New vs Used Items: What Sells Better Online?

Do Used or New Items Sell Better Online? The Honest Answer

When you have ever attempted to sell anything online, you have most likely wondered this question at some point — do you list it as new or does used actually sell better? It is as though it were a mere question. It isn't. The answer is different, because what you are selling, who you are selling to, and frankly... how people feel about the item is what determines the answer. I have had brand new products left unsold in weeks and a chair that is a bit worn sold out in two days. Not always logical, so, yes. Let's break it down properly.

The Era of Second-Hand Purchasing

The change has been evident in Australia in recent years. There has never been a time when people are more willing to purchase used items. Trends in search of second hand items to sell in Australia have been on the rise and it is not only about saving money any more. It's also about:

• Sustainability
• Avoiding retail markups
• Locating something special or one-of-a-kind

There is no longer any sense of compromise when purchasing used. It is actually the choice of many people.

The Reason Behind the Quick Sale of Used Items

The thing is that here used things tend to win in one very important factor which is price. A customer going through the listings will nearly always stop at the listing that appears to be a good deal. That's why categories like:

• Furniture on sale in Australia
• Online clothes store in Australia
• Used cars online in Australia

tend to move quickly. Human beings are not expecting perfection. They're expecting value. And even when your object is presentable, fairly priced and photographed... you will find it easier to attract attention than a new product at full price. There's also less hesitation. It is easier to spend $50 on a used table than it is to spend $200 on a new one.

But New Items Have Their Own Merit

Don't rule out new things now. They market differently, but they market. New products are sought by those who desire:

• Reliability
• Warranty
• Clean, unused condition

For example:

• Electronics
• Beauty products
• Baby items

These types are usually more effective when new. They are more wary of their second-hand purchases. Thus used items sell more generally but in many cases new items sell at higher prices and with less bargaining.

The Trust Factor

This is the interesting part. Used items require trust. Buyers want to know:

• Is it in good condition?
• Are there hidden issues?
• Is the seller being honest?

So your listing is more when selling used items. Bad photography or unclear descriptions will die. Where new items are concerned, trust is not so much of a problem — condition is already presupposed. So in a way: it is true that used items will sell quicker, but they require more presentation and new items are harder to sell and justify.

Real-Life Case (Because This Happens All the Time)

One of my acquaintances gave me two items simultaneously:

• A brand new office chair (boxed)
• An old dining table (2 years old with slight scratches)

Guess which one sold first? The table. Within 48 hours. The chair had taken nearly two weeks — although it was technically better. Why? Since the table was reasonably priced, looked good on pictures and was the solution to a pressing need. The chair, though new, had to compete with retail stores. That's the difference.

Type of Thing More Than Circumstance

Everything can not be generalised. There are a few categories that are more used and some are more new.

Used Performs Better In:

• Furniture
• Cars
• Clothing (casual wear)
• Tools and equipment

New Performs Better In:

• Electronics
• Personal care items
• Baby products
• High-end branded goods

Therefore rather than new vs used? A better question would be: What do buyers expect under this category?

Pricing Changes Everything

It is at this point that the majority err. Their prices of used products are too low relative to new products. When what you sell them is just a little cheaper than a new one... people will simply buy new. Simple. In order to work, used listings must seem like a tangible benefit. That does not imply underestimating your item. It simply involves being realistic. However, on the other end, when you are selling new merchandise, do not attempt to compete with large retail discounts unless you can afford it. Instead, focus on convenience, availability or bundled value.

Where You List Also Matters

Not every platform is equal to new and used items. There are those marketplaces that are overwhelmed with second hand merchandise and there are those that are more business oriented.

Social sites such as Dealin give individuals and companies an opportunity to post things under different categories. People can list up to 15 items free of charge, and it is simple to test new and used items without the initial pressure. No success fee either and whatever you sell, you get it all. That flexibility will enable you to test pricing and determine what is more effective with your particular items.

So... What Actually Sells Better?

To be frank about it, second-hand products tend to sell more. However new products tend to be more expensive. It is not which one is better. It's about your goal.

• Want quick cash? — Used items
• Want higher margins? — New items

And sometimes... it is a combination of both.

Final Thoughts

Selling online is not as easy as it may seem at first glance. The term used no longer implies low value and being new does not necessarily lead to fast sales. What matters is the pricing, presentation, category and timing. Get them right and new and used products can be sold. Get them wrong... and even a great product will be sitting there with no messages and only views. And that is most likely the most frustrating aspect of selling online.