
How Vinted Works: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginner Sellers
Many people decide to sell used items as a way to declutter their wardrobes and earn extra money. Others turn it into a business, which is beneficial for both the environment and their profits. Vinted is a popular online marketplace that provides an excellent opportunity for this kind of business.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to sell on Vinted and compare it with similar platforms to help you make the best decision.
Table of contents
What is Vinted and How Does it Work?
Vinted is a Lithuanian online marketplace that operates across Europe, the U.K., and the U.S., specializing in secondhand stuff. With over 35 million users, Vinted has gained significant traction, with around three million downloads of the mobile app in October 2024 alone. While fashion makes up 84% of its Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV), the platform also sells electronics, making it a versatile option for sellers.
One of the key advantages of selling on Vinted is that there are no commissions for listings or sales, since fees are covered by the buyers. How does Vinted work? Sellers simply upload pictures of their items and ship them within five days after a sale. Once an item is delivered, the seller can access their earnings through the Vinted wallet.
While selling on Vinted might seem simple, it’s important to have a strategy in place to maximize your profits. Below, we’ll dive into how to get started on the platform.
How to Sell on Vinted in 2025: A Guide for Beginners
Whether you’re looking to sell clothes, shoes, or other types of items, there are a few key steps that are the same for all sellers.
#1 Choose Items to Start Selling
The first step is deciding what to sell. There are two main approaches to selecting a product:
Tip: Before you list your product, you need to check Vinted’s rules on what you can and cannot sell on the platform.
Selling your own items: If you're selling your own items, your selection will depend on what’s in your closet. Just make sure the clothes are in sellable condition.
Starting a business: If you plan to start a serious business, you need to start by researching what's in demand. Look at social media to see what kinds of items are popular right now. For example, the trendiest color for dresses in 2025 is cardinal yellow. Consider focusing on branded collections, since many customers are ready to pay a premium for top brands.
Note: Starting a business means you'll need to source items from somewhere. Consider exploring thrift stores, online marketplaces, or offline auctions to find great deals. Be sure to inspect the conditions carefully before making a purchase to avoid any issues down the road.
With the right products in hand, you can make money and scale your business successfully. Now we’ll take a look at the second step of selling on Vinted.
#2 Set Up a Vinted Account
To get started on Vinted, you need to be at least 18 years old. The registration process is quick and easy, and you can sign up using one of these methods:
Facebook
Google account
Apple ID
Alternatively, you can register with your email address by filling in your personal details. Once you register, make sure to link your Vinted wallet to your bank account or PayPal account. This is important to ensure that you get paid each time your items sell.
#3 Create High-Quality Listings
Once your account is set up, it's time to start listing your items. These are the key elements of an effective listing:
High-quality photos: You can upload up to five images per item. If there are any defects or signs of wear, be transparent and include close-up pictures of those areas. This helps to prevent potential disputes and refund requests later.
Description: Check how other sellers describe similar items and incorporate the keywords used by customers, so your descriptions align with the algorithm for better visibility. Be sure to accurately describe the item’s condition, size, and brand. Since buyers are protected under Vinted’s buyer protection policy, they can request compensation if an item is not as described.
Note: If you're selling branded items, be sure to follow Vinted’s specific guidelines to avoid any issues.
Price: Stay competitive but also ensure that you make a profit. You can refer to Vinted's price guide to see how similar items are priced and adjust accordingly.
Once your listing is up and running, you're ready to start selling.
#4 Manage Your Inventory and Postage Properly
Once a buyer places an order for your item, you have five business days to ship it to them. You can either get a USPS label through Vinted, or use your own shipping method. However, custom shipping is only available for certain item categories, so it will only appear as an option depending on the type of item you're selling.
In this case, make sure you use a reliable courier that offers tracking services, and always take extra care in packaging your items to ensure that they arrive safe. By shipping your products quickly and efficiently, you’ll increase your chances of receiving positive reviews, which will help you build trust with future customers and improve your reputation as a reliable vendor.
#5 Marketing and Promotion
Even the best items can go unnoticed if they’re not promoted properly, so it's important to use effective marketing strategies. Here are a few ways to give your listings the visibility they deserve:
Use Bump: Vinted offers its own promotion tool called "Bump," where you can pay a fee to increase the visibility of your listing for three or seven days. This ensures that your item appears higher in potential buyers' Newsfeeds and search results.
Leverage social media: Share links to your Vinted listings on your social media accounts to reach a larger audience. Engaging your followers with appealing photos and updates can generate interest.
Offer bundles: You can group similar items together, like clothing sets or accessories, and offer them at a discount compared to buying each piece individually. This not only encourages customers to buy more, but it also helps move inventory faster.
By combining these strategies, you can significantly expand your reach, and improve your chances of selling faster and more successfully.
By following these steps, you can start selling on Vinted. With its user-friendly platform, you can participate in the secondhand economy with ease and profit by reaching buyers looking for affordable, quality items.
Vinted vs. Other Marketplaces
It might be smart to also consider other marketplaces to reach more customers and increase your chances of making money. Below is an overview of three additional popular websites where you can sell secondhand items.
Vinted vs. Amazon
Amazon is definitely worthy of attention. While this site is primarily associated with new products, it’s legit to sell secondhand items as long as you state their condition clearly. Here are three reasons why Amazon can be a great alternative:
E-commerce leader: With over 300 million users, Amazon offers massive exposure for your products.
Streamlined logistics: You can take advantage of Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) to handle all of your storage, shipping, and customer service.
Higher price potential: Unlike Vinted where buyers expect discounts, Amazon allows you to set your prices based on demand, helping you earn more.
Additionally, Amazon provides advanced tools that can help to streamline your selling experience.
How Tools Can Help You Sell Successfully on Amazon
Success on Amazon requires strategy and preparation. This can be achieved with AMZScout PRO AI, which is a top choice among Amazon sellers. Here’s how this tool can improve your results:
In-depth product and market analysis: Apply various filters to assess profitability, competition, and demand, helping you make well-informed sourcing choices.
Instant niche and product insights: Utilize a built-in widget for quick evaluations, so you can gauge a product's potential at a glance.
Comparison feature: Automatically compare products based on key criteria to find the best options for sale.
If you're looking to expand beyond Vinted, Amazon is a scalable option with strong earning potential.
Vinted vs. Depop
Depop is a good choice for selling secondhand fashion items, especially if you're targeting a younger audience. Here’s why:
Strong customer base: Over 35 million users.
Reliable platform: Owned by Etsy, ensuring security and credibility.
Easy payouts: Receive payments directly via PayPal.
However, Depop comes with costs. Unlike Vinted which is free for sellers, Depop charges a 10% fee on the total transaction amount.
Vinted vs. Poshmark
Poshmark is another great option for selling fashion items, especially shoes and accessories. Key benefits include:
Simple listing process: Snap a photo, add a description, set a price, and list your item in just a few minutes.
Prepaid labels: Makes shipping easy and fast.
Engagement tools: Features like Posh Parties can boost your exposure, and Live Selling which lets you auction items live and engage buyers in real time.
However, Poshmark charges a 20% commission on sales, which is higher than Depop and significantly more than Vinted. Despite this fee, Depop has a high buyer demand, built-in marketing features, and seller protections make it a reliable platform worth considering.
By selling on multiple platforms, you reduce dependency, increase your overall earnings, and grow your business quickly.
FAQs
How many items can you list on Vinted?
There’s no strict limit to how many items you can list on Vinted, so you’re free to showcase as many items as you like. You can also bundle items in sets of up to five per listing, helping buyers to save on postage costs. However, prioritize the quality with which you present each item over simply listing numerous items at once, as clear, appealing photos and accurate descriptions are more likely to catch the attention of buyers.
Does Vinted take a percentage?
Vinted doesn’t charge a commission on sales or listings. Instead, it generates revenue through buyer-paid fees, which include a fixed service fee and a percentage based on the item price. However, if you exceed a certain sales threshold in your state, you may be required to pay taxes on your earnings, depending on the local tax laws.
What does bumped mean on Vinted?
On Vinted, being "bumped" refers to paying for a listing promotion. By purchasing a bump, your item gets featured higher in the Newsfeeds and search results, giving it more exposure. The cost of a bump varies based on the duration (three or seven days), the price of the item, and whether the boost targets customers locally or internationally. This service helps your product stand out and increases the chances of closing a deal.
What is the downside of Vinted?
Like any platform, Vinted has its pros and cons. One downside is the competitiveness, particularly in popular categories like clothing, which can make it harder to stand out. Additionally, you might have to wait a few days to receive payment, as the buyer has the option to cancel the order. For buyers, the return policy is not very favorable either — they can generally only return items if the seller agrees or if the item is significantly different than it was described.
Conclusion
While selling on Vinted can be profitable, consider expanding your reach by selling on other platforms as well. Amazon, for instance, is a top choice, partly because of the tools specifically designed to help sellers. For example, by using AMZScout for product selection, you can eliminate guesswork and choose the best things for your store. This approach can significantly increase your chances of building a successful business and making money.