Nearly 600,000 ads posted on eBay between December 25 and 26. The French are increasingly adopting the resale of their Christmas gifts, driven by the rise of the circular economy and a change in attitudes.
A peak in resales from the day after Christmas
Every year, Boxing Day sees intense activity on online resale platforms. In 2024, eBay recorded a peak of 340,000 new listings posted on the morning of December 25, an increase of 13% compared to 2023.. Over the period from December 25 to 26, nearly 600,000 advertisements should be posted online by individuals. The phenomenon, which is constantly growing, is part of a context where nearly 4 in 10 French people say they are ready to resell their gifts, according to a barometer carried out by Ipsos for Rakuten.
This trend is also observed on other platforms such as Rakuten, Leboncoin, or even Momox. Some of them, like eBay, encourage resale by temporarily waiving selling fees. As for players like Easy Cash, they offer direct redemptions for items quickly integrated into their resale networks.
According to experts, several reasons explain this craze. The circular economy, which is gaining popularity, plays a major role. “ It’s a now well-established recycling habit. », explains Louise Benzrihem, project manager at eBay. The idea of giving a second life to objects is increasingly becoming an ecological and practical gesture, particularly appreciated during the holidays.
A practice that takes root
Furthermore, the weight of inflation on household purchasing power is pushing some French people to look for alternative solutions. As Sarah Tayeb, general manager of eBay France, points out, “ consumers now seem to place more importance on treating themselves by reselling their gifts “. Indeed, reselling allows you to both finance other purchases and get rid of useless or duplicate items.
The advertisements published testify to this diversity of motivations: “ Selling my Playstation 3 following Christmas gifts », « Ps5 gift suite, console in very good condition “. Sellers thus seek to promote their old objects or recover part of their initial value.
If the resale of gifts remains a seasonal practice, it tends to take lasting root in the habits of the French. Between ecological awareness, economic pragmatism and the desire to consume differently, this phenomenon reflects a changing society. For resale platforms, Christmas represents a key moment, confirming the lucrative potential of this booming market.
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