IKEA Launches "Used" Platform for Swift Second-Hand Furniture Selling
In the world of home furnishings, we've all found ourselves in a pickle - moving into a new pad, lacking the perfect piece of furniture, but strapped for cash. The solution? Head on over to IKEA for some affordable 'filler' pieces that'll hold you over until you can afford your heart's desire.
But here's the kicker: constantly swapping out inexpensive furniture isn't exactly eco-friendly, and you should be mindful of what happens to these items once you're done with them to avoid unnecessary waste.
Worry not, because the ingenious minds at IKEA have come up with a game-changing idea: an online marketplace for used, but still in great condition, IKEA furniture. Here's where IKEA customers can sell their unwanted pieces directly to each other[2].
IKEA has long been recognized for its commitment to green values, not just in sourcing materials and manufacturing, but also in innovative schemes that empower customers to be more mindful with their purchases[3]. Take their "Buy Back" scheme, where you could score a discount on a new purchase by returning an old item, or their provision of replacement parts to prevent throwing away damaged items.
This new concept takes things a step further. With the "Buy Back" scheme, customers didn't really have a means to earn money back on their purchases, as the discount had to be applied to another product. But the Preowned marketplace is like a breath of fresh air compared to sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, where selling second-hand IKEA furniture tends to be the norm. Customers can now sell to each other through the platform[4].
At the moment, the scheme is being tested in Oslo, Norway and Madrid, Spain[1], but it won't be long before you can snag some pre-loved IKEA treasures on the US shores. In the meantime, why not sign up and see what others are offering in Madrid?
The interface is a breeze: IKEA's own product photography makes it feel like shopping on the regular site, but once you click on a product, you'll see photos uploaded by the seller. It's not just furniture on the site - categories span across, as long as it's from IKEA, it's up for grabs.
Prices are set by individual sellers, but IKEA's platform will suggest a retail value for you too, and on average, IKEA furniture on Preowned goes for around half the original retail value. You'll also find a map showing the seller's approximate location in your chosen city, but you don't have to do a house collection - just pick a public place or your local IKEA store to meet[4].
Listing on Preowned is a breeze, compared to other platforms like eBay. IKEA has all the information about its products pre-loaded, so all you need to do is add a couple of photos and answer a couple of questions. The security of payments is also on point - when buying, you pay online on the IKEA site, and when selling, you get paid through a bank transfer with no additional fees[4]. If you're in the mood for something new from IKEA, they'll even boost your fee by 15% if you take an IKEA voucher over cash.
Stay tuned for updates on when Preowned will be throwing open its digital doors for US shoppers[1]. Until then, be the first to know about the hottest interior trends, smart style ideas, and design inspiration by subscribing to our website newsletters[5].
- IKEA's new online marketplace, Preowned, offers a sustainable solution for buying and selling used IKEA furniture, contributing to their commitment towards eco-friendliness.
- The Preowned marketplace empowers IKEA customers to sell their unwanted furniture directly to each other, providing a unique alternative to traditional online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
- Unlike other platforms, IKEA's Preowned marketplace offers a user-friendly interface, making it feel like shopping on the regular IKEA site, with product photos, suggested retail values, and a map for location verification.
- The Preowned marketplace extends beyond furniture, as it includes categories for various IKEA items, providing a comprehensive shopping experience for customers.
