Consumers purchased $952 million in used sporting goods equipment in 2009, down 2% from the $969 million spent in 2008, according to a report released by the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). The used sporting goods equipment market had exceeded $1 billion in the two years prior to 2008. Sales were $1.08 billion in 2007 and $1.01 billion in 2006.

 

Used equipment for the outdoor sports (camping, fishing and the shooting sports) represented purchases of $592 million, the largest single category. Versus 2007, the outdoor sports category fell 7%. Used exercise equipment (the second largest category) had purchases of slightly more than $180 million, a 14% increase versus the previous year.

 

In exercise equipment, more than 650,000 treadmills and stationary exercise bicycles were purchased used. The average price is not high, $125 for a treadmill; $65, for an exercise bike. A majority of the sales continue to be between private individuals.

 

The report is based on a survey of 60,000 households in which 39 products were surveyed regarding purchases during 2008.  Doyle said because of the limited number of products surveyed, the total used equipment market is much larger than $952 million reported in the study.