How to negotiate well on Vinted as a seller: accept or refuse an offer?

Introduction

On Vinted, negotiation is part of the game. On average, 70% of buyers try to negotiate the price before making a purchase. But how should you respond to an offer? Should you always accept to sell faster, or hold firm on your price?

After several years of experience on the platform, here’s my complete guide to mastering the art of negotiation on Vinted.

Understanding the Psychology of Vinted Buyers

Before responding to an offer, it’s essential to understand why buyers negotiate:

Bargain hunters make up the majority. They send systematic offers, often 20 to 30% below the listed price. They expect a refusal or a counter-offer.

Serious buyers make reasonable offers, usually 5 to 15% below. They genuinely intend to buy if you accept.

Curious buyers send very low offers to “test the waters.” They rarely make a purchase, even if you accept.

The Golden Rule: Never Accept the First Offer Immediately

Even if the offer suits you, wait a few hours before responding. Why?

First, it shows that you’re thoughtful and that your price isn’t artificially inflated. Second, the buyer waiting for a response remains mentally engaged in the purchase. Third, you maintain room for a potential counter-offer.

How to Set Your Bottom Price

Before even listing your item, define your bottom price: the minimum you’re willing to sell for.

To calculate it, consider the initial purchase price of the item, its current condition, the prices of similar items on Vinted, and how long you’re willing to wait.

A good rule of thumb: set your listed price 15 to 20% above your bottom price. This gives you room for negotiation while still reaching your goal.

When to Accept an Offer?

Accept an offer in these situations:

The offer is within 10% of your listed price. The item has been for sale for over 2 months with no interest. You need to free up space quickly. The buyer has an excellent profile with many positive reviews. It’s a seasonal item that will be difficult to sell later.

When to Refuse an Offer?

Politely refuse if the offer is more than 30% below your price. If the item was just listed (less than 2 weeks ago). If you already have several favorites on the item. If the buyer has few or no reviews.

The Art of the Counter-Offer

The counter-offer is your best tool. Here’s how to use it effectively.

If the buyer offers €30 on an item listed for €50, don’t drop directly to €35. Propose €45 first, then €42 if necessary. Each step shows that you’re making an effort.

Always accompany your counter-offer with a personalized message. For example: “Hello! Thank you for your offer. I can go down to €42; it’s an item in excellent condition that I’ve worn very little. What do you think?”

Magic Phrases for Negotiation

Here are phrases that work particularly well:

To accept: “That works for me! I’ll prepare the package as soon as I receive the payment.”

To politely refuse: “Thank you for your proposal, but I prefer to stick to my price for now. Feel free to come back if you change your mind!”

To counter-offer: “I understand, I can make an effort at [price]. That’s my best offer because the item is really in great condition.”

Handling Aggressive Negotiators

Some buyers are pushy or make disparaging remarks about your prices. Don’t let it rattle you.

Always remain courteous but firm. A simple “I understand that this price doesn’t work for you. Good luck with your search!” is sufficient.

Never lower your price under pressure. An aggressively negotiating buyer will often be a problematic buyer after the sale.

Bonus Tip: Bundling to Unlock a Negotiation

If a buyer hesitates on the price, offer them a bundle. “I see you also liked my blue sweater. I can do both items for [total price with discount] with combined shipping.”

This technique increases your average basket size while giving the buyer the impression of a good deal.

Conclusion

Negotiation on Vinted isn’t a battle; it’s an exchange. By setting your limits in advance and remaining courteous, you’ll maximize your sales while preserving your margin.

Remember: an item that doesn’t sell today will find its buyer tomorrow. Never undervalue your items out of impatience.

And you, what’s your negotiation strategy on Vinted? Share your tips in the comments!