Summary

Trade-in programs are gaining momentum in the furniture industry. What used to be a nice-to-have service is becoming a strategic lever in 2025 — boosting revenue, loyalty, and sustainability. Brands like IKEA and WTradeFurniture are leading the way. And koorvi provides the infrastructure to give every piece of furniture a second life.
A customer returns a furniture item at a store. He talks to a staff member and appears pleased.

Why Trade-In Matters Now

The market is shifting. Customers no longer look for just good design — they expect durability, fair pricing, and responsibility.

A trade-in program hits right at the core: instead of throwing away old furniture, customers return it and get credit toward new purchases. It saves money, conserves resources — and creates a shopping experience that sticks.

IKEA Leads the Way: Returns as a System

Few companies have implemented the model as early and consistently as IKEA. With the “Second Chance” program, customers can assess their used furniture, get an offer — and receive a voucher after returning it.

The items don’t go to waste but are resold in the store’s Second Chance section. What’s the impact?

  • Over 430,000 items got a second life in 2023.
  • IKEA reduced its CO₂ footprint by 24.3% — while increasing revenue.
  • Customers return — with old furniture in hand and new plans in mind.

A smart loop — scalable even for smaller brands.

In the US? WTradeFurniture Goes Digital

While IKEA focuses on in-store returns, WTradeFurniture shows how trade-in works in e-commerce. Customers upload photos of old furniture, receive an estimate — and get a discount on their next purchase.

No disposal, no reselling hassle — just one click, one voucher, one less item in the garage.

What Makes a Great Trade-In Program?

A working model starts not with logistics — but with trust. Customers need to understand:

  • Which items are accepted? (usually gently used, ideally same-brand products)
  • What’s the value? (30–50% of the original price or a flat voucher)
  • How does it work? (assess online, drop off in store or ship in, get credit)

The key: the process must be clear, quick, and respectful. Nobody returns a sofa if the process feels like bureaucracy.

A customer receives a voucher in a furniture store after returning a used item – both people are smiling, the mood is cheerful.
With a Trade In Program, you can enhance Customer Loyalty.

What’s in It for Retailers & Manufacturers?

In short: a lot.

  • Trade-in creates reasons to return
  • It opens second-hand markets that would otherwise go untapped
  • It reduces material costs when parts are reused
  • It strengthens brand loyalty by showing care — even post-purchase

Bonus: It proves that sustainability isn’t just a label — it’s part of the business model.

How koorvi Enables Furniture Trade-In — Without a Logistics Nightmare

Not every brand has physical stores like IKEA. But any brand can launch a take-back system — with the right platform.

koorvi provides the full infrastructure:

  • Branded digital return portals
  • Condition assessment & evaluation, automated and scalable
  • Integration with refurbishment and recycling partners
  • CRM integration to re-engage customers
  • Process tracking & documentation for platform and authority reporting

That’s how returns become routine — and revenue.

👉 Launch your trade-in program

FAQs

Which furniture works best in a trade-in program?

Durable, modular products like sofas, tables, chairs, or dressers. A solid resale value and clearly defined quality standards are essential. Many brands accept only their own items to ensure consistency.

How is the trade-in value for furniture calculated?

The credit typically depends on product type, condition, and reusability. IKEA offers up to 50% of the original price. For retailers, this often results in a healthy margin — especially when reselling refurbished items.

What happens to returned furniture?

Ideally, it’s cleaned, inspected, and resold as a second-life product. This opens up new customer segments and reduces sourcing costs. Items in poor condition can be donated or recycled.

What does the return process look like from a business perspective?

Customers initiate returns online or in-store. The item is evaluated, the credit issued, and the product prepared for reuse. koorvi provides the full tech stack — from intake form to resale workflow.

Can customers return multiple items at once?

Yes — especially practical for physical retailers. Clear communication is key: what’s accepted, how bundles are valued. koorvi enables flexible pricing logic — even for grouped returns.

What legal and operational issues should retailers consider?

Transparent return terms, defined condition categories, and a documented evaluation process reduce risks. Important: a trade-in is not a refund — it’s a value-driven offer with clear terms.

How does my business benefit from trade-in programs?

  • New customer touchpoints beyond the first sale
  • Extra revenue via resale and refurbishment
  • Stronger sustainability credentials
  • Lower raw material needs through reuse

How can I set up a trade-in program without building everything in-house?

With koorvi. We deliver the full system: return portals, item evaluation, CRM sync, connection to refurbishment partners, and all documentation — so you can scale circularity with confidence.