Customers will soon be able to return used IKEA furniture to its stores in a push to champion sustainability and challenge throwaway culture.

 

Image: Hemnes dressing table, IKEA

IKEA is one of the nation’s favourite shops when it comes to our homes, not only because it stocks super stylish products, but also offers up some really affordable pieces too.

However, IKEA also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and with a newly announced scheme to buy back unwanted furniture from its customers, the furniture store could become greener than ever before.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential details you need to know.

What will IKEA buy back?

IKEA won’t be buying back any old furniture – it must have come from IKEA originally, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be something which the store currently stocks. However, at present, IKEA is only buying back drawer units, tables, chairs, cabinets, desks, shelving and cupboards.

These items must not be modified and must already be assembled.

Read more: 6 of the best homewares made from recycled materials

How much will you be compensated?

IKEA will be issuing gift cards to spend in store for any Buy Back furniture. These will not have an expiry date, so you need only buy new furniture from IKEA when you actually need it to encourage responsible shopping.

The amount you’ll receive back will be determined by its condition. If your item is deemed good as new, you’ll receive 50% of the value; if it’s ‘Very Good’, you’ll receive 40%; and if IKEA categorise it as ‘Well Used’, you’ll receive 30% of its value back.

How does the process work?

You can’t simply turn up with your furniture and try to trade it in for a gift card. First, you’ll need to fill in an online form, attaching 4 photographs and outlining which store you’d like to drop your furniture off at.

IKEA will then provide a valuation for your item, based on its current or last selling price. You can then choose to accept or reject this offer.

If you accept, you’ll then need to drop it off in store. If it’s not assembled when you bring it to the store, you’ll be offered the tools required to assemble the product, as it must be assembled for the store to accept the return.

Your item will then be checked over, and eventually offered for sale again in the ‘As-Is’ section – the spot in the store which used to be known as ‘Bargain Corner’.

When does it launch?

IKEA are coninciding the launch of its Buy Back scheme with Black Friday in 2020, which means that you’ll be able to start having your unwanted furniture evaluated on the 27th November.

 

Will you be making use of the Buy Back scheme? Let us know! Tweet us @goodhomesmag or post a comment on our Facebook page. 

 

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