The way we purchase goods is forever altered by the explosion of digital platforms. Whether it is Marktplaats, E-bay, Amazon or Airbnb, the new models of connecting buyers and sellers is truly revolutionary. In this blogpost, we will explore the impact of one such platform called Marktplaats. If you’re not familiar with Marktplaats, in essence it is a platform where people can sell and purchase primarily second hand items through an auctioning system.
One of the biggest impacts, Marktplaats has had on our society is the promotion of sustainability through a circular economy. Whether it is furniture, toys, or even cars, the accessibility to purchase and sell has never been lower. By making the process of selling your obsolete items easier, it has encouraged people to not throw away their old stuff. On the side of the buyer, it has made sure that finding what you need and placing a bid on the item is very easy. Furthermore, the site also facilitates communication between a buyer and seller, reducing any possible frictions that may arise with other methods. If you have a question about the product, you can simply ask about it within the application.
The seller of an item also has the freedom of choosing the kind of online market Marktplaats utilizes, you may set a fixed price, an auction, or use direct contact to negotiate a price. This has the benefit of maximising the seller’s surplus, further promoting selling instead of throwing away.
All of these features combine into a ubiquitous use of the application within the Netherlands, increasing sustainability one product at a time.
Besides individuals that make use of Marktplaats small businesses also have their place within the platform. By increasing the ease of access to selling and advertising, it removes the need for a physical store for many small businesses. This allows for people to easily sell items of their side projects, whether it is art woodworking or pottery, there is no need to set up your own website or have a store.
Unfortunately, there is one major drawback of the platform, and that is the amount of information asymmetry that occurs when making a purchase. Whether it is used cars, electronics or any kind of machine, while you may be able to test what you’re about to purchase, the items may have defects that do not show until later that the seller doesn’t disclose. Marktplaats does try to combat this kind of behaviour by implementing reviews for both buyers and sellers and having payment insurance when items are sent via the post office. Of course these solutions does not entirely solve the problem, yet they are a step in the right direction.
Overall, Marktplaats is a major contributor to reducing consumerism and improving sustainability within the Netherlands while also promoting small business growth.
References
https://pixabay.com/illustrations/dollar-consumerism-business-1644801/
https://duurzaamheid.nl/artikelen/op-marktplaats-komt-de-circulaire-economie-van-nature-tot-leven/
