Collaborative consumption in consumer behaviorof Polish young people

Aim/purpose – On the basis of a critical analysis of related literature, the article attempts to explain the concept and essence of collaborative consumption, a dynamically developing consumer trend. The principal goal is to demonstrate that young people in Poland are distrustful of sharing goods with strangers, and thus are much more willing to engage in collaborative consumption when they know the people with whom they make transactions. Following the analysis of the research material, it was also possible to confirm that a key reason for young people to participate in collaborative consumption lies in financial benefits and access to a wide range of goods and services. Design/methodology/approach – The tool used to conduct the research was my original questionnaire comprising 50 closed-ended questions regarding alternative consumer trends, including collaborative consumption. The survey was carried out from 10th May to 10th June 2017. The participants were recruited via the ankietka.pl website and social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, and e-mail. In order to partake in the survey, those interested had to visit a specific website containing the questionnaire. It was also distributed across special forums, university and private school fanpages. 240 people aged 18-34, belonging to Generations Y and Z, took part in the survey. Findings – The research shows that the higher the value of goods, the less likely younger consumers are to share them. Respondents most frequently exchange goods such as books, clothing and games. Their disposable income is a crucial factor influencing their interest in collaborative consumption. The most important advantages of collaborative consumption include the possibility of earning money and unhampered access to a wide range of goods and services. On the other hand, the central disadvantages are distrust and possible fraudulent transactions on the part of strangers. Collaborative consumption in consumer behavior... 137 Research implications/limitations – Given the limited financial capacity, the study of collaborative consumption in consumer behavior of young people was confined to an online survey. Originality/value/contribution – This article is one of few publications in Poland that seek to provide some insight into collaborative consumption in the purchasing behavior of young people living in Poland and into the most important factors influencing respondents’ participation in the examined consumer trend.