82% of Canadians participated in second-hand transactions in 2016, according to Kijiji’s third annual Second-Hand Economy Index. If you’ve sold, bought, donated, or swapped used items, whether that’s clothing, electronics, records, or sports gear, you’ve participated in the second-hand economy.
For many Canadians, saving and earning money is a top motivator for getting involved, and millennials are more likely to see it as an opportunity to make extra cash that’ll go towards grocery purchases, gas, or rent. And as we move into the summer months, it’s a little extra cash in the piggy bank that’ll go towards your explore BC travel fund!
Daniel Fu, host of Kijiji’s latest season of Second-Hand Van – a four-part web series that showcases all the great things locals are doing with the second-hand economy right here on the West Coast – has personally seen locals embracing the second-hand economy in Lower Mainland, with a number of factors contributing to its steady rise in popularity in recent years.
The SFU grad completed school in the midst of an economic downturn, and leveraged Canada’s second hand economy to make ends meet while struggling to find a job.
The high cost of living in our beautiful but expensive city means that any and all avenues of purchasing a product and service at an affordable price will be explored. Vancouverites are also an eco-friendly bunch, and recycling products in this way helps reduce their carbon footprint. It’s also become incredibly easy and fun to take part in the process by browsing sites such as Kijiji.
Daniel’s best and most affordable trips have been planned via the second-hand economy, where he has managed to source gear such as luggage, backpacks, and camping equipment on Kijiji. In one of the final episode of Second-Hand Van, Daniel Fu purchased a second-hand surfboard and rode waves while visiting Tofino.
He’s also found gift cards for excursions and restaurants, and has even purchased Air Miles.
Daniel’s tips for maximizing second-hand lifestyle:
- There is a market for everything and if you haven’t used it in a year, sell it – someone else will use it!
- Whether you’re buying or selling, be realistic about pricing. Go online, do your research and find the right price.
- Good lighting and images of an item from multiple angles will give potential buyers a good sense of what they’d be purchasing. Great pictures are key when selling online and most phones can produce good quality photos.
Just be careful to be completely transparent with a potential buyer about a product. If an item you’re selling has a scratch or stain, communicate that information, because one way or another, they’ll eventually find out about it.
As you plan your next summer getaway, make sure your second-hand economy is your first option!
This is a sponsored post paid for by our advertising partner. To learn more about Vancouver’s second-hand economy, please visit Kijiji.com.
