Favorite pieces may live on.Not everything new has to be newly produced.
HerMarkt brings together people who want to pass on well-kept things or buy them pre-owned. This allows existing items to stay in use for longer instead of lying around unnoticed or being replaced too quickly.
HerMarkt enables trading in pre-owned items. How large the actual environmental benefit of a single purchase is depends, among other things, on whether it replaces a new purchase, how long the item is used afterwards, and how shipping and packaging are handled.
Why passing things on can make a difference
Many items don't become useless just because they no longer fit or are no longer needed by one person. Through resale they can fulfil their purpose for longer.
In use for longer
A well-kept item can continue to be used instead of lying unused in a wardrobe, basement or shelf.
Replace less hastily
A pre-owned purchase can replace a new one. Whether that actually happens depends on individual buying behavior.
Preserve value
Resale makes visible that an item can retain material and personal value even after its first use.
The journey of a favorite piece
- 1
No longer used
The item is still in good condition but is no longer needed by its previous owner.
- 2
Honestly described
Photos, condition, possible signs of use and important properties are stated transparently.
- 3
Newly discovered
Another user finds the item via search, category, profile or recommendation.
- 4
Safely handled
Item price, shipping costs and buyer protection are shown transparently before the purchase.
- 5
Suitably packed
The item is packed as safely and appropriately as possible and shipped to the buyer.
- 6
Used again
The item begins another chapter with its new owner.
Sustainability starts with an honest description.
The more precisely condition, size, dimensions, material, function and signs of use are described, the better a buyer can judge whether the item really suits them.
Too little information
- Hardly any description
- Signs of use missing
- No measurements
- Unclear photos
Helpful listing
- Several clear photos
- Condition stated realistically
- Flaws made visible
- Measurements and properties provided
- Understandable shipping information
A good deal is one you will actually use.
Pre-owned purchases also require resources for packaging, shipping and use. That is why a more conscious purchase includes asking whether the item is really needed and fits in the long run.
Will I use the item regularly?
Do size, measurements or technical properties fit?
Is the condition suitable for my purpose?
Can I order several items from the same seller together?
Combined orders can reduce unnecessary individual shipments, provided the items can be shipped together safely.
Safely packed, appropriately shipped
Reuse packaging
Clean and sturdy boxes, mailers or padding materials can be reused if they still protect the item reliably.
Choose the right size
Packaging should be as large as necessary and as compact as sensible.
Protection comes first
Packaging that is too weak can lead to damage, returns and additional shipping routes. Safe packaging therefore remains more important than using as little material as possible.
Bundle several items
When buyers and sellers handle several suitable items together, combined shipping can make sense.
Our role: making passing on possible
HerMarkt provides the technical platform through which private users and, where applicable, appropriately labelled commercial sellers can list and sell items. HerMarkt is generally not itself the seller of the items offered.
- Lists the item
- Describes the condition
- Sets the sale price
- Prepares the shipment
- Reviews the offer
- Chooses items
- Pays price, shipping and buyer protection
- Confirms receipt or reports a problem
- Provides marketplace features
- Shows costs transparently
- Supports the payment and order process
- Offers chat, support and buyer protection processes
- Manages seller balances until release
HerMarkt buyer protection supports safe purchase handling. It is not an environmental levy and does not fund any automatically claimed climate projects.
The buyer protection fee is at least €1.20 or 5% of the final item price – whichever is higher.
No big promises without a basis.
We do not claim that every purchase is automatically sustainable.
We do not publish CO₂ savings unless they have been calculated with a traceable methodology.
We do not label HerMarkt as climate-neutral across the board.
We do not invent environmental labels or sustainability seals.
If HerMarkt publishes environmental metrics in the future, we will explain clearly which data, assumptions, periods and limits are behind them.
Ready for another chapter
Passing on works together.
A working secondhand community lives on honest information, fair communication, reliable shipping and respectful interaction.
Describe honestly
Offer fairly
Pack safely
Communicate respectfully
Ready for the next chapter?
Give things another chance or discover a favorite piece that is already waiting for you.
Find favorite pieces. Simply pass them on.