eBay Supports Launch of Bipartisan Recommerce Caucus

August 6, 2025


Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a Democrat from California, and New York Republican Nicole Malliotakis launched a new Recommerce Caucus in June. The new bipartisan initiative aims to promote policies that support the dynamic sector of selling pre-owned, refurbished and secondhand goods. From vintage fashion to refurbished electronics, recommerce is shaping how people shop – and it’s projected to become a $1.04 trillion global industry by 2035.

“We’ve seen firsthand how recommerce empowers small businesses, reduces waste and unlocks economic opportunities,” said Chris Lamond, executive director of  The Coalition to Protect America’s Small Sellers. “Recommerce is not just a trend, it’s a growing trillion-dollar global movement that reflects how consumers want to shop – affordably, sustainably and with purpose.”

Federal Recognition

The launch of the caucus brought sellers from across the country to Washington, D.C., and many sellers expressed that, for the first time, their work felt recognized at a federal level. 

“The Recommerce Caucus is making what’s old new again,” said Vivian Vasser, who runs an eBay store called “Hey Viv!”. “We’ve been selling online, selling recycled vintage clothing, but they’re injecting new energy to see what new things can be developed to help small businesses.”

During Rep. Malliotakis’s remarks, she offered a glimpse into the types of changes she hopes the new Recommerce Caucus will bring.

“I’m looking forward to looking at ways we can be supportive,” Rep. Malliotakis said, “Whether it’s through tax policy or regulatory policy, in particular as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.”

Rep. Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) added that 74% of Americans have either bought or sold something online – a strong reflection of just how many people are engaging in digital commerce and exploring entrepreneurial paths. 

More than a Hobby

“We also know that there are so many folks for whom this is not a hobby – this is actually a major part of how they're raising money – how they're able to pay the bills, maybe how they’re able to get their child through to college, how they’re able to pay down a credit card, how they’re able to take care of a medical bill,” Rep. Kamlager-Dove said. “And so why don’t we acknowledge how important this industry is and really support it to allow it to flourish? Because it’s not going to stop.”

Jason Barnes, who owns the eBay store “All Time Toys,” also expressed his appreciation of the caucus, saying that federal policies have historically overlooked the secondhand market. 

“This side of our economy has been ignored for a very long time outside of some of the larger recommerce sections like used cars,” Barnes said. “So now, seeing that there’s interest in the clothing, the toys, the collectibles, the antiques – that there are now congresspeople who are seeing that as a viable economic tool – is an extremely exciting thing to see happening.”

As a leader and pioneer in recommerce, eBay is committed to supporting our community by building thriving small businesses. The launch of the caucus affirms the importance of recommerce, not only as a bustling marketplace of goods, but as a source of sustainable income, positive environmental impact and entrepreneurship.