이웃과 거래하는 사람들: 지역기반 중고거래에 대한 질적연구

초록

This study aims to illuminate unique consumer behaviors specific to local-based second-hand transactions, distinct from general second-hand transactions. Two forms of participant observation and in-depth interviews were conducted. First, local-based second-hand transactions exhibited lower entry barriers than general second-hand transactions, attributed to “high trust in the trading partner.” Consumers felt a psychological closeness with trading partners residing in the same area, alleviating concerns about crime and fraud. Additionally, the perceived convenience of trading in a familiar and nearby neighborhood also contributed to lowering entry barriers. Second, “warm interactions among neighbors,” such as offering slightly lower prices or additional “extras” like snacks or small gifts based on trading partner familiarity, were frequently observed in local-based second-hand transactions. The practice of ‘free sharing,’ giving items to those in need without receiving payment, also emerged as a part of the trading culture. Third, local- based second-hand transactions could potentially contribute to developing an “expandable local community.” Participants, recognizing each other as neighbors, not only engaged in second-hand transactions but also sought “neighbor friends” to actively share common interests. Based on these findings, the study identified the “neighborhood effect” and “sense of place” in local-based second-hand transactions, capturing interactions where individuals perceive each other as friendly neighbors based on a sense of local belonging. The role of these transactions could extend to actual communities by leveraging the sense of belonging to a neighborhood, emphasizing the potential for interactions to expand beyond transactions. Moreover, the study highlighted “affection and familiarity based on relationships with trading partners as neighbors” as an important motive in second-hand transactions, beyond values directly related to transactions, such as nostalgia for used items, scarcity of used items, economic rationality, and fun in the transaction process, as well as environmental awareness.

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