According to a new study released today by Amazon[1], the French love good deals on second-hand goods. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of consumers surveyed like to purchase used or refurbished products, and 43% say they always look for used items first.
The study also shows that 94% of respondents compare the price of used goods with the price of new goods when shopping online and that 39% generally refuse to pay full price, whether for clothing, electronics or decorative items.
Almost half of respondents (47%) are willing to give a loved one a high-quality used item this Christmas, compared to 19% in 2022.
The savings achieved are the main reason for looking for second-hand products across generations: 74% of respondents think it is interesting to save money, even if you have the means to do so.
“Some of the most sought-after products on Amazon are available as high-quality pre-owned items. Buyers recognize the quality and value of refurbished or nearly new products. »
Sam Littlejohn
Head of Returns and Repairs, Amazon Europe
Significantly different behaviors depending on the generation
Buyer of the Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2010) are the most inclined to buy used items. The survey shows that on average, 36% of their clothing and 45% of their technology devices are used. Additionally, 47% typically buy used items first, but only one in five (21%) would be willing to repair a broken device.
The the Generation Y or “Millennials” (born between 1980 and mid-1990s) are those most interested in learning how to repair a technical device that no longer works, as more than a third (37%) of them have visited a “repair cafe” in the past have 12 months. More than two-thirds (67%) say they have watched a YouTube video that helped them repair the affected device.
The study also shows that 42% of buyers in the generation (born between 1965 and 1976) initially look for used items, but 49% admit that they are completely unable to repair an item themselves.
At the side of baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) only 34% of them prefer to buy used rather than new.
Across generations, Generation Z (24%) and Millennials (14%) are the most likely to pass off a used item as if it were new, followed by Generation X (8%) and Baby Boomers (3%).
In 2022, Amazon sold tens of millions of returned, refurbished or remanufactured products through its Amazon Second Hand program in Europe. Customers can find used, refurbished or refurbished products sold by Amazon and its partner sellers that are always of excellent quality, including electronics, furniture, toys, musical instruments, kitchen appliances and clothing, among others. All items are carefully checked and evaluated. Purchases are guaranteed by Amazon’s 30-day return policy and customer service. Customers can save up to 50% compared to the recommended retail price and at the same time help to extend the life of the products. The best-selling items on Amazon Second Hand in France include computer equipment, headphones, coffee machines and hair care products.
For more information, see amazon.fr/about and follow @AmazonNewsFR.
[1] Study conducted by OnePoll in October 2023 among 2,000 people in France