Ikea Preowned 49 is a used furniture marketplace, and it’s been launched in Madrid and Oslo for testing.
Ikea is one of the world’s biggest furniture retailers. This news sees the company expand into another online platform similar to eBay, putting pre-loved furniture up for grabs.
It’s similar to how Filipinos use Facebook Marketplace or Carousell. The platform’s website is currently being tested with plans for a rollout in more countries by next year.
Users start by listing their own products, while adding photos, a written description about its condition, and a selling price. Buyers will then collect the furniture directly from the seller.
Sellers can opt to receive money in exchange for the furniture or an Ikea voucher with an added 15% bonus. However, the platform seems like it will only allow sales of Ikea’s own furniture.
The platform uses AI to scan uploaded photos and adds original product images and measurements if information is lacking. This allows buyers to have a better look at something prior to making a purchase.
At the moment, Ikea Preowned is free of charge. CEO Jesper Brodin of Ingka Group, Ikea’s parent company, notes that they might charge a humble fee in the future.
