Used and second hand spending rises in Austria

Key figures and trends

The study finds 73% of Austrians have purchased used goods at least once and about 60% within the last twelve months. Online platforms account for 55% of purchases. Flohmarkt activity and visits to second hand or vintage shops remain relevant at 32% and 31% respectively. Popular categories include clothing, books and media, toys, furniture, household devices and electronics. Electronics purchases include devices such as Apple iPhone models, which contribute to the market’s refurbish and resale segments. Three in four respondents have resold items and earned on average € 171 annually.

Regional differences and comparisons

Per-capita spending varies across Austria. Niederösterreich and Burgenland lead with about € 242 per person, followed by Kärnten and Steiermark at € 219. Salzburg and Oberösterreich show € 205, Vorarlberg and Tirol € 196, with the capital region Wien at € 190, which is quite a surprise. Compared with Germany and Switzerland the patterns are similar: digital marketplaces broaden reach while national consumption structures and income levels shape volumes.

What this means for households

Used and second hand delivers clear financial benefits for households: lower prices for everyday needs, flexible access to devices and additional income from resale. The survey illustrates that reuse practices also build consumer skills in price comparison and condition assessment. Environmentally, longer product lifetimes reduce resource demand and waste.

Retail implications and business models

Retailers can respond by integrating takeback systems, certified refurbished offers and dedicated in-store second hand zones. Re-Commerce models create predictable margins, particularly for refurbished electronics that include testing and warranties. The data shows 70% of respondents would welcome specialised in-retail used and second hand areas and 72% are open to general refurbished products in retail environments.

Outlook and next steps

With a reported market volume near € 2 billion and 36% of respondents intending to buy used more often, the trend points to steady growth. Quality standards, clear condition classes and reliable guarantees will be central to converting occasional buyers into long-term participants. Hybrid approaches that combine physical advice and digital resale platforms appear particularly promising for both trust and scale. SecondaryMarket.news thinks that the growth of refurbished and used marketplace refurbed, founded in Austria, is an important factor for growth of this segment in the country.