When it comes to secondhand shopping in Switzerland, there are several platforms that can help you find the perfect pre-owned item. From Ricardo and Depop to Marko and Circlin, each platform offers a unique experience that sets it apart from the others. In this article, we'll dive into what makes each of these platforms special, so you can decide which one is best for your needs.

A World of Secondhand Possibilities

In Switzerland, secondhand shopping has become increasingly popular, with multiple platforms vying for attention. Ricardo, Depop, Marko, and Circlin are some of the most well-known players in this market. While they may share a common goal - to give pre-owned items a second life - their approaches differ significantly.

The Right Platform for You

The key question is no longer "Which platform is the best?" but rather "Which platform fits the way you want to buy or sell?" To answer this, let's take a closer look at each of these platforms and what makes them unique.

  • Depop: A social-first platform with a strong focus on fashion, style, and community. Many sellers are based abroad.
  • Ricardo: An established Swiss online marketplace with auctions and instant-buy options, covering far more than just fashion.
  • Marko: A mobile-first secondhand platform with integrated purchasing, payment, and shipping.
  • Circlin: A video-first approach that aims to make the selling process as simple and efficient as possible for sellers.

The Effort of Listing Items

For many people, secondhand shopping doesn't fail because of a lack of intention, but because of the effort involved. Taking photos, writing descriptions, entering details, and answering questions - this is often where listings lose momentum.

Traditional platforms rely on text and images, with the rule being simple: the more precise the listing, the fewer follow-up questions later. On social-first platforms like Depop, visual presentation and personal style play an even bigger role. Circlin takes a different approach, starting with a video that captures not only visual but also audio information. An AI extracts relevant information from both image and sound, reducing manual input and minimizing follow-up questions.

The Buying Experience

The buying experience also varies significantly across platforms.

  • Ricardo: Price comparison often takes center stage - frequently through auctions.
  • Depop: It's more about discovery, scrolling, and following specific styles.
  • Marko: Combines classic browsing with a clearly structured checkout process.
  • Circlin: Video-based listings change how items are perceived. Buyers see products in motion.

Safety & Buyer Protection

In general, platforms are considered safer when payment, shipping, and dispute resolution are handled directly within the platform. The more integrated these processes are, the less buyers have to organize themselves if something goes wrong.

  • Marko: Uses platform-based payment processing with protection mechanisms.
  • Circlin: Integrates buyer protection directly into the payment flow and uses an escrow model.
  • Ricardo: Offers its own buyer protection and dispute rules but does not operate with a classic escrow model.
  • Depop: Buyer protection is not fully integrated platform-wide, as it integrates only with PayPal in Switzerland.

Fees & Earnings

A common question is: Which platforms offer free listings for secondhand clothing? The short answer: many do. The main differences appear once a transaction is successful. Some platforms charge sellers a sales fee, while others split fees between buyers and sellers.

  • Circlin: Does not charge sellers a selling fee and shifts transaction and buyer protection costs to buyers.
  • Optional services: Only apply when an item is actually sold.

Speed & Everyday Usability

In everyday life, it's often not the principle that matters but the feeling: How fast is an item online? How much coordination is required? Does it fit between university, work, and free time?

  • Ricardo: Is particularly suitable when reach and market mechanics are the priority.
  • Depop: Excels in community, style, and discovery.
  • Marko: Focuses on a clearly guided, structured flow.
  • Circlin: Aligns with social media habits and transfers them to the selling process.

Which Platform Fits Which Type?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer - but there are clear patterns:

  • You want to compare prices, bid or reach out to multiple buyers? Ricardo might be the best choice.
  • You're looking for a platform that combines community and style? Depop could be the way to go.
  • You prefer a structured flow with clear options? Marko is worth considering.
  • You want to record and list items quickly, like on social media? Circlin might fit your needs.

By understanding the unique features of each platform, you can decide which one best fits your needs - whether you're buying or selling.