Sofinscope: Second hand, buying second-hand products still attracts nearly one in two French people, but this consumption pattern marks a slight decline
Buying second-hand is a practice that has taken off in recent years, especially post-COVID. After a peak in 2022/2023, the market now seems to be returning to a pace more in line with consumption in general. While this mode of consumption is still part of the habits for 47% of the French, most indicators of the Sofinscope study of 2025 show a slight decline compared to recent years.
• Buying second-hand products, a habit that persists for 47% of French people • The resale of second-hand goods is increasing to compensate for the decrease in purchasing power and allows the French people concerned to earn €199 per year • 68% of second-hand goods are sourced from physical locations
Buying second-hand products, a habit for 47% of French people, down 3 points compared to 2024
With 47% of French people buying second-hand goods, this practice is well anchored in the habits of consumers who have completely integrated it into their daily lives. 40% of French people plan to consume only second-hand products and give up new products and 64% of respondents prefer quality second-hand products rather than first-price new products. At the same time, nearly 6 out of 10 French people say they systematically look to see if the new products they are interested in are offered at a more advantageous price on the second-hand market. However, after the very strong enthusiasm of recent years for second hand, the market, which remains dynamic, seems to be starting a new stage. The indicators mentioned above are indeed all down compared to the 2024 Sofinscope study (between -1 and -3 points). This trend is a sign that the supply is already much more mature and that this mode of consumption is normalizing.
Resale of second-hand goods brings in €199 per year, a solution to offset the decline in purchasing power
In the past year, nearly one in two French people bought second-hand products (46%), for a budget of €244. 36% bought refurbished products for a budget of €164. Sixty-nine per cent of them say they would buy second-hand goods for economic reasons, which is proof of their desire to limit their spending. Even if the worst of the crisis seems to have passed, the effects on purchasing power are still being felt and the French budget is increasingly constrained. The ecological argument is put forward by just over half of respondents (54%), but down 2 points compared to 2024, a sign that, even if this approach remains on the minds of the French, priorities are changing. In addition to the savings made possible by the purchase of second-hand products, the second-hand market represents an attractive income supplement for 54% of French people (+2 pts vs. 2024). They were able to earn €199 by selling second-hand products and goods, which is €16 more than the previous year.
A weak signal on responsible consumption
Making second-hand purchases has so far been seen as a cost-effective solution, but also as a more responsible way to consume. One of the only indicators of the Sofinscope 2025 study to be on the rise concerns the feeling of the French that they consume more since they buy second-hand products. It was mentioned by 24% of respondents (+1 point vs. 2024). The feeling of overconsumption, of having too many products in the cupboards, now seems to include second-hand products.
Second-hand purchases are mostly made in physical locations
While in 2024, online platforms were popular for second-hand products, the Sofinscope study of March 2025 shows that they are down 4 points compared to last year. With 64% of French people using them, they remain an important vehicle for buying second-hand products, but they give way to physical locations, which are held by 68% of French people (+7 pts vs. 2024). On the one hand, the second-hand offer in the store has significantly expanded and most brands now also offer a second-hand corner. On the other hand, the success of flea markets, second-hand shops and other physical sales depots is explained by their geographical proximity, which makes it possible to test the products, to ensure their authenticity and the possibility of better control of its budget.
Payment facilities would promote the development of second-hand
For 1 in 2 French people, payment in several installments should be offered by all physical or online second-hand retailers (53%). 46% say that the possibility of being able to benefit from payment in several installments without fees could encourage them to prefer one brand over another for their purchase of a second-hand good. Thirty-nine per cent also report that they systematically try to use a payment facility when they have to make expensive purchases, even for second-hand goods.
The French see the second-hand market as a solution to better control their spending. They are also aware of the impact of their consumption on the planet and are looking for responsible alternatives, particularly through second-hand purchases. The establishment of payment facilities and more broadly financing solutions adapted to these new practices will contribute to the development of this circular economy.
Sofinscope – OpinionWay Barometer for Sofinco
About SofinscopeSofinscope is the barometer of Sofinco, a Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility brand. Intended to survey the French on their consumption habits and to better understand them, this barometer which is part of the daily lives of the French is carried out by OpinionWay for Sofinco, with representative samples of the French population.