For those who love uploading their pre-loved fashion finds to Vinted, a sharp warning has been sounded about scams on the app that could leave users significantly out of pocket.
With the surge in popularity for second-hand shopping, platforms such as Vinted and Depop are reportedly becoming prime targets for scammers.
The main headache for sellers using these platforms includes issues related to product liability and complications with delivery- elements that can critically jeopardise your sales. With scam incidents on the up, numerous sellers stand to lose money unless they adopt strong safety measures.
Experts from Bionic’s insurance division caution second-hand merchants, specifically those who trade on sites like Vinted, to consider getting insurance cover to safeguard their dealings as the appetite for pre-owned goods skyrockets.
A TikTok user recently raised an alarm on the app, revealing that her sister was financially disadvantaged after a high-end bag she sold went missing, reports the Liverpool Echo.
In the caption of her video, @imtheproblem disclosed: “A quick google / tiktok search will show this is unfortunately a common occurrence” and expressed her desire for people to be “aware” that “vinted are unfortunately losing many peoples designer items.”
Several others in the comments told similar stories. “Me too, I lost my Gucci bag,” one user commented, while another lamented: “Same thing happened to me with a Vivienne Westwood handbag. It went missing for 6 weeks!”
Someone else said: “I sold my engagement dress which was quite expensive, the tracking showed that it got delivered but the buyer claimed that she did not receive it and does not recognise the picture as proof, vinted refunded the buyer and I lost my dress and the money. They said they can’t help me any further.”
In a similar vein, TikTok user @depopdrama shared an incident where selling designer glasses turned sour when the buyer alleged the glasses were missing from the package – insisting on a full refund and leaving the seller empty-handed.
A Vinted spokesperson has stated that the issue involving the TikToker has been sorted out. The statement clarified: “Vinted handles all items sent in via its Item Verification service with the utmost care and every item and its accompanying pieces are meticulously tracked and logged at every stage of the transaction, so we can always account for an item’s status and whereabouts at any time.”
The spokesperson further assured customers that should any item go missing during transit or within their Verification Hub, members will be compensated according to Vinteds Refund Policy and T&Cs.
To address any worries, the spokesperson also mentioned: “If members have any concerns about their items, Member Support can be reached directly via the app for a personal investigation into their case.”
Moreover, Laura Court-Jones, part of the insurance team at Bionic, put forward some advice for sellers to protect themselves on Vinted and other online marketplace platforms.
Take out insurance
To safeguard themselves beyond the protection limitations of second-hand selling platforms, sellers should consider additional insurance options that cover product liability and delivery issues, ensuring they’re not left out of pocket.
For instance, Goods-in-Transit Insurance provides compensation for parcels lost or damaged during shipping, offering peace of mind beyond platform protections.
Use tracked shipping
Employing tracked shipping enables sellers to oversee the delivery process and confirm when an item has been delivered, providing a clear record in case of disputes.
This offers an extra layer of protection, ensuring both the seller and buyer can verify the item’s location at each delivery stage.
Take photos and document items
Taking photographs and documenting each item before shipping creates proof of its condition and authenticity, which can be used to resolve disputes if buyers claim damage or misrepresentation.
This additional step protects sellers by providing visual evidence to counter ‘false’ claims or fraudulent refund requests.
Be more vigilant
It’s also prudent for sellers to familiarise themselves with common buyer scams, such as claims of missing or damaged items, to better recognise fraudulent tactics.
Being alert to these schemes can help sellers avoid losing both their product and payment by preparing for potential disputes.