Gen Z nearly twice as likely as Boomers to buy second-hand items

Gen Z are nearly twice as likely to turn to second-hand or refurbished items than Boomers, as the cost-of-living crisis bites. A study of 2,000 adults found 64 percent have previously bought a pre-loved item – rising to 69 percent of those aged under 25.

But as rising costs affect people’s disposable incomes, 37 percent of Gen Z admitted they are now more likely than ever to buy something used – while, in comparison, just 19 percent of Boomers said the same.

Clothes, garden products, and furniture are among the top pre-loved items to purchase, along with tech items such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets.

Nearly half of all adults (47 percent) claim new items are simply too expensive, while 47 percent prefer refurbished items as it’s more eco-friendly.

It also emerged 32 percent now own a refurbished phone, with 24 percent planning to purchase one in the future.

The research was commissioned by Vodafone UK, which has launched an extended range of refurbished devices after noticing searches for reconditioned phones was up by 39 percent.

Chief commercial officer, Max Taylor, said: “More people than ever are now considering refurbished devices so they can get a great value phone, and be friendlier to the planet.”

The study also found that, as the cost-of-living remains a worry, 57 percent of adults are actively looking for savvy ways to save on big purchases – and estimate they could save an average of £113 by buying a refurbished phone over brand new.

When looking at motivators for shopping for pre-loved items, 37 percent would consider a refurbished mobile phone to be more sustainable, according to the OnePoll.com study – while 47 percent do it to cut costs.

The research also revealed key factors when buying a refurbished device, with almost half (47 percent) wanting the item to be in pristine condition.

Coming with a warranty (47 percent), a battery guarantee included (39 percent), and above all, saving money (59 percent), were also on the list.

But for the 42 percent who are refurbished-averse, some of the top reasons they wouldn’t purchase a second-hand device include quality of the device (65 percent), concerns it won’t last as long (45 percent), and worrying about data breaches (27 percent).

Kester Mann, from tech authority CCS Insight, said: “It’s great to hear that Vodafone is extending its range of refurbished smartphones at a time of growing financial strain on UK households – buying pre-owned offers significant cost savings.

“Refurbs also promote more sustainable behaviour by reducing e-waste, something that is becoming increasingly important to consumers.”