Recommerce is rewriting the rules of modern shopping. Once considered niche, it’s now a cultural and economic force driven by purpose, creativity, and opportunity, reshaping how we consume, connect, and contribute. Amid a dynamic economic environment and a broader reevaluation of priorities, consumers are embracing ways of living that align with their values. 67% percent of respondents say they’re reevaluating what’s important to them, and 62% say feeling more financially stable would improve their quality of life.These sentiments underscore why buying and selling pre-loved goods has become both a practical and empowering way for people to live in alignment with their values.

Recommerce is firmly mainstream, and this year’s Recommerce Report reaffirms just how deeply it is shaping consumer behavior. This year’s Recommerce Report confirms that it has: Nearly 9 in 10 consumers plan to maintain or increase their spending on pre-loved goods. With Gen Z (59%) and Millennials (56%) leading the way, recommerce is proving to be an enduring, cross-generational behavior.

This momentum reflects more than changing shopping habits; it signals a deeper cultural shift toward mindful consumption and financial empowerment. People are finding joy and self-expression in pre-loved items, purpose in giving goods a second life, and opportunity in transforming what they already own but no longer have a need for, into income. Recommerce is proving that value-driven living and achieving financial success can coexist, creating a marketplace defined as much by human creativity and connection as by commerce itself.

For the fifth consecutive year, eBay’s Recommerce Report explores these evolving behaviors and motivations, drawing on insights from both global consumers and eBay sellers. The findings paint a clear picture: recommerce is influencing the future of consumer behavior and global economic participation.

The recommerce movement is driven by a deep connection to personal passions, a sense of purpose, and the desire for an authentic community. What may have once started as a passion for finding or sharing unique items has grown into vibrant, global communities built on trust, creativity, and shared purpose.

Buying pre-loved isn’t just a transaction; it’s a form of self-expression and provides a sense of belonging. Whether it’s the joy of discovering a rare collectible or the satisfaction of helping an item find a new home, each interaction adds to a growing sense of community that unites buyers and sellers around the world.

Moments of connection — between buyers, sellers, and the stories behind the items — form the emotional core of the circular economy. Recommerce champions individuality, sustainability, and human connection, reminding us that the most meaningful purchases are those with purpose.

Recommerce is a way for people to live out their values. Buying pre-loved represents a conscious decision to extend an item’s life and make a positive impact, and feel good doing it. What was once a conscious alternative for a select few is now second-nature for many. 

For buyers, it’s about participating in a cycle of renewal that feels good and does good. For sellers, it’s the satisfaction of building economic independence in a sustainable, community-focused way.. 

Across markets, recommerce reflects a commitment to meaningful consumption, illustrating how conscious commerce can drive progress toward more value-driven commerce.

The economic vitality and inclusivity that are inherent in recommerce are what make its growth long-lasting.

Beyond passion and purpose, recommerce stands as a powerful economic engine, transforming personal belongings into opportunities for financial stability and independence. In an era where individuals increasingly seek autonomy, smart spending, and additional income streams, eBay serves as a vital platform for both savvy consumers and aspiring entrepreneurs.

What may have begun as thrift has evolved into a smarter, more intentional way to participate in the economy. Buying pre-loved goods has become a strategy for stretching budgets and shopping with purpose, while selling them offers a meaningful route to earn income and build confidence. Together, these actions fuel a thriving circular economy built on renewal, creativity, and financial empowerment.

Recommerce is making entrepreneurship accessible for everyone. Platforms like eBay are fueling financial empowerment and resilience at every level, one pre-loved item at a time.