An Post’s latest eCommerce Index Reveals that Selling Pre-Loved Is In – But Gifting Pre-Loved Still Feels Off-Limits

• Four in five of those who have sold online before would sell again
• One in two (47%) would not consider buying pre-loved as a gift
• One in three (36%) 35-44 year olds have sold goods online, up from 30% in the previous wave
• Pre-loved items sold online in past 12 months include clothing (47%), furniture (31%), Small household items (30%), Electronics (19%), and Children’s Toys (17%)
• 28% of 35-44 year olds have sold pre-loved children’s toys online

 

The latest An Post eCommerce Index reveals the latest trends in consumer behaviour towards circular selling and pre-loved purchasing. The An Post eCommerce Index, which tracks online retail trends of both consumers and SMEs in Ireland, shows that circular buying and selling is becoming increasingly attractive to consumers, as four in five consumers who have made the leap to online selling say they would do so again.

Despite this growing interest, nearly half (47%) of respondents still wouldn’t consider gifting a pre-loved item. However, the research also reveals that the age profile of sellers is broadening, with more people aged 35 and over embracing the trend and taking their first steps towards turning unused or preloved items into extra cash.

By providing pre-paid, reusable packaging and forming partnerships with reselling platforms such as Vinted and Depop, An Post is ensuring anybody can get involved and sell pre-loved.

Julie Gill, Commercial Marketing Director, Mails and Parcels at An Post says,
"Our latest eCommerce Index results have reinforced a strong desire amongst the Irish public to buy and sell pre-loved online. Whether it’s decluttering after a house move, dressing on a budget, or gifting toys and books, more people are realising the economic and environmental benefits of buying and selling pre-loved. At An Post, we’re proud to enable this change and make it easier than ever to participate in the circular economy.

“For those that have not sold online before, it can be daunting to take that first step. The results from our latest eCommerce Index show that once people have experienced selling online, they are more open to doing it again. We try to make it as easy as possible for people to buy and sell pre-loved items and consider giving everything from clothes and décor to books and toys a new lease of life.”

Pre-Loved Gifting

Despite the growing popularity of pre-loved shopping, consumer attitudes towards pre-loved gifting are lagging behind. The eCommerce Index data indicates that 47% of people would not currently consider giving a pre-loved item as a gift. 14% state they would not gift pre-loved because they always buy new and believe it is easier. However, 8% of respondents would consider second hand gifting because it is cheaper, and 6% would do so for sustainability reasons. An Post is urging people to rethink what makes a gift meaningful, showing that thoughtful, quality giving doesn’t always mean buying brand new.  

Pre-loved beyond clothing

While fashion remains a stronghold of the pre-loved market in Ireland (47%), the An Post eCommerce Index shows the expansion of circular selling into other categories. Three in ten consumers are now selling furniture (31%) and small household items online (30%), while books, CDs, and media are also gaining traction (13%). Furthermore, 17% of respondents, rising to 28% among 35–44-year-olds, are selling pre-loved toys online. This shift reflects a more holistic approach to sustainability, as Irish households engage in spring cleaning, decluttering during home moves, or preparing for seasonal transitions.

Toys are also one of the top-shopped categories, experiencing the biggest uplift in online purchasing, with one in two purchasing toys online, an increase of 9% from Wave 2. Books, Media and Music (63%), jewellery and watches (38%), and consumer electronics (49%) were categories that similarly experienced an uplift in online shopping during this wave.

Over 35s Buying and Selling Online

A standout insight from Wave 3 is the increasing willingness among over 35s to participate in the pre-loved economy, with 36% selling online last year. In terms of overall consumer shopping habits, those aged 35-44 have increased their weekly online spend, with 1 in 4 shopping online weekly, an increase of 6% from last year.

Recognising the growing trend of buying and selling pre-loved items online, An Post last year removed weight restrictions on prepaid boxes and packaging bag solutions to provide even better value to customers. So if it fits, it ships. This change has made selling and sending of pre-loved items much easier and gives sellers certainty around the cost of posting and packing their items. Supporting the circular economy is one of the pillars of An Post’s Sustainability Strategy.