Photo: MBH / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0, cropped

Vinted FAQ: what new users ask most

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 6h ago

About this FAQ

Vinted is a second-hand marketplace popular in the UK for clothes, shoes, accessories, homeware and more. New users usually ask about fees, postage, payment and safety before their first sale or purchase. These answers use Vinted's UK help centre and UK government guidance. Vinted updates its policies, so check the help centre for the latest details.

Is it free to sell on Vinted?

Vinted's UK help centre says sellers pay no selling fees. Listing items is free, and when an item sells, the seller receives the listed sale price. Vinted makes money from the fee paid by buyers and from optional paid features for sellers.

What is the Vinted fee buyers pay?

At checkout, buyers pay a Vinted fee, previously called the Buyer Protection fee. It is made up of a percentage of the item price plus a fixed amount, and Vinted says the exact figure varies by item, order value and whether the purchase is a bundle. The fee is shown before payment. Postage is also paid by the buyer.

Worked example: a seller lists a coat for £30. The seller receives £30 when the sale completes. The buyer pays £30, plus the Vinted fee shown at checkout, plus postage. Sellers can use the percentage calculator on this site to see what a discount on an offer would cost them.

How does postage work?

When an item sells, Vinted usually provides a prepaid shipping label or code for the carrier the buyer chose. The seller packs the item, attaches the label or shows the code at a drop-off point and keeps the proof of postage. Some options allow drop-off at lockers or parcel shops.

How quickly do I need to send an item?

Sellers should post items within five working days. If an item is not sent in time, the order may be cancelled and the buyer refunded. Sending quickly also leads to better reviews.

When do sellers get paid?

After the buyer receives the item, they have a short window to report a problem. If the buyer confirms everything is fine, or the window passes without an issue being reported, the money is released to the seller's Vinted Balance. From there, sellers can transfer it to a bank account after completing any identity checks Vinted requires.

What protection do buyers have?

Buyers who pay through Vinted's checkout are covered by its protection policy. If an item does not arrive, arrives damaged or is significantly not as described, the buyer can report it within the window shown in the order. Vinted then reviews the case. Buying outside the platform removes this protection.

Can buyers return items?

Vinted's protection mainly covers items that are significantly not as described, damaged or lost. Change-of-mind returns depend on the seller, and many sellers do not accept them. Sellers who describe items honestly, with measurements and photos of any flaws, reduce disputes.

How do offers and bundles work?

Buyers can send offers below the listed price, and sellers can accept, decline or counter. Sellers can also set bundle discounts, which encourage buyers to purchase several items at once and save on postage. Think about your minimum acceptable price before you list.

What are bumps and are they worth it?

Bumps are a paid feature that pushes listings higher in search results for a short period. A Wardrobe Spotlight promotes several items at once. Both are optional. They can help in busy categories, but good photos, clear titles and fair prices usually matter more.

How should I photograph items?

Use natural light, a plain background and several angles. Show labels, sizes and any marks or wear. Clear photos build trust and help buyers decide quickly.

Will Vinted report my sales to HMRC?

Under UK rules for digital platforms, Vinted must report sellers who make 30 or more sales, or earn about £1,700 or more, in a calendar year. UK government says this reporting does not mean you automatically owe tax. Selling your own unwanted belongings is not normally trading. If you buy goods to resell for profit, you may be trading, and the £1,000 trading allowance and self-assessment rules may apply.

How can I avoid scams?

Keep all messages and payments on Vinted. Be wary of anyone asking you to pay or accept payment by bank transfer or through another app, sending links to fake payment pages, or asking for your email address or phone number. Vinted will not ask for your password by message. Report suspicious accounts using the in-app tools.

What if the buyer says the item is wrong?

Respond politely through Vinted messages and share your photos and description. If the case goes to Vinted, its team reviews the evidence. Accurate listings and proof of postage are your best protection.

Can I sell new items or brands?

Yes, new and used items can be listed in permitted categories. Counterfeit goods are banned, and some items, such as certain cosmetics, weapons and food, are prohibited. Check Vinted's catalogue rules before listing anything unusual.

How do I write a good listing title?

Put the most searched details first: brand, item type, size and colour, for example a navy wool coat in size 12. Buyers often search by brand and size, so a precise title helps your item appear. Avoid adding unrelated brand names to attract searches, which breaks catalogue rules and frustrates buyers.

What should the description include?

State the condition honestly, give measurements such as chest width and length, mention the fabric and note any flaws, such as a missing button or light pilling. Say whether the item comes from a smoke-free or pet-free home if relevant. Accurate descriptions reduce returns and disputes.

How should I price items?

Search for similar items that have sold recently and compare condition and brand. Pricing slightly above your minimum leaves room for offers. Remember that buyers also pay postage and the Vinted fee, so an item priced well above similar listings may sit unsold.

How should I pack items?

Fold clothes neatly, use clean packaging and protect delicate items with tissue or bubble wrap. Choose a parcel size that matches the one selected at checkout, because oversized parcels may cause delivery problems or extra charges. Recycled packaging is fine if it is sturdy and clean.

What happens if a parcel is lost?

If tracking shows a parcel has not arrived, the buyer can report it in the order. Vinted's team reviews the case with the carrier information. Sellers who used the provided label and kept proof of postage are generally in a stronger position.

Do I need to verify my account?

Vinted may ask sellers to verify their identity and bank details before withdrawing money from their balance, in line with financial regulations. Complete verification early so payouts are not delayed.

Can I buy and sell at the same time?

Yes. One account can be used for both buying and selling. Your balance from sales can be used for purchases or withdrawn to your bank account.

How do reviews work?

After each completed order, buyers and sellers can leave feedback. Positive reviews help new buyers trust you. Quick postage, careful packing and accurate descriptions are the simplest ways to earn them.

Can I sell in other countries?

Vinted operates in many European countries, and some listings can be bought by users in other markets where cross-border shipping is supported. Check the help centre for which countries and carriers are available from the UK.

Example: a first sale from start to finish

Ella lists a pair of trainers for £25 with six photos and the size in the title. A buyer sends an offer of £20, Ella counters at £22 and the buyer accepts. Ella receives a prepaid label, drops the parcel at a local shop the next day and keeps the receipt. The buyer confirms the trainers are fine two days after delivery, and £22 appears in Ella's balance, which she transfers to her bank.

Can I edit or delete a listing?

Yes. You can edit the price, photos or description at any time before the item sells, and you can hide or delete listings you no longer want to sell. Lowering the price can notify users who have favourited the item.

Where can I ask other questions?

Vinted's help centre covers fees, postage, payments and safety. For general questions about selling online in the UK, send a question through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This FAQ is general information based on Vinted's UK help centre and UK government guidance at the time of writing. Fees and policies change. It is not financial or tax advice.

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