Drivers of Consumer Participation in Online Second-Hand Transactions

Abstract

Consumer participation in second-hand transactions is increasing, facilitated by digital platforms in the form of apps or websites. This study sheds light on the factors behind consumers’ decisions to demand used goods via online platforms. Applying a logit model to a sample of 6705 internet users in Spain, we explore the role of economic variables, situational factors and individual characteristics. Our original findings indicate that the use of online platforms to buy or rent second-hand goods is more likely when being male, relatively young, with children, a frequent internet user, with employment and living in a household with some price-consciousness and environmental awareness. The scarcity of brick-and-mortar stores in the area and car ownership can also increase demand for used goods through online platforms.