How does vinted work

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Vinted is a peer-to-peer online marketplace founded in 2008 in Lithuania, where users can buy, sell, and swap secondhand clothing and accessories. The platform operates on a commission-free model for sellers, charging buyers a small fee per transaction plus payment processing costs. As of 2023, Vinted has over 80 million registered users across 20+ markets, with France, Germany, and the UK being its largest markets. The company was valued at approximately €4.5 billion after its latest funding round in 2021.

Key Facts

Founded in 2008 in Vilnius, Lithuania by Milda Mitkutė and Justas Janauskas
Operates in 20+ countries including France, Germany, UK, Spain, Netherlands, and Poland
Over 80 million registered users as of 2023
Company valuation reached €4.5 billion in 2021
Charges buyers a buyer protection fee (typically 3-8%) plus payment processing fee (around €0.70)

Overview

Vinted is a Lithuanian-founded online marketplace that revolutionized secondhand fashion commerce through its peer-to-peer model. Launched in 2008 by Milda Mitkutė and Justas Janauskas in Vilnius, the platform initially focused on helping students trade clothing locally before expanding internationally. The company's growth accelerated significantly after receiving €128 million in funding in 2019, allowing expansion across Europe. By 2021, Vinted had become Europe's largest online C2C marketplace for secondhand fashion, with particular dominance in France where it captured approximately 50% of the online secondhand clothing market. The platform's success reflects broader trends toward sustainable consumption, with the secondhand apparel market projected to grow 127% by 2026 according to ThredUp's 2023 Resale Report.

How It Works

Vinted operates through a straightforward mobile-first platform where users create profiles to list items for sale. Sellers upload photos, set prices, and describe their secondhand clothing, shoes, or accessories. Unlike many marketplaces, Vinted doesn't charge sellers commission fees or listing fees. Instead, the platform generates revenue through buyer protection fees (typically 3-8% of the sale price) and fixed payment processing fees (around €0.70 per transaction). Once a buyer purchases an item, Vinted provides prepaid shipping labels through partnerships with carriers like Mondial Relay in France or Hermes in Germany. The platform holds payment in escrow until the buyer confirms receipt, with a 48-hour window for inspection. Vinted also offers integrated messaging for negotiation, a "bundle" feature for combining multiple purchases, and automated pricing suggestions based on similar sold items.

Why It Matters

Vinted's impact extends beyond commerce to environmental sustainability and changing consumer behavior. The platform facilitates circular fashion by extending clothing lifespan, with users reporting an average of 5 additional wears per purchased item. This directly reduces textile waste, with Vinted estimating that each secondhand purchase saves approximately 1kg of CO2 emissions compared to new clothing production. Economically, Vinted has created micro-entrepreneurship opportunities, with top sellers generating thousands in supplemental income. The platform's social features, including community forums and style inspiration, have fostered a culture of conscious consumption among younger demographics. As fast fashion faces increasing scrutiny, Vinted represents a scalable alternative that aligns with EU sustainability goals while providing affordable fashion access.