Germany Refurbished Retail Market Size, Share, Analysis: By Type: Certified Refurbished, Seller Refurbished; Regional Analysis; Market Dynamics: SWOT Analysis, Porter’s Five Forces Analysis, Key Indicators for Demand, Key Indicators for Price; Competitive Landscape; Key Trends and Developments in the Market; 2024-2032

Germany Refurbished Retail Market Outlook

The Germany refurbished retail market size reached nearly USD 2,940.73 million in 2023. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.5% during 2024-2032 to reach a value of USD 10,203.99 million by 2032.

Key Takeaways

• The service sector in Germany accounts for a significant share of Germany’s GDP. In 2018, the service sector accounted for a share of 61.2% and grew by 2.1% to reach 63.3% in 2020.

• Due to the extended warranty and return policy offered by the resellers, the interest of startups and SMEs in buying refurbished devices to lower their capital has surged.

• With initiatives like the Circular Economy Initiative Germany (CEID), the country is adopting a forward-looking framework for changing the outlook of businesses along with science and politics.

The country is witnessing a higher demand for certified refurbished products as they guarantee improved quality and an extended warranty, thereby aiding the Germany refurbished retail market expansion. With this, companies such as eBay are focusing on expanding their certified refurbishment programmes to provide consumers with sustainable and cost-effective shopping alternatives in the form of second-hand or refurbished goods.

Germany is a country with a sizeable population and a high rate of internet usage. A large number of the population routinely purchase online, and the country is a top market in terms of purchasing power and internet usage in all of Europe. Thus, leading companies are increasing their online presence to target potential customers and are focusing on offering improved online services to users.

Figure: Germany Internet Users (% of the Population)

The online goods trade is gaining massive traction in Germany, as many people are inclined towards online retail stores to purchase electronics, furniture, computers, and other items. The e-commerce penetration in the German market reached 77% in 2021, driven by the perceived benefits of online shopping, which include home delivery, 24/7 availability, and convenience. Amazon.de, otto.de, zalando.de, mediamarkt.de, and lidl.de are the top five online retailers in Germany, accounting for over 45% share in the German e-commerce market.

Figure: Germany Trade Comparison, USD Billion, 2019

Key Trends and Developments

Increasing popularity of seller refurbished retail; expansion of the e-commerce sector; the rising demand for cost-effective products, and value-added services offered by manufacturers are the key factors impacting the Germany refurbished retail market growth

Jan 25, 2023

Apple Inc. introduced refurbished iPhones under its Certified Refurbished Program in Germany, Italy, UK, and Spain. The products include iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Sep 22, 2022

Refurbed expanded its refurbished portfolio in household and kitchen appliances like coffee machines, food processors, and robot vacuums, amongst others, making them available for customer purchase. To ensure the factory quality of products, all the products undergo a 40-step refurbishment process.

Growth of the e-commerce sector

An expanding e-commerce sector in Germany and the availability of a range of refurbished retail products, such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and kitchen appliances, on these platforms enable consumers to purchase products at their convenience.

Rising popularity of seller refurbished retail

As seller-qualified vendors professionally inspect, test and clean pre-owned devices to provide purchasers with refurbished products in excellent working condition, reduced cosmetic damage, and good battery capacity, the popularity of seller-refurbished retail is growing in Germany.

Increasing demand for cost-effective and sustainable products

Rising eco-consciousness among consumers is increasing their investments in cost-effective refurbished products that extend pre-owned products’ life and reduce e-waste, as well as raw material extraction.

Provision of value-added services

Refurbished goods suppliers are focusing on enhancing the shopping experience of consumers by providing improved as well as value-added services. They ensure full functional testing before the sales of the product, and are offering extended warranty of up to one-year, free home delivery, and return policy on the product.  These devices come with the original OS with new batteries, a new outer shell, and the part can be replaced if required.

Germany Refurbished Retail Market Trends

Due to increased internet penetration, the demand for several web and video conferencing tools in Germany has gained widespread recognition, resulting in increased demand for electronic gadgets such as mobiles and laptops. The same tools have become crucial for digitally connecting children, parents, and daycare centres especially after the lockdown period and growing work-from-home norm, bringing them together virtually. This is contributing to the Germany refurbished retail market development.

Moreover, the rising environmental consciousness among the German population is supporting the sales of refurbished products, to help consumers lower their environmental footprint. Purchasing pre-owned refurbished phones and laptops helps consumers in extending the product’s life, reduce electronic waste in landfills, as well as reduce the extraction of raw materials.

Additionally, the demand for refurbished products is stimulated by their benefits for consumers, such as their cost-effectiveness compared to new products. The products sold on e-commerce websites are professionally tested and inspected by qualified vendors and are easily available to consumers.

Market Segmentation

“Germany Refurbished Retail Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Certified Refurbished

• Seller Refurbished 

The Germany certified refurbished market can further be classified into the following segments: 

Market Breakup by Product Category

• Mobile Phones

• Computers and Laptops

• Tablets

• Smart Watches

• Networking and Gaming, VR, Video Game Console

• Home Audio and HiFi, DVD, Blu-Ray, and Home Cinema 

• Health and Beauty (Hair Care and Other Styling Products) 

• Others

Market Breakup by Business Type

• B2B

• B2C

The Germany seller refurbished market can further be classified into the following segments: 

Market Breakup by Product Category

• Mobile Phones

• Computers and Laptops

• Tablets

• Smart Watches

• Networking and Gaming, VR, Video Game Console

• Home Audio and HiFi, DVD, Blu-Ray, and Home Cinema 

• Health and Beauty (Hair Care and Other Styling Products) 

• Others

Market Breakup by Business Type

• B2B

• B2C

Based on product category, mobile phones dominate the Germany refurbished retail market share (certified refurbished)

In Germany, Apple Inc. offers certified refurbished products to consumers with one-year warranty, which has increased consumer confidence in refurbished goods. According to the Germany refurbished retail market analysis, certified refurbished products, in particular electronics, such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, are increasingly purchased owing to the growing demand for cost-effective gadgets especially from startups and small businesses.

Consumers are confident in purchasing certified refurbished products, such as laptops, as they are professionally inspected and come with an extended warranty.

Competitive Landscape

The players in the Germany refurbished retail market provide these items at competitive prices and offer benefits, such as refurbisher warranty, free shipping, and easy return policies.

Refurbed GmbH

Headquartered in Austria with operations across Germany, the company offers refurbished products in the electronics, clothing, and sports segment to its customers. The company provides a 12-month warranty on all its refurbished products.

Back Market, Inc.

Founded in 2014, the company provides cell phones, Macbooks, iPads and tablets, apple watch, laptops and computers, gaming consoles, audio devices, cameras, tv and home theatre, home appliances, and many other refurbished products.

Amazon Inc.

Amazon, headquartered in the US, has a wide variety of refurbished products including phones, cameras, headphones, kitchen appliances, power tools, personal computers, tablets, television, and gaming consoles.

Rebuy recommerce GmbH

Headquartered in Germany, Rebuy is a privately owned company. It offers low-cost alternative to new products, without compromising in looks or functionality with their unique refurbishing process that upgrades pre-owned products and increases their value.

Other notable players operating in the Germany refurbished retail market are eBay Inc., Swappie Oy, and Apple Inc., among others. Manufacturers are upgrading their product portfolios and incorporating the latest capabilities to innovate their offerings and meet the evolving demands of consumers.

Key Highlights of the Report

*At Expert Market Research, we strive to always give you current and accurate information. The numbers depicted in the description are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the final EMR report.