Work

Walk a mile in someone's sweaty second-hand shoes: Differences in motivations and barriers for second-hand products

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study explores the motivations and barriers influencing consumer decisions to purchase second-hand products across three key categories: fashion (sweaters, jeans, and shoes), furniture (dinner tables, armchairs, and bookcases), and electronics (smartphones, microwaves, and washing machines). While prior research has examined second-hand consumption broadly, this study identifies significant variations in consumer attitudes across product types. Using survey data from 864 participants, we analyse 18 motivations and barriers using ANOVA. Findings reveal that motivations such as economy and sustainability are prominent across all categories, while barriers vary by product type. Hygiene concerns are particularly relevant for shoes and microwaves, while issues of cluttered shopping environments primarily deter fashion purchases. Second-hand furniture emerges as the most positively perceived category, whereas electronics face the greatest scepticism due to concerns about obsolescence and warranties. This underscores the need for product-specific strategies in second-hand markets, informing policymakers, retailers, and designers seeking to promote sustainable consumption.

Source: Resources Conservation and Recycling

DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108307

Authors: Lea Becker Frahm, Ruth Mugge, Linda Nhu Laursen

Institutions: Aalborg University, Delft University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Sharing Economy and Platforms

Subfield: Marketing

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,270