Would You Buy Used Ikea Furniture From Ikea?

From certified pre-owned cars to refurbished electronics to sporting tickets, there has been a growing trend of businesses trying to cash in on secondary markets for their products. The latest example is Ikea, which recently got into the business of selling its own used furniture online in its homeland of Sweden.

Ikea’s latest venture just kicked off earlier this week, so it’s too early to see if the plywood-happy retailer would bring this model to our shores.

“Time will tell,” said the CEO of IKEA Sweden. “We have to start somewhere. We in Sweden are first and it is unbelievably fun.”

As for the reasoning behind the decision to sell second-hand stuff, he explains:

It is about taking an environmental responsibility for how our products are used in the longer term and making it easier for our customers to do their part for their responsibility towards the environment.

Is this something you’d like to see Ikea — and maybe other furniture retailers — offer? What do you think the advantages and disadvantages of getting official Ikea used furniture would be to buying it off Craigslist or at a yard sale?

IKEA to Sell Second-Hand IKEA Furniture [Time]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.