Vinted is an online marketplace app where users can buy and sell items. The app is for users aged 18+.
The platform’s focus on the exchange of money and goods creates a risk of scammers. Learn more about Vinted and how to keep your child safe.
Vinted is a marketplace app which lets users buy and sell secondhand clothing. While most listings feature secondhand clothing, users might find other items. For example, some sellers now list non-clothing products such as electronics or pet care items.
Users can sell old or unwanted clothing on the Vinted app while making money. The app can also serve as a way for people to buy clothes at a lower price point than buying new.
Additionally, shopping secondhand can benefit the environment. This is because it lowers the need for new clothing production and reduces the number of clothes thrown away. However, it is not all positive, as some Vinted users have reported encountering scammers on the platform.
To use Vinted, you must be at least 18 years of age. However, there is no actual age-verification process. Because of this, under-18s could enter a false birthdate and use the app if they have a connected form of payment.
If an under-18 wants to use Vinted, a parent should register an account and supervise their child while they use it.
Vinted can be used on a web browser or through the Vinted app. Upon opening the app, you must create a profile using an email address. Once you do this, you must verify the email address. Then, the app will prompt you to list your first item.
However, you can press the X in the top corner of this screen to leave it if you’re not selling anything. Back on the homepage, can explore Vinted’s other features.
On the homepage there are listings which the app shows users using an algorithm based off previous searches.
To find more items, users can search for what they want in the search bar at the top of the page. From here, users can filter results even further, based on product category, price, condition and more.
When a user finds a listing they’re interested in, they can purchase it at the price shown. Alternatively, Vinted lets you make an offer or message the seller directly.
Listing items for sale on Vinted is easy and can be done by any user. Users can do this by clicking the ‘Sell an item’ button in the centre of the homepage. They can then upload up to 20 photos of the item, give it a description and set a price to list it instantly.
You do not need to add bank account details until after the product sells.
On the Vinted app users have an inbox widget. This is where buyers and sellers can send and receive messages from others. Any user can message other accounts simply by searching their username or going onto one of their listings.
These messages do not have to relate to a listing; users can send them without the recipient’s consent. Users can report any account which sends them unwanted messages or product listings.
Vinted requires a minimum age of 18 for users. This is primarily because the app includes the exchange of money and items. However, other aspects of the app could also pose a risk to young people who manage to use the app.
As Vinted is a marketplace app, everything a user sees on the site is available to buy. The Vinted algorithm showing users listings based on other items they browsed. As such, a user will see numerous listings for clothes that suit their style. This can lead to overspending, especially if they struggle to manage their money.
There is a risk of encountering inappropriate content on Vinted. As all users can message any other account, users might receive inappropriate or harmful messages in their inbox. A user can report any other accounts that send harmful messages, but they will still face exposure to the content.
Vinted has rules in place against selling adult items such as sex toys and pornographic imagery. However, this is not always moderated strictly. As such, users can find these items for sale on the app.
Vinted has attracted criticism for the number of scammers on the platform. These scams can happen on either side of transactions.
Some buyers will falsely claim the item they received was fake, so that they get their money refunded and get to keep the item. Others sellers send an item different to the one listed, like sending a piece of paper instead of clothing. This means their order will show that the buyer has received the item. As such, the target will struggle to complain or get a refund.
Young people might not have the critical thinking skills to spot a fraudulent listing, making it risky for them to use Vinted.
As Vinted is only for 18+ users, children and teens should not use the app. If your child expresses interest in using the app to buy or sell clothes, have the following conversations with them.
