A New Way to Trade IKEA Goods

IKEA has officially rolled out its dedicated second-hand marketplace in the United Kingdom. This new platform serves as a direct competitor to established giants like eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace, specifically catering to fans of the brand looking to buy or sell "pre-loved" home furnishings.


The service is already well-established internationally, having successfully launched in seven other nations, including Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Poland.


How the Platform Works

The marketplace allows users to list a wide variety of IKEA items, ranging from furniture and lighting to smart home devices and electronics. However, there are notable exclusions: users cannot list appliances, mattresses, or food items.


The listing process is designed to be user-friendly:

  • Automated Data: By logging into their account, users can pull details from previous purchases, or simply upload photos to have the system automatically fill in specifications like dimensions.
  • Manual Options: A manual listing tool is available for items not found in the purchase history.
  • Payment Flexibility: Sellers can choose to be paid in cash or via an IKEA digital refund card. Choosing the latter provides an additional 15% bonus on the sale price.

Fee Structure and Future Changes

Currently, the service is free for members of the IKEA Family loyalty program. However, this policy will shift in the coming years. Starting January 1, 2027, buyers will be subject to a 5% "buyer protection" fee intended to cover payment processing and support services.


When comparing the new platform to existing services, IKEA’s model appears highly competitive. As noted in the industry, many rivals already implement similar charges:

"The likes of Vinted and eBay already charge small buyer fees (ranging from 2%-8% of the list price) for those who are buying from private sellers — these are typically called 'platform protection' fees."

Important Guidelines for Sellers

To maintain quality, IKEA mandates that all listed items must be genuine company products and in "good working condition." Modified furniture or "hacked" creations are strictly prohibited on the platform.


Regarding transaction security, the company states that payments are released to the seller 48 hours after the buyer confirms receipt and acceptance of the item. Given the current lack of commission fees, the next two years represent an opportune window for UK residents to clear out old furniture or acquire pre-owned items at a significant discount.