Vinted was once built around flogging old boots and blouses, but it’s now an ecommerce empire almost on the scale of eBay. While still very much focused on well-loved items, the site also allows commercial sellers to sell brand new goods.
This means that like eBay, professional sellers have taken to Vinted in their droves, whether acquiring and reselling used goods, or selling their own products and crafts.
Becoming a commercial seller requires you to own a business, making formation a mandatory step for anyone who’s serious about selling on Vinted.
Below we’ll explore what the process of selling on Vinted as a commercial seller looks like, and a few of the steps you will need to take to make your new venture official.
What is Vinted (and why do people like it)?
Vinted is a digital marketplace that connects sellers and buyers of pre-loved items, particularly fashion, accessories, homeware, and more. Originally founded in Lithuania, it’s since expanded across many European markets, and become a leading platform for both new and second-hand goods. Unlike sites focused on vintage designer goods, Vinted is more mainstream, appealing to a broad user base that wants quality clothes at affordable prices.
One of the biggest draws of Vinted is its community. Trust is at the forefront of the buying experience on Vinted, with sellers providing honest descriptions, uploading photos, and disclosing any defects, which buyers can review and negotiate over. Because it’s built for second-hand sales, the cost of goods for a seller can also be relatively low (if you source smartly), and the overheads are typically much lower than running a traditional e-commerce shop.
Sustainability is also a central value for many Vinted users. Shoppers increasingly prefer pre-owned items for environmental reasons, while many people also feel that retro clothing and other items are of higher quality than items produced today. By selling on Vinted, business owners can not only cater to that trend, but also avoid the issues with fast fashion, and tap into consumer demand for more circular, eco-conscious commerce.
How Vinted differs from Etsy and eBay
While Etsy is often associated with handmade or artisan products, and eBay spans new, used, and refurbished goods, (For more information on Etsy, see our article: Guide to setting up an online Etsy shop).
Vinted specialises in second-hand fashion and accessories. This has given it a clear niche that it retains even now that new items can be sold, and has attracted a specific audience that may not use other marketplaces.
One great benefit of Vinted is that there are no listing fees for Pro accounts. With Vinted Pro (more on that below), you can list an unlimited number of items without per-item fees. That’s different from many platforms where each listing costs something, increasing costs for high-volume sellers.
Given that Vinted’s user base is already interested in reselling and buying pre-loved goods, you’re also not creating demand from scratch so much as plugging into a ready-made audience. This immediate visibility and huge potential market can help your business scale more quickly, and get your venture off the ground.
Finally, Vinted has a huge appeal in terms of sustainability. Vinted’s second-hand ethos speaks to more environmentally conscious consumers, something that is less central on broader platforms like eBay. With many people feeling that the quality of new goods is getting worse, and that fast fashion is an environmental issue, selling on Vinted can mean doing your bit to change that.
With all of this said, Vinted’s model can also be limiting. It’s less suited to brand-new, made-to-order products (which are more common on Etsy), and it doesn’t have the same global reach or general audience as eBay in some markets. But for resellers who want to operate professionally within Europe, its focus can make it a powerful choice.
Is Vinted right for your business?
You might choose Vinted if:
- You’re reselling second-hand or vintage items.
- You have access to stock from charity shops, clearance racks, or unsold inventory.
- You want a platform that aligns with sustainability and eco-conscious customers.
- You’re ready to run a business (or side hustle) with flexible inventory and relatively low cost of entry.
- You want to reach a European audience with a platform tailored for used goods.
If, on the other hand, you make custom, handmade items or dropship new products in bulk, platforms like Etsy or your own e-commerce store may make more sense.
It’s also important to know where Vinted operates. The platform is currently limited to Italy, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Portugal, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the UK. This could limit your potential audience, which may be problematic depending on the nature of the goods you intend to sell.
Starting your Vinted business: a step-by-step guide
1. Register your business legally
Before you dive in, you’ll need to assess your local formation requirements. To sell on Vinted as a professional in Europe, you’ll generally need to be a registered business, such as a sole trader or limited company. Vinted Pro requires you to declare your business legally, and in several countries you need to display your business number and other formal information. For more information, just download our free guide to starting a business in Europe.
You should also check your VAT obligations. Vinted Pro sellers must include VAT in their listing prices when VAT applies, and register for VAT if they exceed certain thresholds. Here at Euro Start Entreprises, we can help you with both of these steps, guiding you through the local formation process, and connecting you with expert accountants across Europe. To get you started, take a look at our article How to set up a VAT number in a foreign country for ecommerce entrepreneurs.
2. Create your Vinted account
First, sign up on Vinted (via the app or web). You can create either a standard user account or a Pro account, depending on your plan.
If you’re running a business, you should register as a Pro Seller. Vinted’s Pro tier is specifically for companies, sole traders or non-profits in eligible European markets.
3. Apply for Vinted Pro
To register for Pro, you’ll need to submit specific business documentation, such as your company registration number. Once approved, you will be tagged as a “Pro” seller, which will be clearly visible to buyers, helping build trust and legitimacy.
Pro sellers have to comply with certain rules. For instance, they must give accurate descriptions, disclose any damage to products, and include VAT as required. You’ll also need to set up “Additional Policies” in Vinted’s Pro Account settings, defining things like your returns policy, shipping policy, and deposit conditions.
4. List your products
Start by preparing your inventory. Take high-quality photos, ideally from several angles, and be very honest about any wear or flaws. Vinted’s catalogue rules require sellers to disclose the essential characteristics and condition of listed items.
When you list something, make sure to write clear, accurate descriptions, and set a fair price for your goods. Since you are a Pro seller, you’ll need to make sure your listing price includes any VAT or tax that you must charge, and that the buyer protection fee is accounted for within your margins.
5. Manage shipping wisely
One of Vinted’s strengths is its built-in shipping infrastructure. As a Pro seller, you’ll often have access to more cost-effective shipping options that you can offer to buyers. Make sure you understand how shipping is handled in your country, and whether Vinted offers discounted services for sellers.
6. Stay compliant and tax-aware
Because you’re operating as a business on Vinted, you will need to maintain professional standards. Issue invoices when required, report VAT, and pay any required taxes in your jurisdiction. In many EU countries, when your cross-border sales exceed €10,000, you may need to use your local OSS (One-Stop-Shop) for VAT reporting.
7. Build trust and reputation
As you gain experience, focus on building high-quality customer relationships. Reply quickly to buyer questions, ship promptly, and ensure your return policy is clear and compliant. Trust and transparency are vital in a second-hand marketplace.
Happy customers are more likely to leave good reviews, recommend you to others, and come back for more, all increasing the visibility and trustworthiness of your Vinted shop.
Tips for success on Vinted
- Bundle listings. Offer buyers discounts for multiple items to increase your average order value—this tactic works well for clothing or accessory bundles.
- Re-list strategically. If something doesn’t sell, consider updating photos or adjusting the price. Sometimes refreshing older listings boosts visibility.
- Use clear photos. Good lighting, clean backgrounds, and honest presentation of wear or faults help build buyer trust.
- Optimise your timing. Listing in the evenings or on weekends may help your items reach more buyers, as browsing tends to peak at these times.
- SEO in descriptions. Use relevant keywords like brand, size, condition, and style in the title and description so buyers can easily find your items.
The risks and pitfalls of Vinted
Running a business on Vinted isn’t risk-free. Some sellers have reported issues signing up for Pro, or delays in verification. Your payouts may also take longer than you’re used to, with Pro sellers often being subjected to a 14-day waiting period after an item is marked as delivered before funds are released.
Another thing to keep in mind is compliance. If you're a professional seller, you need to take care to follow Vinted’s Pro Terms, Catalogue Rules, and your country’s consumer laws. Mistakes (such as unclear additional policies or mis-declared VAT) could lead to issues with Vinted, or with legal authorities.
Getting minted with Vinted
As European consumers increasingly embrace sustainability, second-hand marketplaces are booming. A Vinted business allows you to ride that wave: reducing waste, offering great value to customers, and capitalising on a trusted and growing platform. For entrepreneurs with an eye for quality stock, the costs to get started are relatively modest compared to building a brand from scratch, and the potential reach is enormous.
Euro Start Entreprises can help you navigate the legal, tax, and business-formation steps needed to build your own business on Vinted. We can assist with company set-up, VAT registration, and structuring your venture in a way that sets you up to succeed. To learn more and enquire about starting a Vinted business in Europe, get in touch with us today.
