HowToSwiss

Save money · Second-hand

Second-Hand Shopping in Switzerland — Why It Matters & Where to Go

Switzerland has one of Europe's strongest second-hand cultures. Items are well-maintained, swap-culture is socially normal, and you can save 50–90% off retail.

Why second-hand matters here

  • Swiss salaries are high but so are prices — second-hand is normalised, not stigmatised.
  • A strong recycling and Swap-culture means items are well-maintained.
  • Switzerland has one of Europe's highest densities of charity and Brocki shops per capita.

Online platforms

Ricardo.ch

The Swiss eBay. Largest auction marketplace; PostFinance/TWINT payment, integrated buyer protection.

Tutti.ch

Free classifieds. Best for furniture and large items — local pickup only.

Facebook Marketplace

Very active in expat groups in Zurich, Geneva, Basel — quick deals.

Vinted

Clothing focus. Growing fast in Switzerland; integrated shipping via the Post.

Anibis.ch

French-speaking Switzerland's go-to classifieds — strong in Geneva, Vaud, Valais.

How to buy safely on Ricardo

  1. 1Create a free account and verify with your Swiss address.
  2. 2Filter by 'Pickup' for large items to avoid shipping costs.
  3. 3Use the 'Sofort-Kaufen' (Buy Now) filter to skip auctions.
  4. 4Pay with TWINT or bank transfer — never cash for shipped items.
  5. 5Open a dispute through Ricardo support if the item never arrives.

Physical shops & flea markets by city

  • Big saving
    zurich: Brocki Land Zürich (Binz), Caritas Markt Aussersihl, Vintage shops in Niederdorf and Kreis 4.
  • Big saving
    geneva: Emmaüs Carouge, Caritas Geneva, Plainpalais flea market every Wed and Sat.
  • Moderate
    basel: Brocki Basel (Gundeli), Caritas Markt Basel, Mehrwertmarkt second-hand boutique.
  • Moderate
    bern: Brocki Bern (Bümpliz), Caritas Markt, Heitere Fahne flea market.
  • Moderate
    lausanne: Emmaüs Etagnières, Trocante Bussigny, Caritas Vaud shops.
  • Moderate
    lucerne: Brocki.ch Emmen, Caritas Markt Luzern, occasional Flohmarkt on Reussbrücke.

✅ Buy second-hand

  • • Furniture
  • • Children's clothes & toys
  • • Ski/snowboard gear
  • • Bikes
  • • Small appliances
  • • Books

⛔ Always buy new

  • • Mattresses
  • • Car seats
  • • Helmets (ski / bike / motorbike)
  • • Electric items without warranty

Frequently asked questions

Is Ricardo or Tutti better for second-hand in Switzerland?
Ricardo is best for shipped items and auctions (electronics, collectibles). Tutti is better for free local pickup of large items (furniture, appliances, bikes). Many sellers list on both.
Are Brockis good places to buy in Switzerland?
Yes. Brocki shops are charity second-hand stores stocked with donated furniture, kitchenware, books and clothes. Quality varies by location but prices are 80–95% below new.
What should I never buy second-hand in Switzerland?
Mattresses, car seats, ski/bike/motorbike helmets and electric items without warranty. Safety items lose integrity over time and after impacts you can't see.
How do flea markets work in Switzerland?
They are free to browse. The biggest are Sunday at Plainpalais (Geneva) and the monthly Bürkliplatz Flohmarkt (Zurich). Cash is still common — bring small bills.

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