Vinted, launched in France in spring 2013, became a popular platform for reselling second-hand clothing, often compared to Le Bon Coin for furniture and objects. The platform's practical search filters enabled users to find well-conditioned children's clothing or specific jeans models at half the retail price. However, recent concerns have led some to question whether Vinted remains a place for good deals. Reports indicate a clear increase in prices, the emergence of professional sellers, additional fees, repeated scams, and the ecological argument's diminishing appeal.
Vinted has expanded beyond clothing to include objects, toys, electronic devices, and high-tech items. The platform also allows professional resellers to open accounts, and many physical stores now display their inventory on Vinted. This shift has transformed the platform from a place for bargain hunting to one for enrichment, with some sellers making it their livelihood. As a result, prices have risen, and additional fees imposed by the platform have made deals less advantageous once shipping and insurance are factored in.
Social media has influenced pricing on Vinted, with items becoming more expensive than in stores due to trends on platforms like TikTok. For example, a basic Mark & Spencer jacket sold for 70 euros in stores was resold for nearly 100 euros on Vinted. Similarly, Legami pens from a Halloween collection were priced at 3.50 euros in stores but up to 400 euros on Vinted, supposedly due to being out of stock.
Environmental concerns have also been raised. A report by the NGO Oxfam published in September 2026 stated that buying on Vinted emits up to five times more CO₂ than in a solidarity shop due to increased logistics transports and packaging for small packages. The report contrasts profit-making second-hand shops with solidarity-based alternatives like Emmaüs or recycling centers.
Scams have become a significant issue on Vinted. Counterfeits, imitations, and items presented as "in very good condition" that are found stained or torn have been reported. Buyers can return items and get refunds, but sellers lack the same insurance protection, leaving them vulnerable to package thefts and other transport issues. This has led some users to leave the platform due to repeated negative experiences.
Alternatives to Vinted include platforms such as Smala, Le Reboucle, and Pop Dressing. Users can also opt for "hand-to-hand" transactions to avoid surprises and reduce the carbon footprint. Additionally, exploring real flea markets, closet clearances, Emmaüs shops, and recycling centers provides more sustainable options.
Vinted Faces Criticism Over Rising Prices, Scams and Environmental Impact
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