Ever wondered what to do with your old IKEA furniture? You’re not alone. Many of us have pieces that have served us well but are no longer needed. But before you think about sending them to the landfill, there’s a fantastic option you might not know about – the IKEA Buyback service.

This brilliant initiative from IKEA is a ‘buyback and resell’ scheme designed to give your furniture a second life and promote sustainability by reducing waste. It’s a win-win situation – you get to clear out your space, and your furniture gets to be useful again in a new home, all while supporting a circular economy. Plus, you’ll receive an IKEA refund card to spend on whatever you need next.

In this guide, we’re going to delve into the ins and outs of the IKEA Buyback service. We’ll explain how it works, what items you can sell back, and how much you could get for your old furniture.

Key Takeaways

• Recycle and Earn with IKEA: Turn your old IKEA furniture into a refund card by using the IKEA BuyBack service, and learn how easy it is to recycle pieces you no longer need.
• What’s Eligible for BuyBack?: Get the details on which IKEA items you can sell back, from dressers to desks, and understand the condition requirements for a successful buyback.
• Shop Pre-Loved and Save: Embrace sustainability by purchasing pre-loved IKEA furniture, complete with stories of their past, available both in-store and online.

How the IKEA Buy Back Scheme Works

So, you’ve got some IKEA furniture that’s served its purpose and now you’re wondering what to do with it. The IKEA Buyback service could be just what you’re looking for.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it works:

1. Identify Your Item: The first step is to identify the IKEA furniture you want to sell back. To do this, you’ll need to find the name under which IKEA sold the item. This could be on the original receipt, the assembly instructions, or even a label on the item itself. Remember, the item has to be one that IKEA is willing to buy back. We’ll cover what these items are a bit later.
2. Online Form Submission: Once you’ve identified your item, the next step is to head over to the IKEA website. Here, you’ll find the IKEA Buyback service page. On this page, there’s an online form where you can submit your item for consideration. You’ll need to provide some details about the item, including its condition and any minor scratches or marks. It’s important to be as accurate as possible here, as this will affect the preliminary offer you receive.
3. Preliminary Offer: After you’ve submitted the form, the tool will automatically generate a preliminary offer. This offer is based on a percentage of the original price of the item, and it varies depending on the item’s condition. For example, an item in ‘as new’ condition could fetch 50% of the original price, while a ‘well-used’ item with several scratches might get 30%.
4. In-Store Condition Check: If you’re happy with the preliminary offer, the next step is to bring your item to the returns desk at your local IKEA store. Here, a member of the IKEA team will check the condition of your item. They understand that used items will have some wear and tear, so don’t worry if your item isn’t in perfect condition. As long as it’s in a condition that matches your description, you’re good to go.
5. Receive Your IKEA Refund Card: Once the IKEA team has checked your item and everything is in order, you’ll receive an IKEA refund card for the value of the preliminary offer. The great thing about this card is that it has no expiry date. This encourages you to only buy new items when you really need something, helping to reduce waste even further.

IKEA Family members may receive special offers or additional benefits when using the Buyback service, encouraging readers to consider membership for enhanced value.

What You Can Sell Back to IKEA

So, you’re interested in the IKEA Buyback service and you’re wondering what IKEA products you can sell back. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that IKEA accepts a wide range of its own branded items.

Here’s a list of some of the IKEA products you can sell back:

• Dressers: Whether it’s a small, three-drawer dresser or a large, six-drawer one, IKEA is happy to buy it back.
• Office Drawer Cabinets: These are perfect for storing documents and office supplies. If you no longer need yours, IKEA will gladly take it off your hands.
• Small Structures with Drawers: These versatile pieces can be used in any room of the house. If you’re looking to declutter, this could be a great option.
• Display Storage and Sideboards: These items are great for displaying your favourite items or storing your dinnerware. If you’re changing up your decor, consider selling these back to IKEA.
• Bookcases and Shelf Units: Whether you’ve downsized your book collection or you’re making room for a new piece of furniture, your old bookcase could find a new home through the IKEA Buyback service.
• Small Tables: From coffee tables to side tables, IKEA is interested in your old furniture.
• Multimedia Furniture: TV stands, media storage units, and other multimedia furniture are all eligible for buyback.
• Cabinets: Whether it’s a kitchen cabinet or a bathroom cabinet, IKEA is willing to buy it back.
• Dining Tables and Desks: If you’ve got a dining table or desk that you no longer need, IKEA could give it a second life.
• Chairs and Stools without Upholstery: IKEA is interested in your chairs and stools, as long as they don’t have any upholstery.

Remember, the item needs to be in a sellable condition. So, if it’s broken or damaged beyond repair, IKEA may not be able to buy it back. But if it’s in good condition, with just a few minor scratches, you could get a decent amount on your IKEA refund card.

What IKEA Won’t Buy Back

While the IKEA Buyback service accepts a wide range of items, there are some things that IKEA won’t buy back.

Here’s a list of items that are not eligible for the service:

• Products that have been used outside: If your item has been used outdoors, it’s not eligible for buyback. This includes outdoor furniture and any items that have been exposed to the elements.
• Non-assembled products: IKEA only buys back items that are fully assembled. So, if you’ve disassembled your furniture, you’ll need to put it back together before you can sell it back.
• Hacked or modified products: If you’ve modified your IKEA furniture in any way, it’s not eligible for buyback. This includes any hacks or customisations you’ve made to the item.
• Any leather or textile goods: This includes items like sofas, armchairs, and mattresses. These items are not eligible for the IKEA Buyback service.
• Items containing glass: For safety reasons, IKEA does not buy back items that contain glass. This includes items like glass-top tables and cabinets with glass doors.
• Kitchens: IKEA does not buy back kitchen units. This includes cabinets, worktops, and any other kitchen furniture.
• Pax wardrobes: While IKEA does buy back some types of wardrobes, the Pax range is not included.
• Appliances or electrical items: Any items that require electricity to operate are not eligible for buyback. This includes items like lamps and appliances.
• Baby products: Items like cots and changing tables are not eligible for the IKEA Buyback service.
• Non-furniture items: IKEA only buys back furniture items. This means items like decorations, textiles, and kitchenware are not eligible.
• Market hall products: These are the smaller items that you find in the market hall area of IKEA stores. These items are not eligible for buyback.

So, before you decide to sell your item back to IKEA, make sure it’s eligible for the service. If it’s not on this list, you’re good to go!

How Much Could You Get?

Now that you know what items you can sell back to IKEA and how the process works, you’re probably wondering how much you could get for your old furniture. Well, the amount you receive depends on the condition of your item. Here’s a breakdown:

• As New – No Scratches: If your item is in ‘as new’ condition with no scratches, you could get up to 50% of the original price. This means the item looks almost new and shows no signs of wear and tear.
• Very Good – Minor Scratches: If your item is in ‘very good’ condition but has a few minor scratches, you could get 40% of the original price. This means the item has been used but has been well cared for and still looks good.
• Well-Used – Several Scratches: If your item is ‘well-used’ with several scratches, you could get 30% of the original price. This means the item shows signs of regular use but is still in usable condition.

Remember, these percentages are just a guide and the actual amount you receive will depend on the original price of the item and its condition when you sell it back. But no matter how much you get, you’ll be doing your bit for the environment by giving your old furniture a second life.

Buying Pre-Loved IKEA Furniture

The IKEA Buyback service isn’t just about selling your old furniture. It’s also a great way to buy pre-loved IKEA items and give them a new home. Purchasing a second hand item from IKEA not only benefits you by offering affordable, quality furniture but also supports the environment by extending the lifecycle of products. Here’s how you can buy pre-loved IKEA furniture:

• Pre-Loved Labels: To coincide with the launch of the IKEA Buyback service, IKEA introduced ‘Pre-Loved Labels’ to its second-hand items. These labels tell a story about who owned the items before and how they were used. This way, you can learn about an item’s past before deciding to give it a new home.
• In-Store Shopping: You can find second-hand items in most IKEA stores. Just look for the ‘Pre-Loved’ section. At the moment, the ‘Pre-Loved Labels’ are being trialled in the Glasgow, Greenwich, Tottenham, and Warrington stores. So, if you’re near any of these locations, be sure to check them out.
• Online Shopping: If you prefer shopping online, you can search for #CircularHub on Gumtree. IKEA has partnered with Gumtree to promote these pre-loved items. You can easily reserve an item with a click, and then collect it from the associated IKEA store.

So, whether you’re looking to sell your old furniture or buy some pre-loved items, the IKEA Buyback service has got you covered. It’s a great way to reduce waste, save money, and give furniture a second life.

Final Thoughts

The IKEA Buyback service is a fantastic initiative that not only helps you declutter your home but also contributes to a more sustainable future. By giving your old furniture a second life, you’re reducing waste and making a positive impact on the environment.

Whether you’re selling back your old IKEA furniture or buying pre-loved items, the process is simple. Plus, you’ll receive an IKEA refund card to spend on your next purchase, making it a win-win situation for you and the environment.

Remember, every piece of furniture deserves a second chance. So, before you decide to throw away your old furniture, consider the IKEA Buyback service. You’ll be doing your bit for the environment, and who knows, you might just find your next favourite piece of furniture!

So, are you ready to give your old furniture a new home? Head over to your local IKEA store or visit the IKEA website to get started.