San Jose, Calif. – October 07, 2026 -- Secondhand shopping has become a monthly habit for 47% of global consumers, up from 35% in 2025, according to eBay's 2026 Recommerce Report released today.
Household budgets now lean on resale, survey of 10,500 consumers shows
The report, based on surveys of more than 10,500 consumers and over 1,700 eBay sellers, found 70% of global shoppers consider secondhand buying important for managing household budgets. Some 76% say they shopped for secondhand goods in the past year, and 89% plan to spend the same or more on recommerce next year.
U.S. buyers now value resale more than the global average
For the first time, eBay's data shows U.S. consumers rank secondhand shopping higher for budget management than the global cohort: 36% of U.S. respondents call it "very important," versus 28% globally. Younger shoppers are driving the acceleration, with 53% of 18-29-year-olds expecting to increase secondhand purchases over the next 12 months, compared with 36% of all respondents.
Resale income becomes a financial lifeline for U.S. sellers
On the supply side, 45% of U.S. eBay sellers say resale provides supplemental income, while 25% say sales proceeds offer vital support for household income. Approximately 70% of eBay's total sales originate from small businesses on the platform, which currently hosts more than 2 billion live listings.
"Recommerce has been core to our marketplace for 30 years, and this year's report makes clear that its role in people's lives is only growing,