The emergence of Wallapop marked a radical shift in the way we understand the buying and selling of secondhand items, opening the door to new platforms specialized in more specific niches, such as the textile market. Within this context, Vinted emerged, a platform that has not only quickly established itself among users looking to both sell and buy secondhand fashion and accessories, but has also generated a huge volume of opinions and reviews that deserve careful analysis. Below, we've compiled comprehensive information on Vinted reviews, delving into its advantages, disadvantages, and user and expert recommendations for safe and satisfactory use.
What is Vinted and how has it evolved?
Vinted is a Lithuanian app created to facilitate buying and selling between individuals, focusing on fashion, accessories, shoes, and a growing selection of household items. It has expanded to numerous European countries, including Spain, where it has positioned itself as one of the reference platforms for those looking to give a second life to clothes and accessories they no longer use.
One of the keys to Vinted's success has been its extremely simple user experience. The process of creating and publishing ads is quick and intuitive, allowing anyone, regardless of their previous experience, to start selling in minutes. Registration can be done through Facebook, Google, or traditional email, and the platform offers a clear interface for desktop and mobile devices, adapted for both Android and iOS.
Its growth has been boosted by effective marketing campaigns, including collaborations with fashion influencers and a strong media presence. This, combined with download numbers that far exceed those of other similar apps, and a business model focused on ease of use and secure transactions, has allowed Vinted to stand out from direct competitors like Wallapop and even from marketplaces run by major brands.
How does Vinted work? Keys to its success
Vinted works based on a very simple scheme: Any user can upload an ad with photos and a description of the garment or item they wish to sell.Interested buyers can ask questions, negotiate a price, and ultimately purchase the product using the payment methods supported by the platform.
Among the aspects that users value most and that explain Vinted's positive reviews are:
- Intuitive interfaceThe app's design is clean and straightforward. Navigation is fluid, and uploading products is very simple.
- Cost transparencyUnlike other platforms, the selling commission and service fees are clear from the outset. Vinted charges the buyer a flat fee plus a small percentage of the price, while the seller receives the full amount.
- Shipping ManagementThe shipping process is automated. After a purchase, the seller receives a label to print and take the package to the associated shipping company's pickup point. Shipping costs are usually shown as free for the seller, shifting the cost to the buyer, which is attractive to those who simply want to get rid of items without spending money.
- Large communityVinted boasts millions of active users, making it easier to spread the word about your products and maximize your sales opportunities.
Most valued advantages in Vinted reviews
Positive reviews about Vinted are concentrated in three main areas: Ease of use, transaction security, and sustainabilityThese elements have been highlighted by both first-time users and those with experience using other secondhand platforms.
- Ease of listing and selling products: Users highlight the speed with which they can upload their articles and manage conversations, even in different languages, thanks to the built-in automatic translation system.
- Payment security: The platform acts as an intermediary between buyer and seller. The transaction money is released only when the buyer confirms that the item received matches the description. This minimizes the risk of fraud and scams.
- Active promotion of the circular economy: Vinted encourages the reuse of clothing and offers a more eco-friendly alternative to fast-fashion consumption. Many users appreciate the ability to give their items a second life and reduce textile waste.
- Participatory and active community: The large number of users favors rapid sales and the availability of unique or hard-to-find products.
Shipping and payment methods on Vinted: what you need to know
One of the most frequently commented aspects of Vinted reviews is its shipping and payment methods. These processes have been designed to be secure, fast, and easy to understand, although they do present important nuances.
- Simplified shippingSellers download a prepaid label and simply pack the product and deliver it to the designated pickup point. Package tracking is integrated into the app, providing peace of mind for both parties.
- Shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer.In most cases, the shipping cost is borne by the buyer, allowing sellers to offer more attractive prices without worrying about additional costs.
- Quick release of money: After confirmation of delivery and satisfaction by the buyer, the seller receives the money generally within 72 hours.
- Multiple payment methodsVinted accepts debit and credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, Diners, JCB) and, in some cases, PayPal, providing additional security in the event of a dispute. There is no direct fee for using these payment services, although there is a minimal transaction fee.
The most common Vinted reviews: negative opinions, scams, and problems
As with any secondhand platform, Vinted has also accumulated its fair share of negative reviews. It's essential to be aware of these points to set realistic expectations and avoid common problems.
- Poor customer serviceMany reviews point to Vinted's slow and ineffective support when a serious issue arises, such as lost packages, unreceived products, or disputes over damaged items. Response times are often long, and, according to testimonials, the answers are generic or unsatisfactory.
- Insufficient buyer protectionThere are documented cases where buyers have received items in worse condition than advertised, or even different ones, and dispute resolution has favored the seller, forcing the buyer to bear return costs or losing the money invested. Buyer protection is useful, but limited depending on the type of incident.
- Scams and fraudThe rise of the secondhand market has also brought with it new forms of fraud. Some users (mostly in isolated cases) receive different or empty products, or experience tampering during shipments. Among the advice most recommended by those affected, they highlight the importance of documenting the entire packaging and shipping process with photos, thoroughly reviewing the profiles you interact with, and being wary of users without reviews or recent activity.
- Product restrictionsVinted only allows the sale of secondhand items. It's not possible to sell completely new products or products outside the textile/accessories category, which limits opportunities for those looking to do business with new items or items in other categories (e.g., technology).
- Impossibility of face-to-face transactionVinted doesn't offer a cash-in option, which prevents direct payment and physical verification before launching the transaction. Everything must go through the shipping system and the app's intermediation.
How to avoid problems and scams when using Vinted: key tips
In response to the described problem cases, the community of users and consumer experts offers a series of essential recommendations To avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy your Vinted experience safely:
- Document the entire processTake photos of the product, its condition before shipping, the box, and the label after it was attached. If you're the buyer, record the opening of the package to record the contents.
- Review the profiles thoroughlyBe wary of sellers or buyers with few reviews, no photos, or additional information. Check reviews and look for signs of real, successful activity.
- Always use payment methods within VintedNever make payments or shipments outside of the platform, as you will lose all the protection that Vinted offers against scams.
- Be clear and precise in your adsIf you're a seller, add detailed information about sizes, measurements, defects, materials, and add real-life photos from multiple angles.
- Act quickly to incidentsIf a problem arises, open disputes within the timeframes provided and retain all documentation to present to customer service or consumer platforms, if necessary.
Real experiences and overall user ratings
User reviews reflect a mostly positive experience, although polarized by support and issue resolution issues. According to review sites and surveys, Vinted has a notable average rating (around 4,3 out of 5 based on verified reviews), with more than 70% of reviews receiving 5 stars. The most praised points are ease of use, speed, and contribution to the circular economy. Among the most criticized aspects are slow support, limited buyer protection, and fraud management.
Below are some outstanding testimonials from specialized platforms:
- Charity Pastor Sanchez: "Useful and simple app. I upload clothes, and as soon as someone is interested, communication is very easy. The app even translates the request or comment into another language. I'm happy because my clothes are used and I don't have to throw them away."
- Javier Fernández Martín: "SCAM. Unbelievable what happened to me with them. I scheduled delivery to a point of sale, the package didn't arrive, I filed a complaint, they made me fill out a form, and then they told me they delivered it to a neighbor? And they told me they couldn't do anything. Unbelievable. What a huge scam. If you have a problem, this is what awaits you: zero protection."
- Jaime López Bronchud: "Vinted is a fantastic option for finding a cost-effective, sustainable, and socially active way to buy and sell secondhand items. Vinted is an incredibly versatile and user-friendly platform that offers numerous benefits for both buyers and sellers, all in a very simple way."
- Manuel: Terrible customer service. They steal a hidden commission like insurance that's useless. If you have a problem, you have to pay the return shipping costs even if it's the seller's fault, and they play with your money for as long as they want. They don't accept PayPal because they're not a reputable company.
Vinted Vinted remains one of the go-to platforms for those looking to buy and sell secondhand clothing conveniently, quickly, and safely, as long as the appropriate precautions are taken and the platform is managed responsibly. Its ease of use, large user base, and commitment to the circular economy place it in a privileged position, although there is still room for improvement in customer service and incident management. The experience will largely depend on the care you take when selecting your contacts and documenting the processes, but if you're looking to refresh your wardrobe or make use of things you no longer use, Vinted is an attractive and popular option in Spain.
The worst technical support service of all the platforms on which I advertise. First they decide that an article of mine is false when I have presented the invoice and they agree with an unpresentable named «Vincent Bachmatiuk» (street 11 avenue Édouard Vaillant, Pantin FR) who attaches photos of another model that has nothing to do with him received by keeping the item and not paying for it »swindler like him alone and Vinted swallows the hook like a starving fish. After a year with Vinted and a monthly spending of 50 euros in advertising, they decide that I do commercial sale by selling different items, all of them second-hand and different and they block my account without prior notice because they think they have warned me about it and their system has not warned me of anything at all. Every time I spoke to an assistant about the same conversation, it was a different person who was unaware of the case and made a different decision than before. Well, I'm going to close my account but not without first taking all my clients to another platform since I have their emails. Again, you are the worst customer service I have received to date and I will let you know in all possible forums. Full-fledged scammers with no judgment or determination. "Sellers if you don't want to lose your clothes or your money, opt for another platform like Wallapop or Vibbo or Letgo or Pinkiz"
Good Morning. I've always sold for Wallapop, and great. To expand, I have tried Winted and have been ripped off. They bought me the ring in Paris, I send it, and since nobody has controlled what shipment or not, the buyer has decided to send a photo of the empty box, in which logically the ring was going, I don't know why it was stolen on the trip or he kept it to avoid paying it, so they have decided to believe him and I have run out of ring or money, a wonder.
I sold some Converse brand sneakers and the buyer to keep them claimed that they seemed fake; Vinted agreed with him and did not give me any kind of explanation despite the fact that I asked him many times; that he wanted them to explain to me what they had based on to allege that; Vinted never said anything to me; that way the buyer has kept my shoes for free.
Do not use this platform; the buyer receives the product, claims anything and Vinted always agrees with them; that way they keep your product by the face