Ikea is set to test an online buy-back service for unwanted secondhand furniture in Spain and Portugal this year, with plans for a UK rollout if the pilot proves successful. This initiative comes as the demand for pre-loved markets continues to rise.
Service Overview
The online buy-back service will allow customers to receive vouchers in exchange for their unwanted Ikea furniture. Currently, Ikea offers a buy-back option in its physical stores, including in the UK, but this new online version aims to reach a broader audience. The company anticipates that pre-owned goods will capture 16% of the UK homewares market by next year.
Competing in the Secondhand Market
This announcement coincides with the launch of Ikea's own secondhand online marketplace in the UK, which is set to debut this week. The platform, already operational in other countries like Spain and Portugal, features popular items such as the Kallax shelving system and Malm chest of drawers. Shoppers who are part of Ikea’s membership scheme will be able to connect directly to buy and sell pre-owned Ikea products locally.
Initially, the UK service will be free, but Ikea plans to introduce a "buyer protection fee" of approximately 5% of the item's price in the future. At launch, buyers and sellers will coordinate collection or delivery directly with each other, although Ikea is exploring options to simplify delivery processes.
