Expert warns of risks when buying tech devices on Vinted
While it might seem pretty harmless to pass on your old phone or tablet, you should think twice, warns Antonia Hristov, Head of Marketing at the mobile phone recycling comparison site Compare and Recycle.
'Selling tech on second-hand marketplaces means you'll need to create your own listing with high-quality photos of your device, alongside responding to potential buyers' questions - not to mention them haggling for lower prices', says Antonia.
A post shared by Vinted (@vinted)
Antonia, from Compare and Recycle, explains that while Vinted does have an Electronics Verification service, it comes at an additional cost of £5 and 'only covers the functionality, condition, attributes and authenticity of devices.'
Without paying for it, Antonia explains that there's no way to ensure the device you've purchased will arrive as claimed by the seller.
Concerningly, research from Which? shows that a third of buyers and a fifth of sellers have experienced a marketplace scam in the past two years.
Even if they do buy marketplace premium protections, Antonia added: 'Buyers could also be at risk of buying a device that is still under finance.
'Doing so could mean the phone might be locked to a specific network, and if the previous owner stops making their monthly payments, the phone would likely be blacklisted using the IMEI number by the lender.'
Antonia continued: 'Similarly, sellers could be at risk of personal data being left on a device if the seller fails to perform data erasure, which will mean that buyers won't be able to have full access to the device, and the seller could potentially be exposed to data misuse."
To avoid any potential issues with selling tech, Antonia advises that: 'Peer-to-peer sales can be great with low-risk items like clothing, but for tech, it's always best to use specialist tech recycling companies like those listed on Compare and Recycle.
'While selling on marketplaces like Vinted might seem convenient - especially if you're a frequent user - choosing a tech recycling site for selling second-hand devices is a better option because it is low effort for the seller and recyclers verify, test, and securely erase data, without hidden or additional protection fees.'
Vinted outlines the electrical items you can sell which include mobile phones, landline phones, accessories including phone cases and chargers plus tablets and e-readers.
Recommended reading:
11 side hustles to make the most of the HMRC proposed changes
HMRC issues £1000 warning to Ebay, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace and Etsy users
Cadbury to release 'indulgent' new Advent calendar that's already causing a stir
You can also sell bigger electrical items like TVs, satellite dishes, DVD players and more.
It doesn't stop there though as you can also sell hair styling tools, electric razors, headphones, game consoles and more.
See the full list of electronic devices you can sell on Vinted via the website (linked above).
Newsquest has contacted Vinted for comment.
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