Make money in the second-hand market in 2025

As the bells chime out for the end of the year, the smart money is already hustling. If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that history repeats itself and if you understand the past it’s possible to see what’s coming. Over the years, people have made it their business to predict the future and if the past is prologue, then now is the time to join them.

Where are we going with this? Good question, and since you asked please allow us to present five ways we can leverage the past to turn a profit in the year to come.

1. Timing is everything

Did you know that the best time to buy a smartphone is the week after Christmas? According to consumer watchdogs CompareAndRecycle.co.uk the best deals appear in the weeks following December 25th. Of course, most people taking advantage of these deals will suddenly find themselves with spare smartphones and therefore, the week after, the week after Christmas is the best time to pick up a pre-owned bargain.

2. Deals on wheels

Like smartphones, there are good and bad times of the year for picking up new and used cars. For new cars, the best time is around the end of the year and also at the end of the financial quarters, this is when dealers offer their most aggressive deals in a bid to hit their sales quotas. This means it’s also a great time to pick up a used bargain, as showrooms and traders cull their stock in preparation for an influx of new trade-ins.

3. New year, new you

Just as the new year presents great opportunities for traders to pick up bargains, it’s also a good time to sell some items for top-dollar prices. The key term to watch for here is New Year’s Resolutions. Many of us use the start of the new calendar as motivation to do something new. Resolutions vary from person to person, but there are common trends. These new goals are often why so many smart sellers choose January as the time to sell musical instruments, sports gear, and gym equipment. So, if you have an old trumpet, a rowing machine, or a pair of skis in the attic, now could be the time to dig them out and get them listed. Don’t forget you can use Riloop to work out the going rate by searching similar brands and models on all online marketplaces in one go.

4. Get back in the dating game

This next hack is a subtle one. So, we made it to 2025, and that means a lot of things to lots of people for a whole lot of unique reasons. In short, 2025 marks a significant anniversary for many events, brands, and famous people. Big anniversaries mean lots of interest which translates to big bucks for collectors. So, here’s a few ideas to whet your whistles. In 2025:

• Back to the Future is 40 years old. That means now is the time to hoover up those model hoverboards, rare VHS copies, and Matchbox Delorean time machines.

• Avatar becomes 20 years old. Honestly, we don’t know if they made any space Pocahontas dolls, but I bet the 1st edition blu ray is going to be hard to find in a few months. So, if you want to take that bet, set up your Riloop Alert today.

• DC Comics is 90 years old! Holy cash cow Batman, it’s time to find your old Batcopter, Action Comics, and anything else you own with a DC logo.

• Formula 1 is 75 this year. F1 collectors are known for their deep pockets, which is a good thing since in 2025 they’re going to need them.

5. Winter wins

Sometimes, it’s just the weather that matters. While 2025 likely won’t change some prices too much, there’s no denying that winter is the best time to get a deal on a used convertible, a stand-up paddle board, or even a pair of Channel sunglasses.

So, there you have it, five ways to make your new year a little more lucrative. We’d love to hear your suggestions too, what’s your top treasure tip for 2025?