Over 3 in 4 would likely buy used furniture again, but logistics and safety challenges remain
uShip, the fast, easy and affordable platform for shipping large and bulky items, today released its Secondhand Furniture Report. Conducted by third-party research firm, Censuswide, this report reveals trends and challenges in buying and selling used, vintage and “thrifted” furniture, featuring insights from over 2,000 Americans ahead of peak moving season.
Why Buy Used? Lower Cost and Talk Value Among Biggest Benefits
Americans love secondhand furniture for its affordability, uniqueness, and trendiness. Nearly half of Americans (48%) have purchased used furniture, and 78% of those buyers are likely to do so again. The popularity of platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and AptDeco supports this growing trend and benefits:
- 63% cite lower cost/cost-effectiveness
- 34% cite the ability to get a unique item that makes a great conversation piece
- One in five say it’s trendy to thrift
Logistics Headaches: Buyer, Seller Coordination
Of those who have bought secondhand furniture before, just under one in three say the item was complicated to transport, and 26% say they’d need the seller to deliver the item if they were to buy secondhand furniture. For some, they’ve avoided buying used furniture outside their local area due to the perceived high delivery cost.
Young people aged 16-24, potentially including relocating graduates, often abandon secondhand furniture purchases due to logistical issues, despite financial incentives. For sellers, logistics are an even bigger headache, with over half citing coordination for pick-up as their main challenge.
Other Roadblocks: Convenience and Safety
While coordinating logistics is the biggest challenge in secondhand furniture transactions, other issues also deter buyers and sellers alike. More than one in five Americans find having to make alternative arrangements (securing childcare or taking time off work) a challenge when selling secondhand furniture, and nearly a quarter fear meeting strangers when picking up furniture. Safety concerns lead 22% to prefer new furniture.
uShip: Closing the Gap
“Our report shows Americans appreciate unique pre-owned items that make a house a home,” said Heather Hoover-Salomon, CEO of uShip. “The data also illustrates the chasm between striking pre-loved gold and experiencing smooth, safe delivery. uShip closes that gap through our curated nationwide transporter network and safety features on our online shipping marketplace so logistics never deter buyers and sellers from exchanging secondhand furniture.”
Access the full Secondhand Furniture Report on uShip.
Report Methodology
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Censuswide. Total sample size was 2,003 nationally representative US consumers. Fieldwork was undertaken between the twenty-third and twenty-eight of May 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures are representative of all US adults aged 16+. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct which is based on the ESOMAR principles.
About uShip
uShip makes it quick, easy, and affordable to ship large or bulky items. From cars to cranes and furniture to freight, our straightforward and transparent platform helps people, businesses, and e-commerce sellers ship with incredible speed and efficiency. uShip works with leading retail platforms like Etsy, eBay, AptDeco and Chairish. Launched in 2004, uShip is based in Austin, Texas. For news and updates, find uShip on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240719968636/en/
Contacts
Diffusion, on behalf of uShip
uShip@diffusionpr.com
