IKEA Buy Back: How to Sell Your Old Furniture Back to IKEA
Looking to get rid of your old IKEA furniture? The IKEA Buy Back scheme could be just what you need.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about selling your pre-loved IKEA pieces back to the store, getting some money back, and helping the environment at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- IKEA Buy Back Program Benefits: Learn how the IKEA Buy Back scheme works, what furniture qualifies, and how you can earn up to 50% of your item’s original price as store credit.
- Step-by-Step Selling Process: Find out how to use the IKEA Buy Back estimator tool to get a quote, what condition your furniture needs to be in, and how to complete the transaction at your local IKEA store.
- Sustainability Impact: See how participating in the IKEA UK Buy Back program helps extend the life of your furniture and supports IKEA’s goal to become fully circular by 2030.
What is the IKEA Buy Back Program?
The IKEA Buy Back program allows customers to sell their used IKEA furniture back to the company in exchange for store credit. As part of IKEA’s sustainability efforts, the scheme helps give pieces like chairs, shelves, and chests of drawers a new lease of life and keeps them out of landfill. It’s perfect for students moving out, people redecorating, or anyone who simply no longer needs their IKEA furniture.
Launched to show IKEA’s commitment to sustainable practices, the Buy Back initiative was initially rolled out in 27 countries around the world. The program expanded to the UK in early May 2021, after successful trials in several other countries including Australia, Japan, Portugal, Spain, and Scotland.
We’ve looked into how it works and why it’s worth your time if you’ve got old IKEA pieces cluttering up your home.
How the IKEA Buy Back Scheme Works
The process is straightforward and easy to follow:
First, check if your item qualifies. Not all IKEA furniture can be returned through the program. Eligible items include dressers, dining tables, desks, chairs, cabinets, shelf units, small tables, and certain children’s products.
Next, get a quote using the IKEA Buy Back estimator tool online to see how much your used furniture is worth. You’ll receive this quote via email along with a reference number.
Then take your furniture to IKEA. Bring your quote and fully assembled furniture to a participating IKEA store, entering through the Returns & Exchanges section.
At the store, an IKEA co-worker will inspect your item to confirm its condition and provide a final offer.
If you accept, you’ll receive an IKEA refund card that can be used in-store or online. The card has no expiration date, so you can use it whenever you need to.
How Much Will IKEA Pay for Your Old Furniture?
The amount you’ll receive depends on the condition of your furniture:
| Condition | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| As new | No scratches | 50% of original price |
| Very good | Minor scratches | 40% of original price |
| Well used | Several scratches | 30% of original price |
IKEA Family members get additional benefits – currently they earn an extra 15% on the Buyback price. During special promotions, this can increase to 30% extra.
We think this is pretty decent considering these are items you no longer want or need. And the best part? You’re helping reduce waste while getting money back for something you would otherwise need to dispose of.
Eligible Items for IKEA Buy Back
The IKEA Buy Back program accepts various items including:
IKEA Furniture that’s eligible:
- Bookcases and shelf units
- Dressers and chests of drawers
- Dining tables and desks
- Office drawer cabinets
- Chairs and stools without upholstery
- Small tables
- Certain children’s products
- Home decoration products (artificial plants, vases, mirrors, picture frames)
- Home organisation products (boxes, baskets, shoe cabinets)
Items IKEA doesn’t currently accept:
- System wardrobes (including PAX)
- Kitchen items
- Beds and mattresses
- Upholstered furniture
- Electrical appliances
Your furniture must also be fully assembled, functional, clean, unmodified, and in resalable condition.
What Happens to Your Furniture After Buy Back?
Pre-loved furniture pieces sold through the IKEA Buy Back program find a new home via the IKEA Re-shop & Re-use scheme (previously known as Circular Hub). This includes trade-in pieces from the Buy Back program, ex-display items, discontinued products, and items with minor flaws.
These items are sold at significant discounts, ranging from 30% to as much as 70% off the original price. Availability varies by location, with each store offering different pieces.
If you’re looking for affordable furniture, checking out the Re-shop & Re-use section at your local IKEA is definitely worth your time. You might find some amazing deals on second hand products that look almost new.
Benefits of the IKEA Buy Back Program
The IKEA Buy Back scheme offers several advantages that we love:
Getting store credit for furniture you no longer need is a great way to fund your next IKEA purchase. It’s much easier than trying to sell your furniture through an online marketplace and having to deal with buyers coming to your home.
The convenience of getting rid of unwanted items without the hassle of disposal is a major plus. We all know how difficult it can be to get rid of large furniture pieces.
From an environmental perspective, the program reduces waste and extends your furniture’s life, which is becoming increasingly important as we all try to reduce our impact on the planet.
For bargain hunters, the scheme creates access to discounted second hand items that still have plenty of life left in them.
IKEA’s Sustainability Goals
The IKEA Buy Back program is part of the company’s larger sustainability initiative. According to IKEA’s sustainability website, the company aims to become climate positive by 2030.
IKEA is focused on becoming a circular company where all products are designed from the beginning to be repurposed, repaired, reused, resold, and recycled. This initiative helps show IKEA’s commitment to sustainable practices and aims to inspire people to live more sustainably.
By giving your product a new life and a new home, IKEA hopes to make sustainability affordable and convenient for everyone. This aligns with their goal of moving away from the linear model of consumption towards a more circular approach.
Tips for a Successful IKEA Buy Back Experience
To get the most out of the IKEA Buy Back program:
Clean your furniture thoroughly before taking it in. This can help ensure you get the highest possible value based on its condition.
Keep all parts and ensure everything is functional. Incomplete or broken items might be rejected or valued lower.
Take photos of your furniture before bringing it in so you have a record of its condition.
Become an IKEA Family member to get additional benefits, including extra credit on your Buy Back amount.
Check IKEA’s website for any current promotions that might increase your refund amount.
Overall
The IKEA Buy Back scheme offers a win-win solution for customers and the environment. You get to declutter your home and receive store credit, while your used furniture finds a new home instead of ending up in landfill.
We think it’s a brilliant way to refresh your home without breaking the bank or hurting the planet. It’s perfect if you’re redecorating, moving house, or simply want to update your living space.
By participating in the IKEA Buy Back program, you’re not just getting rid of unwanted furniture – you’re helping to reduce waste and supporting IKEA’s journey toward becoming a climate positive business by 2030.
FAQs
Which IKEA stores offer the Buy Back service?
The Buyback and Resell service is available in all IKEA stores except Plan and Order Points. The service is for private households only.
Do I need to be an IKEA Family member to use the Buy Back service?
While you don’t have to be an IKEA Family member to use the basic service, members do receive additional benefits like extra credit on their Buy Back amount (currently 15% extra, with special promotions offering up to 30% extra).
What if IKEA doesn’t accept my furniture?
If IKEA doesn’t accept your used product, they will offer you the option to recycle the item or dispose of it according to their zero waste to landfill policy.
Can I negotiate the price IKEA offers for my furniture?
The amount offered by the IKEA co-worker is not open to negotiation, and IKEA reserves the right to refuse any products at their discretion.
Where can I buy second-hand IKEA furniture?
You can purchase second hand products at the Re-shop and Re-use section in your nearest IKEA store. Some items may also be available to reserve online for in-store collection.
Is there a limit to how many items I can sell back to IKEA?
For private households, there is no limitation on the number of articles or the size of the articles you wish to return. However, IKEA does not buy back large batches of commercially used furniture from companies.
