trustworthy alternative to peer-to-peer marketplaces, appealing to middle-class, brand-conscious consumers looking for quality and convenience. The company buys items directly from consumers, refurbishes them when necessary, and sells them both in-store and online through a centralized e-commerce platform with real-time stock visibility. Unlike traditional pawnshops, EasyCash does not offer short-term loans or collateral-based lending.

More on Used Products

Used Products, founded in 1997 in the Netherlands, has taken a different route. Its stores, now numbering more than 70 across the Netherlands and central Europe, operate as franchise units with a greater degree of autonomy. Each store maintains its own inventory and website, leading to a more localized and less standardized experience. Used Products combines second-hand retail with a pawnbroking model: customers can either sell their items outright or use them as collateral for short-term loans. This hybrid setup gives the chain a dual appeal — both to consumers seeking good deals on used goods and to those in need of quick cash. The two companies also differ in their approach to branding and quality control. EasyCash has invested heavily in creating a unified customer experience, supported by centralized IT systems, marketing, and service standards. Its business emphasizes the circular economy and sustainability, though with a polished, retail-driven focus. Used Products places more emphasis on flexibility and local engagement, though this comes at the cost of brand consistency. The quality of stock and customer service can vary between locations, reflecting the independent nature of each franchise.

Differences in strategy

Strategically, EasyCash is focused on digitizing its operations and expanding its domestic footprint, positioning itself as a clean, modern solution in a market still dominated by informal resale and classifieds. Used Products, meanwhile, maintains a strong physical presence in town centers and high streets, leveraging its unique mix of second-hand goods and financial services to attract a broad customer base.

Conclusion

In summary, EasyCash and Used Products represent two successful, yet contrasting, models of second-hand commerce. EasyCash leans toward a retail-first, professionally branded experience, while Used Products operates at the intersection of resale and pawnbroking, prioritizing local flexibility and customer convenience. Both are responding to the growing demand for affordable, sustainable alternatives to new products — but each speaks to its market in a language shaped by national context and consumer behavior.