By 2026, Vinted has 65 million users in Europe, many of whom are first-time buyers. The platform is generally safe — the Buyer Protection covers disputes — but 8 common mistakes appear in almost all reported complaints. Knowing these in advance can save you from endless refunds and disappointments.
This article is aimed at buyers. If you’re selling, check out Why Aren’t My Listings Selling?.
Mistake #1: Paying outside of Vinted
This is the number one cause of scams. A seller messages you privately saying, “send me money via PayPal/Lydia/bank transfer, I’ll charge you less.” You pay, and receive nothing — Vinted does not cover payments made off the platform.
The absolute rule: all payments must go through Vinted. If a seller insists on anything else, they are definitely up to no good — no exceptions.
Mistake #2: Not checking the seller’s ratings
Before making a purchase over €30, check:
- Average rating: < 4/5, run away
- Number of ratings: < 5, be cautious (a new account might be okay, but it could also be a scam)
- Last rating: if > 6 months, the account may be inactive
- Recent negative comments: read them, they reveal patterns
An honest seller with 50+ ratings at 4.8/5 or higher is a strong sign of trust.
Mistake #3: Relying on the stated size without checking measurements
Sizes vary greatly between brands:
- A 38 from Zara ≠ 38 from Sézane ≠ 38 from Maje
- A Japanese M from Uniqlo is a European S
- Vintage sizes (like Levi’s from the 80s) tend to run small
What to do before buying:
- Ask for flat measurements (shoulder width, length, bust circumference for tops)
- Ask for the inner dimensions for shoes (factory size ≠ actual size)
- Compare with a similar item you have at home
Free returns do not exist on Vinted — so a sizing mistake means a total loss or difficult resale.
Mistake #4: Falling for fake luxury
The second-hand luxury market on Vinted is fraught with traps. Beyond €200, the risk of counterfeits becomes real for highly faked brands:
- Sézane (yes, counterfeited since 2024)
- Goyard, Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, Dior
- Hermès Oran sandals (heavily counterfeited)
- Chanel sneakers
- Vintage Lacoste polos (fakes stamped)
How to protect yourself:
- Ask for photos of the inner label, serial number, and the bottom of the bag
- Check for consistency: a Chanel priced at €400 instead of €2,000 is suspicious
- For luxury items, prefer Vestiaire Collective (authentication included for items over €100). See Vinted vs Vestiaire vs Depop.
Mistake #5: Ignoring buyer protection fees
Next to the price displayed by the seller, Vinted automatically adds:
- Shipping fees (depending on the carrier you choose)
- Buyer protection fees (between €0.80 + 5.5% and €1.30 + 7% in 2026)
Example: an item listed at €35 could actually cost 35 + 4 (shipping) + 2.72 (protection) = €41.72 in total.
This is visible before confirmation, but many buyers overlook it. On a €5 item, fees can double the price.
Tip: for small items (< €10), bundle them in a lot from the same seller. Fees are shared. See How to Buy in Lots on Vinted.
Mistake #6: Not reading the entire description
Honest sellers mention defects at the end of the description: “small stains on the collar,” “repaired stitching,” “fits a bit tight at the hips.” The rushed buyer scrolls through the 5 photos and clicks without reading.
What to look for in the description:
- Actual condition (“like new” vs “very good condition” vs “good condition”)
- Mentioned defects
- Restrictions (shipping only to France, no cash on delivery, etc.)
- Sales pressure (“sold at full price tonight”)
If the description is one line long and there are few photos, ask for more before buying.
Mistake #7: Confirming receipt too quickly
Vinted asks you to “confirm receipt” after delivery. Don’t do it immediately. First, check:
- The item matches the photos
- The condition is as described
- The size matches the given measurements
- No stains, holes, or invisible damage in the photos
You have 2 days to report a problem via “Buyer Protection” after confirmation. Once validated, the money goes to the seller, and returning the item becomes nearly impossible.
In case of a problem:
- Take photos of the defect or discrepancy with the listing
- Open a dispute in Vinted within 2 days
- Return the item using the automatic tracking
- Vinted refunds within 3-5 days
Mistake #8: Ignoring common scams
Three recurring scams seen in 2025-2026:
The “ghost seller”
An account created 2 days ago, 0 ratings, listing 30% below market price. You pay, and the seller never sends anything. Vinted refunds you, but you lose 8-15 days.
Prevention: at least 5 positive ratings + account > 30 days old.
The “empty package”
The seller does send a package, but it’s empty or contains a lesser value item (a rag instead of a bag). The buyer receives it, reports it, and Vinted checks via the photos.
Prevention: open the package in front of a neighbor or film it if the item is expensive (> €100).
The “fake return address”
A scam seller asks for a return to an invalid address. The package never arrives, the seller claims “I didn’t receive anything,” and Vinted asks you for proof of return.
Prevention: use only the Vinted return system (automatically generated label, no manual address).
FAQ
Is Vinted safe for buyers? Overall yes. Buyer Protection covers 95% of disputes. Remaining scams come from off-platform payments (never), counterfeits (check brand + price consistency), and ghost seller accounts (ratings can be verified before purchase).
How long does Vinted take to refund? 3-5 days after opening a validated dispute. For complex disputes (counterfeits, disagreements on condition), expect 10-14 days.
Can I negotiate the price of a Vinted item? Yes, via the “Make an Offer” button. 73% of buyers negotiate at least once. Sellers typically accept an average of -8 to -15% off the listed price.
What should I do if I receive an item with an unmentioned defect? Photos first. Open a Vinted dispute within 2 days, request a refund. If the defect is minor (size, slightly different color), many sellers will accept a partial refund to avoid a return.
Can I buy on Vinted without creating an account? No. Creating an account is mandatory and free. It requires an email + password + acceptance of the terms of service.
In summary
The 8 main mistakes to avoid for a first purchase on Vinted:
- Paying off-platform = guaranteed theft
- Not checking seller ratings = maximum risk
- Buying without asking for measurements = wrong size
- Falling for fake luxury = total loss, few recourses
- Underestimating fees = surprise at checkout
- Not reading the description = hidden defects
- Confirming receipt too quickly = no recourse afterward
- Ignoring common scams = ghost accounts, empty packages
With these reflexes, the risk drops to <1% per purchase. The platform remains one of the safest for second-hand fashion in Europe.
Next to read: How to Buy in Lots on Vinted · What to Do if the Buyer Doesn’t Pick Up Their Package · Vinted vs Vestiaire vs Depop
