eBay has taken an important step in the fight against fashion waste by removing fees for selling second-hand clothes on its platform.
The decision underscores the company's commitment to sustainability and its efforts to compete with well-known second-hand clothing apps like Vinted and Depop, Business Matters reported.
Starting today, eBay users can sell second-hand clothing, including those with tags still attached, without incurring any fees. This initiative reflects eBay's recognition of the growing importance of sustainability in consumer behavior, particularly among younger people who are attracted to platforms focused on second-hand fashion.
However, it is important to note that the duty exemption does not apply to other fashion items such as sneakers, watches, bags and jewelry. Standard seller fees still apply to these categories.
"The free sale of fashion goods has come at the right time for a nation that has accumulated billions of pounds worth of unwanted clothes," said eBay's general manager of global fashion, Kirsty Keogan.
She highlighted the ease of selling clothes on eBay and the financial benefits the company offers sellers.
eBay's decision is in line with the company's broader sustainability goals, which aim to divert clothing from landfills and contribute to efforts to reduce waste in the fashion industry. The company cited its role in preventing more than 1,600,000 kg of clothing waste from ending up in landfills last year through second-hand clothing sales on its platform.
The impact of the fashion industry on the environment is significant, as it accounts for about 10% of the world's carbon emissions. By promoting the resale of second-hand clothing, eBay aims to reduce the environmental impact of fashion consumption and promote a more sustainable approach to clothing consumption.
With this move, eBay positions itself as a leader in sustainable fashion initiatives while responding to changing consumer preferences that increasingly prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly shopping practices./BGNES