IKEA Launches Second-Hand Marketplace: IKEA Preowned

IKEA has recently launched a new initiative called IKEA Preowned, an online marketplace for second-hand IKEA furniture. This platform is currently being trialed in Madrid and Oslo, with plans for a global rollout if successful¹.

Goals of IKEA Preowned

1. Promoting Sustainability:
   • IKEA aims to become a circular business by 2030, and IKEA Preowned is a significant step towards this goal¹. By encouraging the reuse of furniture, IKEA hopes to reduce waste and minimize the number of items ending up in landfills¹.
2. Providing Affordable Options:
   • The marketplace offers customers the opportunity to buy and sell pre-loved IKEA products, making home furnishing more affordable². This is particularly beneficial for those looking to furnish their homes on a budget.
3. Enhancing Customer Experience:
   • IKEA Preowned aims to simplify and enhance the buying and selling experience for customers¹. Sellers can list their items by uploading photos and setting a price, while buyers can pick up their purchases directly from the seller¹.
4. Supporting Product Longevity:
   • The platform includes a “care and repair” section where customers can order spare parts, removable covers, and wood stains to refresh their furniture¹. This initiative supports the longevity of IKEA products, ensuring they can be reused, refurbished, or recycled.
5. Competing with Other Resale Platforms:
   • IKEA Preowned is designed to rival other online resale platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, where IKEA products already make up a significant portion of the inventory¹. By creating its own platform, IKEA can better control the resale process and ensure a consistent customer experience.

How It Works

• Listing Items:
  • Sellers can list their preloved IKEA furniture by uploading photos and setting a price. IKEA uses AI to pull in the correct measurements and supporting images from its database¹.
• Transaction Options:
  • Sellers have the option to be paid directly or receive an IKEA voucher with 15% additional credit¹.
• Care and Repair:
  • The marketplace features a section for ordering spare parts and other items to help maintain and refresh furniture¹.

By launching IKEA Preowned, IKEA is not only promoting sustainability but also providing affordable options and enhancing the customer experience. This initiative is a crucial part of IKEA’s broader efforts to become a circular business and reduce its environmental impact.