2026 Recommerce Report highlights Australia’s second-hand opportunity

eBay has released its 2026 Recommerce Report, drawing on research with more than 10,500 consumers and 1,700 eBay sellers across the world. The findings show that buying and selling second-hand is becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life, helping people find value and create economic opportunity.

Across the countries surveyed, 70% of consumers said buying second-hand was important to managing their household budgets, while 85% of eBay sellers sourced second-hand inventory from their own belongings.

For Australian policymakers, the report reinforces the case for supporting reuse, repair and resale. It calls for practical, proportionate rules that recognise the differences between second-hand goods and newly manufactured products, while maintaining strong consumer protections. It also highlights the importance of making repair easier and avoiding unnecessary barriers for individuals and small businesses participating in resale. 

The opportunity for Australia is to recognise recommerce as an essential part of the circular economy—connecting the value of keeping products in use with the everyday needs of households and small businesses.

Explore eBay’s 2026 Recommerce Report for the full findings.