Unfortunately, it feels as if we could substitute almost anything for "used weight plates" in the title here.
Essentially, everything has gotten considerably more expensive, surpassing the typical rise of inflation, especially in the last few years. I mean, we all remember even in the last couple of months the rise in the cost of eggs.
Now, used weight plates have a few other reasons for the price increase on top of inflation.
Let's look at a few of them.
#1) COVID
The rise of the home gym may be the biggest reason for the rise in prices of used weight plates for sale.
Sure, home gyms were growing long before COVID, but the lockdowns led to an exceptional rise we had not seen previously.
Think about it, people were trapped at home, and gyms were closed. The natural solution was to add a gym to your own personal home. This caused a huge demand for gym equipment, and both new and used equipment (weight plates) became essential.
#2) Growing Market
While COVID may have accelerated the home gym trend, many people continue to choose the home gym route today.
This has continued to create more demand for used weight plates. I believe this trend will continue. After all, what's a home gym without a barbell and weight plates?
The benefits of a home gym are immense - just a few include having your own space, eliminating a commute, working out whenever you want, and many others.
Because of this, more and more homeowners, I believe, will continue to go the home gym route even with COVID in the rearview mirror.
I think a lot of homeowners value their time, space, and freedom moreso than a few extra features and options they may find at a commercial gym.
All it takes is some plates, dumbbells, a bar, and a power rack, and you have a really solid home gym.
Oh, and don't forget some rubber flooring to protect your base floor - this is essential.
#3) Tariffs
The third economic effect is coming by way of the looming tariffs.
While the exact effects of the tariffs are still largely unknown, the cost of new goods have and will rise at least in the short term.
This rise in cost, then, makes previously used weight plate prices look more attractive, creating more demand. Because of the increased demand, sellers are able to raise their prices.
If you've ever listed anything on Facebook Marketplace at a good price, you know what it's like to get bombarded with messages.
Pretty quickly, used weight plate sellers realized the same thing.