GLENDALE, Ariz. (April 21, 2025) – The secondhand market is expected to boom after the federal government announced new reciprocal tariffs earlier this month. More consumers are expected to turn to auction houses, thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms such as Etsy and ThredUp as they search for quality pre-owned items at a lower price.
Erik Hoyer, CEO and owner of Glendale-based EJ’s Auction & Appraisal, said the auction industry fares well during shifts in the economy and that his full-service auction house is expecting to see bidding levels increase much like they did during the pandemic.
“Our business doubled during the pandemic, primarily because of the supply chain challenges and lack of inventory at retail stores,” Hoyer said. “With the sharp increase of new goods due to the new tariffs in place, we’re expecting to see more bidders seeking a better value for items, such as cars, watches, toys, electronics, furniture and other household goods.”
Hoyer offers these tips for buying items at auction:
Automobiles and Boats: New cars, motorcycles, boats and other vehicles are expected to cost several thousand dollars more, even if they are manufactured in the U.S., because many parts come from outside of the country. Hoyer said consumers should shop around in the secondary market and consider buying at auction because consumers can find high quality vehicles in near-new condition that are often sold at discounted prices.
“One thing to consider is that there’s a big difference between buying a collector car versus a daily driver at auction because the collector market is a bit less predictable regarding what’s a ‘hot car,’” Hoyer said.
Electronics: Buyers can often find near-new TVs, stereos, cameras, computers and other gadgets in auctions at a decent price. Hoyer recommends doing your research on market value. Examine the items in person or ask for a condition report before bidding.
“There’s also a huge demand for vintage electronics, so if you have some sitting in your garage or storage unit, now is a good time to sell,” Hoyer said.
Luxury Items: With recent tariffs imposed on European Union countries, luxury fashion brands such as Gucci, Fendi, Dior and Hermès are expected to cost much more as are luxury watch brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega and others.
“When buying a luxury item in the secondhand market, check logos, markings and other materials to make sure it’s not a replica or a fake,” Hoyer said. “In today’s market, counterfeit products are everywhere. Some are easy to spot, and some require a professional to identify them. If possible, ask if the items have original packaging and receipts that show where the item was purchased.”
Toys: Hasbro, Mattel and other toy manufacturers are affected by new tariffs on China and Vietnam, which could see prices for new joys jump more than 50%. Hoyer said the secondary market is a great place to find popular toys such as Transformers, Nerf, Hot Wheels, Barbie and Lego.
“Vintage toys are also in great demand, especially toys from the 1980s and 1990s as many people have nostalgia for their childhood,” Hoyer said.
EJ’s Auction & Appraisal conducts online auctions at 10 a.m. every Saturday. The auction house is also gearing up to conduct a large Automotive, Motorcycle and ATV auction on Sat., April 26, which will feature a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am, 10th Anniversary Edition, a rare and sought-after car since only 7,500 models were produced.
Interested bidders can preview items Wednesday through Friday at the auction house, 5880 W. Bell Road, in Glendale, or request to see condition reports. For details, visit ejsauction.com or call 623-878-2003.
