What Is a Resale Business? Definition, Examples, and How It Differs From New

A resale business (often called recommerce) sells goods that have already been used. These items—sometimes labeled preloved, pre-owned, or second-hand—may be listed as-is or after some level of refurbishment or reconditioning. In all cases, the product has been in the market once and is not comparable to a brand-new item.

Key characteristics

• Preloved or previously owned goods are resold to a new customer
• Items can be sold as-is (second-hand) or refurbished to improve condition
• Products are positioned and priced differently than new inventory

Examples

• Consumer electronics that are tested and refurbished before resale
• Apparel and accessories listed second-hand with clear condition grading
• Furniture resold as-is or after minor repairs and cleaning

How resale differs from selling new

• Condition and grading matter more (e.g., like new, good, fair)
• Pricing reflects prior use and any refurbishment work
• Customer expectations differ from those for brand-new products

Related terms
Recommerce, second-hand, pre-owned, refurbished, preloved, circular commerce

Understanding this definition helps teams align on sourcing, refurbishment standards, merchandising, and customer communication—so buyers know exactly what they’re getting and how it differs from new.