Consumer Acceptance of Used Products：Reuse and Sharing

Abstract

This paper examines consumer acceptance of used products through reuse and sharing, focusing on their effectiveness for Circular Economy-driven product utilization. Regarding current consumer usage, reuse shows high applicability for irregularly used hobby items, while sharing is highly suitable for event clothing with extremely low usage frequency throughout one’s life stage. This indicates the necessity of proposing forms of utilization tailored to existing consumer lifestyles and needs. Two key insights emerged for promoting consumer acceptance of these models utilizing used products. First, overcoming ingrained existing habits is a major challenge for consumer behavioral change. For those without prior experience, habit modification itself remains a significant barrier. Second, for experienced consumers, it is crucial to demonstrate contributions to efficiency and convenience, especially regarding cost and effort savings, for their continued acceptance. These findings offer practical insights for establishing sustainable business models that reduce environmental impact and contribute to societal integration.