Overview, Framework, and Research Propositions of Secondhand Exchange in the Platform Economy

Abstract

This chapter describes secondhand exchange in the context of the platform economy. Consumers have long engaged in reselling and buying used items as an alternative to purchasing firsthand items, but researchers have little understanding of how these exchanges are different theoretically from traditional consumption patterns. This chapter presents a clear definition of secondhand exchange and separates it from related concepts, including lateral exchange markets, the sharing economy, access-based consumption, and collaborative consumption. It is suggested that secondhand exchange and related consumer behavior in the platform economy can be understood by considering platform differences related to 1) when and how product ownership is transferred (i.e., direct and indirect), 2) the level of platform intermediation (i.e., low, moderate, or high), and 3) buyers' knowledge of reseller identity (i.e., unknown, obscured, and known). Research propositions are presented for these dimensions for each facet of the consumption process (i.e., buying, owning, and disposal).