He recommerce is booming, driven by Millennials and Generation Z, who are looking to reduce their environmental impact and are opting for alternatives to traditional commerce. According to a report by Coresight Research, the recommerce market is growing 20 times faster than general retail and up to five times faster than discount retailers. In Spain, the sustainability awareness is on the rise, with six out of ten consumers interested in the origin of the products they buy, suggesting a promising future for recommerce in the country.
Recommerce, or reverse commerce, is based on the sale of used products or excess stocks thanks to online platforms. This business model promotes the reuse of items in good condition. Companies like Amazon have already integrated recommerce into their offerings, allowing users to sell used items. Recommerce models vary: some buy products submitted by users to resell them, while others allow the promotion of items in exchange for a commission on each sale.
Recommerce, the business that is revolutionizing the world
Recommerce, also known as reverse trade or second-hand traderefers to the sale of second-hand products or excess inventory through online platforms.
This to orient oneselfwhich has gained popularity in recent years, allows businesses and consumers to buy and sell items that have already been used but still have a useful life. It can be found in various forms, from online flea markets to specific applications such as eBay, Amazon, Milanuncios, Vinted or Wallapop.
The essence of recommerce lies in the product reusewhich promotes more sustainable and conscious consumption. Thanks to this model, the production of new items and waste are reduced, while offering an economical alternative to consumers.
Benefits
Recommerce is inherently sustainable because it reduces the need to produce new products. This reduces the demand for raw materialsreduces energy consumption and minimises pollutant gas emissions. By extending the useful life of products, recommerce helps reduce the carbon footprint and combats hyperconsumption.
For businesses, recommerce can be very profitable. Acquiring and reselling used products usually has a very attractive profit marginbecause it saves on production costs. Companies like Apple have successfully integrated recommerce into their business strategy, which not only generates additional revenue but also strengthens customer loyalty.
Additionally, this business model can increase the perceived value of both old and new products. For example, the Apple cell phones They depreciate less thanks to their buyback and resale program. This can also increase the overall perception of the brand as a sustainable and responsible option.
Finally, it should be noted that recommerce allows companies to conquer a market segment that is looking for more options. sustainable and economical. This diversifies revenue sources and also improves brand positioning in a competitive environment.
Disadvantages
Recommerce management involves a more complicated logistics than selling new products. Companies must manage a wide variety of individual suppliers and coordinate the collection and sale of used products. This may require additional logistics systems and increased infrastructure.
On the other hand, the quality control This is a significant challenge in recommerce. Not all used products are in a saleable condition and rigorous processes must be established to examine, repair and ensure that items meet quality standards.
Finally, the customer service can be more complex with used products, especially when it comes to complaints about the condition of the product. For this reason, implementing a clear return policy and providing effective customer service are essential to manage these situations.
Rule of 3 Rs
THE environmental pollution It is affected by daily habits such as throwing away waste without sorting it, using disposable products or buying items with non-recyclable packaging. To mitigate this degradation, it is essential to change these habits and apply the rule of the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
- Reduce It is about reducing the consumption of unnecessary products, since their manufacture requires raw materials such as oil, wood and water, which are limited. In addition, many products generate a large amount of waste due to their packaging.
- Reuse It is about giving a new use to objects already used, whether for the same purpose or another, extending their useful life and reducing the generation of waste.
- Recycle It involves transforming used materials into new products, such as paper, cardboard, glass, metal and plastic. It is crucial to properly sort waste into the appropriate containers to facilitate this process.
