3 days ago
I'm a Vinted expert – here's three ways sellers can avoid being left with no item AND no payment in new scam
And scroll down for the new Vinted rules to be aware of
SELL WELL I'm a Vinted expert – here's three ways sellers can avoid being left with no item AND no payment in new scam
WITH the rising costs making our wallets feel tighter than ever, millions of savvy Brits are on the lookout for easy ways to make some extra cash.
One such viral side hustle is Vinted - a platform similar to eBay and Facebook Marketplace where you can sell pre-loved clothing, technology and so much more.
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There's a new Vinted 'scam' that sellers are being warned about
Credit: Alamy
Since its launch in 2008 by two Lithuanians, the platform has grown massively - and in the UK alone, it has an astronomical 16 million users.
With sellers enjoying the benefit of listing without commission and the buyer dealing with the service fee of the postage, it's easy to see why the tech start-up has become such a major hit all over the world and amongst Brits.
But experts have warned of a growing 'buyer' scam targeting sellers.
Vinted users have taken to TikTok to share their experiences of buyers falsely claiming they received an empty package.
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With this in mind, Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator, has revealed his top tips for protecting your sales and avoiding being left out of pocket.
Double wrap your packages
As a seller, Marc says it's crucial you double wrap your items before shipping. Otherwise, Vinted is likely to side with the buyer, and you may end up without the item or payment.
He says: "Vinted's packaging rules state double wrapping, and by following them you can help tip the balance in your favour if a buyer lies about not receiving an item.
"To keep the process more environmentally friendly, reuse packaging from previous deliveries, such as zip bags or padded envelopes, to avoid adding waste to landfill sites or recycling centres."
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Collect photographic evidence
Next up, Marc advises taking a series of clear photos while packaging and shipping your packages to use if a buyer falsely claims an item wasn't received.
"Some Vinted sellers record themselves wrapping the package, ensuring visual proof of what was included and confirming that you followed the double wrapping practice", he says.
I've made £18k on Vinted & a hack means I don't have to hunt for bits I've sold
"This can help strengthen your case for disputes.
"Be sure to photograph the item before packaging, the item inside the package, the sealed package with the shipping label, and the package at the drop-off point.
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"It's best to include the address on the shipping label to make the package identifiable.
"If shipping via a post office that weighs the package, take a photo of the weight at home and again at the counter to help verify the item packaged.
"Mentioning to the buyer that the package has been shipped with photographic evidence recorded may help deter any scammers."
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Track your shipping
Finally, it's recommended to choose tracked shipping, as the tracking number verifies the package was both sent and delivered.
While tracking can't prove the package's contents, it can help support your case. When paired with photographic evidence, it helps create a reliable timeline and increases Vinted's trust in you as a seller.
Marc concludes: "Scammers are more likely to target sellers using basic shipping, because there's no proof of where the package went or when it arrived.
"While these lengths may seem excessive, these steps go a long way in protecting your profits and reputation on the platform."
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