Vinted: is secondhand clothing the future of fashion?
We are all guilty of being swept up in popular trends and purchasing clothing that ends up sitting unworn (or thereabout) in our wardrobe for years. Yet, as we become more attuned to easily-accessible, cheap-to-make clothing, we also contribute to the startling negatives of the fast fashion industry. As we all make more sustainable changes, there’s never been a better time to consider secondhand fashion, not only as a purchase point but as a means of disposing of our discarded clothing.
It's a great way to save and make money; if that isn’t convincing, we’re not sure what is!
Retail Fashion in Numbers
The reality is we all need to be more conscious about the products we purchase and how we dispose of them.
Secondhand Fashion
Sustainable fashion is better for the environment, your wallet, and your wardrobe.
By purchasing preloved clothing, you help to reduce the amount of pollution created by the fashion industry, minimising the amount of natural resources wasted each year. Items also cost significantly less than they would new (and who doesn’t love a good deal, right?).
It’s also a great way to experiment with your personal style without financial consequence. Try out the funky jumper or boots that might be too high. If you don’t fall in love, you can simply use a resale app to sell to another buyer and give the item a new lease of life! It really is that simple!
Vinted: seller-focused=bigger profit
When it comes to online marketplaces, Vinted is rising in popularity, specialising in the reselling of secondhand clothing, with a community-driven approach to fashion.
From trendy vintage finds to designer pieces at discounted prices, Vinted offers a diverse range of preloved clothing options for fashion enthusiasts of all tastes. By making secondhand shopping accessible and appealing, Vinted is reshaping the way we view and interact with fashion. It has an easy-to-use interface with a jumble sale feel, making online shopping as close to the real deal as possible.
While it makes browsing accessible and fun to do, their main priority is to incentivise selling, offering zero selling fees for users ensuring they get every penny of their sale. It also costs nothing to list, you simply take a picture and upload!
So, whether you’re making a profit on an unwanted Christmas present, or having a well overdue wardrobe clean out, there’s never been a better way to make a bit of extra cash.
How does Vinted work?
While Vinted is a great way to hunt for unique fashion finds, it can be tricky to navigate for first-time users - we’ve made an easy to follow guide to ensure you find the best pieces at secondhand prices and make sure you're items get snapped up.
Selling made simple - a guide for sellers
Find your neglected items
The first step in selling on Vinted is deciding exactly what you want to part with (remember, each sale is final so don’t part with something you’ll regret later). So start purging your wardrobe, looking under the bed, and tackling the cupboards!
It’s also a good practice to wash everything beforehand, too.
List it!
Listing items on Vinted couldn’t be simpler. All you need to do is download the Vinted app, take photos of your item, and describe it.
To ensure your items get snapped up quickly, there are a few general tips to follow:
- Make sure your photos are good quality and show the item in full
- Keep your description concise and factual (don’t try and hide any flaws, be as truthful with buyers as possible to make the experience as positive for everyone), and select the correct parcel size for your item
- Be realistic with your pricing - if you wouldn’t pay it, it’s unlikely others would either!
Set your price considering shipping costs (you can also select a meet-up option, too), press ‘Upload’, and your listing is live!
Remember, listing has no fees, so upload as many listings as you like (more listings means more money, after all).
Sell and ship
Engaging with potential buyers is key, so be responsive to messages and inquiries will result in a quicker sale (and a positive seller review at the end). You can also set discounts on bundled items to encourage buyers to snap up more of your items.
Once a buyer has snapped up your item, it's now up to you to safely package and ship their new fashion find.
I'm sure many of us have noticed the trend of 'interesting' Vinted packaging emerging across social media with everything from empty frozen food bags to Greggs wrappers being used to send parcels; while you can applaud the sustainable thinking, it's probably best to ship your items in a shipping envelope or even reuse one you have recently received.
Once safely packaged away, send your item to the new owner, keeping proof of purchase in case any issues arise later.
Now, all you have to do is wait for the buyer to approve the item once it arrives, and then you'll receive your money - it's that simple!
Safe shopping - a guide for buyers
Vinted provides a user-friendly shopping experience for buyers seeking unique preloved clothing and accessories. However, it may require some adjustment for those searching for specific items due to its seller-focused approach.
Make an online account
To begin, simply create an account on the Vinted app or website to access a vast array of wardrobe treasures. Use the platform's search and filter features to browse through an extensive selection of items, including everything from vintage finds to contemporary fashion staples.
Scrutinize and scrutinize, again
After finding items that interest you, take the time to carefully review the detailed product descriptions and images in the listings. Just like when making an in-person purchase, being well-informed is essential when making decisions, so be sure to closely examine the images, as buyers have to pay any return postage costs (even if the item is faulty or damaged).
A useful guideline is that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!
You can always engage with sellers, asking any questions and negotiating the price to ensure you get the best deal possible.
Get buying!
Once you've haggled your latest steal, all you have to do is await the arrival of your new wardrobe additions. You can expect the arrival of your new clothing items within 5-7 days.
Once your item arrives or is due to arrive, you will see two buttons:
- Everything is OK: Clicking this button will release your payment to the seller. The seller will not receive payment until you do this, so be sure to do it as quickly as possible!
- I have an issue: Clicking this button informs Vinted that you have a problem with your order and allows you to submit a claim. Do this within 2 days of receiving a notification from Vinted about the item’s delivery.
After receiving your preloved treasures, it's a good practice to leave feedback for the seller to support Vinted's thriving community and help fellow buyers make confident choices.
Then, enjoy your new piece of clothing with the knowledge you've made a sustainable fashion choice (and probably saved a considerable amount of money, too)!
Saving and making money while helping the planet; a win-win!
If you aren't convinced about joining the secondhand fashion craze after this post, I'm not sure what will convince you! Vinted is not only a great way to make money from clothing and accessories that take up space but is also a great way to grab items at a fraction of the original cost. Not only is it a great way to make and save money, but you are also doing so with the knowledge you are helping the environment, too.
So, instead of letting that ugly Christmas jumper or skirt which doesn't quite suit you go to a landfill, why not consider Vinted?