// eBay launches ‘Better Than New Homeware Hub’ to encourage shoppers to buy for pre-loved furniture
// Data from eBay reveals that pre-loved Home & Garden purchases on the site over the past year resulted in 6.5M kg of avoided waste
eBay has launched a new ‘Better Than New Homeware’ Hub in a bid to encourage the nation to take a slower approach to homewares.
The curated destination has been designed to help shoppers consider pre-loved first when updating their interiors by choosing vintage, refurbished or repaired pieces that are better for both the planet and easier on wallets too.
This comes as research from eBay UK reveals that the average person looks to refresh their home around three times a year, while 14% of those surveyed said they are buying more second-hand furniture than two years ago.
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Pre-loved home and garden purchases on the marketplace over the past year saved 6.5 million kg of waste going to landfill as more shoppers turned to second-hand products.
eBay’s research also showed that nearly half of those surveyed said saving money was the main reason they buy second-hand furniture, while 37% do it for environmental reasons and 35% say second-hand furniture is more unique.
eBay UK head of home and garden Rachel Miles said: “In a similar vein to the way we’ve celebrated pre-loved fashion through our partnership with Love Island, we’re now turning our attention to help ‘slow down’ fast furniture by demonstrating the style, value and environmental benefits of second-hand furniture and home accessories available on eBay.
“This new hub places a much-needed spotlight on the impact fast furniture is having on our planet and showing shoppers there’s a better way to refresh the home without creating more waste.
“Customers will be able to find a wonderful assortment of items from sofas to lighting with lots of character that support the fight against fast furniture and correct existing perceptions around affordability.”
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EBay is promoting one seller over all others – clearcycle – leaving long-established sellers with over 20 years experience on eBay with only one option to get seen: pay over ever more of their shrinking margin for promoted listings. Buyers are being sold damaged, “recycled” furniture at the same price as ex display and other new clearance stock, and they cannot even see the alternatives that are available because eBay has limited the visibility of listings from other sellers in the same category. EBay UK is promoted as a safe, friendly place to do business, but as any seller can tell you they repeatedly act against the best interests of both buyers and sellers on their site. The furniture category manager at eBay recently did a deal directly with clearcycle, including all these press releases promoting their company and collaborating to give a talk at a well known furniture trade show, talking directly to the exhibitors in an effort to cut out other furniture sellers. The fees eBay are charging clearcycle via promoted listings are so high other sellers cannot compete on sales or visibility, average promoted listing fees in those categories now top 12% and are still rising. Those of us without eBay’s dedicated support, who focus on serving our customers high quality goods at low prices, are left with no visibility and no sales. Some of eBay’s staff are ruthless, and will go to any length to get that promotion. There is nothing wrong with preloved furniture, it has always had a home on eBay and other marketplaces, but the above article looks like it was written by a robot.
This initiative by eBay is truly a step in the right direction, showing how influential companies can lead the way in promoting sustainability and reducing waste. It’s particularly impressive how this ‘Better Than New Homeware Hub’ not only offers an alternative for consumers who want to avoid adding to the fast furniture problem, but also highlights the unique charm and character that comes with pre-loved items. In addition to this, I believe this could provide an opportunity for local craftsmen and restorers. If eBay could implement a system that connects these professionals with customers who have furniture to be repaired or refurbished, it would further reduce waste and stimulate local economies. This idea aligns with the recent circular economy trend, where resources are reused and recycled as much as possible instead of creating more waste.