Survey: Over 60% of Finns would like to buy more used electronics, but peer-to-peer marketplaces are not seen as reliable

According to a survey* by Verkkokauppa.com on electronics, e-commerce, and sustainability, over half of Finns feel that sustainability in electronics is important to them. There is a strong willingness to buy used electronics, and interest in repairability and repair services is high. Nearly half of those under 30 have purchased used electronics in the past year.

Nearly half (46%) of Finns say they carefully weigh their electronics purchases to make the most sustainable choices possible. Almost as many, 42%, admit to being fairly carefree buyers, trusting that the manufacturer or retailer has taken care of sustainability matters.

“Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the electronics trade. Finns expect retailers to take action and provide services that extend product lifespans. 50% of Finns say they are willing to pay more for an electronic product they know is a sustainable choice. On the other hand, carbon-neutral shipping is not among the sustainability measures most valued by Finns,” says Suvituuli Tuukkanen, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Sustainability at Verkkokauppa.com.

Generally, Finns trust domestic electronics retailers when it comes to sustainability. 58% say they prefer Finnish sellers, believing they operate more responsibly. However, the survey reveals that 13% of Finns shop at least a few times a year at Chinese online stores like Temu and Alibaba, which are controversial from a sustainability perspective. Men shop at Chinese online stores more often than women: 35% of men buy at least occasionally, compared to 22% of women.

Young people most interested in used electronics

The survey shows that Finns are increasingly interested in the used electronics market. 62% of respondents would buy more reliable, refurbished electronics if they were more readily available from well-known online stores. Verkkokauppa.com's own sales data confirms this: for example, sales of used phones have jumped by over 300% since last year.

“Developing the circular economy for electronics will certainly be the next major sustainability focus for online retailers, as used electronics are of great interest, especially to younger consumers. In fact, when we surveyed our own customers**, nearly half of those under 30 and as many as 60% of those under 20 said they had bought used electronics in the past year,” Tuukkanen says.

The survey also reveals that only one in four (25%) considers buying and selling used electronics through peer-to-peer services to be reliable, and only a third (30%) find it easy.

“There is clearly a demand in Finland for online stores that sell reliable, refurbished electronics,” Tuukkanen says.

There is also a need for electronics trade-in services, as 46% of Finns say they own functional but unnecessary electronics that they could sell back to a retailer for credit.

*Verkkokauppa.com surveyed Finns' thoughts on sustainable electronics purchasing and consumption. The survey was conducted by Kantar in May 2024, with 1,044 respondents aged 18–79.

**Verkkokauppa.com also conducted the same survey among its own customers. 13,350 Verkkokauppa.com customers responded to the email survey.

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Verkkokauppa.com
Verkkokauppa.com is Finland's leading online retailer, offering a wide range of products from home technology to leisure and business needs. Operating since 1992, the company is one of the world's oldest online retailers, combining e-commerce and physical stores into a seamless omnichannel customer experience. Verkkokauppa.com's four megastores are located in Oulu, Pirkkala, Raisio, and Helsinki's Jätkäsaari district. To deliver an exceptional customer experience, the company delivers products to your door in as little as one hour, around the clock, using automation and robotics. Verkkokauppa.com employs approximately 600 people, and the company's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.