Amid the increasing consciousness of sustainability and cost-effectiveness of clothing in 2024 and the plans to reduce emissions for years to come, platforms like Vinted have carved out a niche in the circular economy. This online marketplace for pre-loved fashion has revolutionized how people shop and become a thriving hub for side hustlers seeking to earn from second-hand clothing.
Whether you’re decluttering your wardrobe or starting a resale venture, Vinted offers a straightforward way to transform fashion into a sustainable income stream.
The Origins of Vinted: A Quick History
Vinted was founded in 2008 in Lithuania by Milda Mitkute and Justas Janauskas. Mitkute, inspired by the need to downsize her wardrobe during a move, envisioned a platform for selling and exchanging pre-loved clothing. Janauskas, a tech-savvy friend, helped bring the idea to life, launching Vinted as a simple website in Vilnius.
The company had expanded to Germany by 2010 and quickly gained traction, thanks to its user-friendly platform and focus on sustainability. Over time, it refined its features, including removing seller fees and adding buyer protection, fostering trust and community engagement.
Now active in approximately 20 countries, such as the U.S., United Kingdom, France, Poland, and the Czech Republic, with over 100 million members, Vinted is a global leader in second-hand fashion. Originally a local initiative, it has become a key player in the circular economy, promoting sustainable fashion while empowering users worldwide.
The Rise of Pre-Loved Fashion
The global second-hand clothing market is booming. According to recent analysis conducted by Statista, the global market value of second-hand and resale apparel is set to rise roughly by 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2026, and its current estimated value is said to be worth 197 billion dollars. Much of this growth is fueled by eco-conscious consumers who see value in extending the life cycle of garments. Vinted capitalizes on this shift, encouraging users to “sell what they don’t wear” while promoting a guilt-free shopping experience for buyers.
With over 100 million users worldwide, Vinted has transformed the resale market into an accessible space for anyone with an internet connection. Its user-friendly platform and zero seller fees set it apart from competitors like Depop or eBay, making it particularly appealing for casual sellers, those seeking to narrow down choices in their side hustle search, and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.
How Vinted Works
Vinted operates on a simple premise: connect sellers of second-hand items with buyers looking for bargains or rare finds. Sellers list items by uploading photos, descriptions, and prices, while buyers browse and purchase directly through the app. Once an item is sold, the buyer covers the shipping cost, and Vinted provides a prepaid shipping label for added convenience.
Key features of Vinted include:
- No Selling Fees: Sellers retain 100% of the sale price.
- Built-In Shipping Options: Simplifies the logistics of getting items to buyers.
- Buyer Protection: A small fee ensures secure transactions and dispute resolution.
For those looking to dive deeper into resale, Vinted’s streamlined approach minimizes overhead, allowing sellers to focus on maximizing return values for their items.
A Sustainable Approach to Fashion
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries globally, accounting for 10% of annual carbon emissions.
Platforms like Vinted provide an antidote to fast fashion by extending the life cycle of garments and reducing waste. Selling or buying pre-loved items significantly lowers the demand for new production, conserving resources like water and energy.
Vinted’s emphasis on community-driven selling also fosters a sense of responsibility among users, aligning personal gain with environmental impact. Every item sold and reused represents a small but meaningful step toward a more sustainable future.
In 2023, Vinted avoided 679,691 tonnes of CO2e, which is the equivalent of jetting between London and Los Angeles on 512,414 flights.
Buying a second-hand item over new avoids average emissions of 1.25kg CO2e. For example, one Vinted user sold 71 fashion items in 2023, which helped buyers avoid potential emissions of about 88.75kg CO2e. That’s the same amount of CO2 generated to charge 5,857 smartphones.
Side Hustling on Vinted
For many, Vinted has become more than a platform for decluttering wardrobes – it’s one of the most popular side hustles in 2024. The key to success lies in strategic selling, which involves effectively sourcing, listing, and marketing items.
Sourcing Inventory
Some Vinted sellers begin by clearing out their closets, while others turn to thrift stores, clearance racks, or even online bulk buying to source inventory. The goal is to identify pieces with resale potential – high-quality, timeless, or branded items often perform best.
Creating Compelling Listings
A standout listing includes clear photos, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing. Sellers should highlight each item’s brand, size, material, and condition to attract buyers. Well-lit photos taken against a neutral background can significantly boost visibility.
Pricing Strategically
Pricing is a balancing act. Too high, and items might not sell; too low, and profits shrink. Sellers often research similar listings on Vinted to gauge the market rate for their items, adjusting prices as needed to remain competitive.
Promoting Listings
Vinted offers optional promotion features, such as bumping/boosting listings to appear higher in search results. While these come at a small cost, they can enhance visibility and drive sales, particularly for sellers managing larger inventories.
Challenges and Tips for Aspiring Sellers
While Vinted offers plenty of opportunities, sellers should be prepared for occasional challenges. Common issues include buyers disputing items or delays in shipping. Transparency is key – accurately describing items and maintaining open communication can help avoid misunderstandings.
Here are a few tips for navigating Vinted effectively:
- Stay Active: Regularly updating listings and responding promptly to inquiries boosts visibility.
- Leverage Seasonal Trends: Certain items, like coats in winter or dresses in summer, perform better during specific times of the year.
- Bundle Discounts: Offering discounts for multiple-item purchases can encourage buyers to spend more.
Is Vinted Right for You?
Whether you’re a casual seller looking to clear out your wardrobe or an ambitious entrepreneur seeking a side hustle, Vinted offers a versatile platform to explore.
Its zero seller fees, intuitive interface, and eco-friendly mission make it a standout choice in the second-hand marketplace.
As the pre-loved fashion movement continues to gain momentum, Vinted remains at the forefront. With its combination of sustainability, style, and opportunity, this platform isn’t just a place to buy and sell clothes; it’s a gateway to a more mindful way of living.
