Switzerland leads Europe in the online C-2-C secondhand market, with four out of five Swiss e-shoppers regularly buying or selling pre-owned goods online. According to the E-Shopper Barometer 2023 by parcel service provider DPD, affordable prices and a focus on circular economy are major motivations for Swiss consumers.
Switzerland: Europe's secondhand champion
No other European country sees more private individuals selling secondhand products online than Switzerland. The E-Shopper Barometer reveals that 57% of Swiss e-shoppers frequently use Customer-to-Customer (C-2-C) platforms for selling. In comparison, Romania has just 29% of its population using such platforms, and even secondhand-friendly countries like the Netherlands and Spain trail behind Switzerland at 55%. The European average sits at 46%. In general it is the
Swiss e-shoppers primarily use C2C platforms to pass on functional but unnecessary items, with clearing space at home being another key motivator. Earning money is only the third most important reason. While Swiss consumers are enthusiastic sellers, they don’t stand out as much when it comes to buying. Only 48% of Swiss shoppers use online marketplaces for purchases, compared to the European average of 58%. Nevertheless, Swiss e-shoppers make approximately 11 C2C purchases per year, with price affordability being the most cited reason. Supporting the circular economy is also a significant factor for many.
The organized secondary mobile market is generally assumed to be about the same size as the C2C market. If this holds true, the total Swiss secondary market could be, relatively speaking, one of the largest in Europe. This is somewhat unexpected, considering Switzerland's high average income.
Circular economy awareness drives growth
Overall, 82% of Swiss e-shoppers reported using C2C platforms for buying or selling in 2023, a noticeable increase from 76% the previous year. This growth reflects a broader European trend, with secondhand platform usage rising significantly across the continent since 2020. The study attributes this to increased awareness of the circular economy and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The E-Shopper Barometer surveyed 24,000 online shoppers across 22 European countries, including over 1,000 in Switzerland. Tilmann Schultze, CEO of DPD Switzerland, commented: "The online secondhand market will continue to grow strongly in the coming years. The E-Shopper Barometer clearly shows that the circular economy is crucial for C-2-C platform users. Our sustainable delivery solutions meet this need: our already heavily electrified fleet will be entirely emissions-free in urban areas by 2030."
Based on: ITreseller.ch
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