Second hand is super hot

While researching this week’s Hot Home Products column about the trend toward used and reclaimed décor, I posed a few email questions to Eric Pierni, of Kijiji Canada, about how it’s affecting sites like his. Got some interesting information, which I’ve transcribed just for you, dear reader:

Q: Is the area of home decor and improvement products growing as a category for Kijiji?

A: Categories related to home décor and improvement products continue to grow rapidly on Kijiji.ca. For example, in the last year, the art and collectibles category has grown by 44 per cent, the furniture category has grown by 53 per cent, and the home and garden category has grown by 55 per cent.

Q. Why do you think this is?

A: Kijiji’s growth in general, and especially in the buy and sell category, is due to a few things. Consumers are increasingly budget-conscious, concerned about the environment and looking to shop locally. They’re looking for a convenient option that satisfies these needs.

Q. What do you think is behind consumer interest in second-hand and gently used home products?

A: For some, it’s all about looking for more affordable options while still being stylish. Finding gently-used items on a site like Kijiji saves money and also offers a wide variety of choice. If, for example, a consumer is looking for a piece of furniture from a certain era, say 1970’s kitsch, or art deco, they’re sure to find those kinds of items in the buy and sell category. For others, it’s all about saving money. For many, it’s also looking at ways to be more eco-friendly. By buying from a local classifieds site, consumers are saving items from going to landfill, as well as keeping their carbon footprint low — since the item is available locally and doesn’t need to travel a great distance.

Q: What “tips” do you have for consumers shopping for goods at a site like Kijiji for getting the best possible product at the best possible price?

A: Consumers should be persistent. The key is to be an avid shopper by coming back regularly. New home décor items are constantly being placed on the site. They should also be precise; if you know what you are looking for make sure to search for that item using the search box or browse in the most relevant category. Also, the more exact your search, the better, so use brand names if appropriate when performing searches. Finally, if you see the item you want and you like the picture make sure to respond to the ad as soon as possible by either giving the seller a call or sending them an email. Once you’ve connected with the seller, simply arrange a time to meet so you can see the item before committing to buy. Most importantly, Kijiji is all about local transactions. Always, always purchase an item in person and don’t send money online.