What is Vinted and How Does It Work?

Imagine you’re clearing out your wardrobe in Bhopal, and rather than letting clothes sit, you want a hassle-free way to turn them into cash. You open an app, snap a few photos, list the items, and a buyer halfway across Europe picks them up. That’s exactly what Vinted enables — the global second-hand marketplace where one person’s clutter becomes another person’s find.

Vinted began in 2008 in Vilnius, Lithuania, founded by Milda Mitkutė and Justas Janauskas. From humble beginnings as a clothes-swapping site it has grown into a major Pan-European platform — today operating in 20+ countries, boasting over 100 million registered users, and generating €813.4 million in revenue in 2024. 

As of 2025, Vinted is more than just a marketplace — it’s a technology-driven platform, logistic network, payments facilitator and a major player in the rising “recommerce” economy (resale + circular consumption).

What is Vinted? The Simple Explanation

Vinted is a peer-to-peer online marketplace where people can buy, sell, and swap second-hand fashion and lifestyle items directly from each other — think of it as the “Airbnb for clothes.”

Core Problem It Solves
It solves two key issues:

1. **Clutter & Waste Reduction **— people can easily declutter and earn money instead of discarding usable items.
2. **Affordable Sustainability **— buyers access branded clothing, shoes, and accessories at up to 70 % off retail prices.

Target Users & Use Cases
Vinted targets eco-conscious consumers, bargain hunters, and young fashion-forward shoppers aged 18 to 40 who prefer sustainable choices. Common use cases: selling old Zara or Nike pieces, thrift shopping for designer brands like Gucci at lower prices, and trading kids’ clothes that no longer fit.

Current Market Position (2025)

• 100 + million registered users
• €813 million revenue in 2024
• Active in 20 countries including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the U.S.
• One of Europe’s largest second-hand fashion apps with growing presence in the U.S.
  

Why It Became Successful
Vinted capitalized on the circular fashion trend early, built a simple UI, and eliminated listing fees — making it effortless to sell. Its community-driven trust system and Vinted Go (logistics network) also simplify shipping and returns, which traditional classified apps struggle with.

How Does Vinted Work? Step-by-Step Breakdown

For Users (Buyers & Sellers)

1. Account Creation Process
Users download the Vinted app (iOS / Android) or visit Vinted.com. They sign up using email, Google, or Apple ID, then personalize their profile with photos, clothing sizes, and location to get localized results.

2. Main Features Walkthrough

• List Items Easily: Snap a few photos, write a short description, set a price, and post for free.
• Smart Search & Filters: Users browse by brand, size, price, or condition.
• In-App Messaging: Negotiations happen through chat before purchase.
• Secure Payments: Buyers pay through Vinted Balance or card; the payment is held in escrow until delivery confirmation.
• Integrated Shipping: Vinted automatically generates prepaid shipping labels with trusted carriers (like Evri or Mondial Relay).

3. Typical User Journey (Example)
Emma lists her Levi’s denim jacket for $40. Ben in Berlin finds it, pays through Vinted, and receives the shipping label automatically. Once Emma ships and Ben confirms delivery, the payment is released to Emma’s Vinted Wallet. Simple, safe, and transparent.

4. Key Functionalities Explained

• Buy/Sell/Swap: Users can choose to exchange instead of sell.
• Favorites: Save items to watch for price drops.
• Bundles: Buy multiple items from the same seller for a discount.
• Vinted Balance: Acts like an in-app wallet for future purchases or withdrawals.

Read more: Building an Ecommerce App: A Comparative Guide for Startups and Enterprises

For Service Providers (Sellers / Vendors)

1. Onboarding Process
Anyone can become a seller instantly — no business registration needed. After verifying identity, they can list unlimited products with no listing fee.

2. How They Operate on the Platform
Sellers manage listings, respond to buyer inquiries, print shipping labels, and track packages all within Vinted.

3. Earnings & Commission Structure

• Listing Fee: $0 (free).
• Seller Fee: 0 % (sellers keep full sale price).
• Buyer Protection Fee: paid by the buyer (~5 % + $0.70 per order).

Technical Overview (Simple)

Vinted runs on a two-sided marketplace architecture — connecting buyers and sellers via an intelligent matching algorithm that uses search filters, user preferences, and behavior data.

• Frontend: React + Swift + Kotlin (mobile and web apps)
• Backend: Microservices built on Python and Go for scalability
• Database: PostgreSQL and Redis for fast queries
• Payments: Adyen + Stripe integration
• Logistics: API integrations with DHL, Evri, Mondial Relay, La Poste

Vinted’s Business Model Explained

How Vinted Makes Money

Despite being a “no listing fee” marketplace, Vinted has built a diverse and scalable revenue model. Its core income streams include:

1. Buyer Protection Fee — Every transaction includes a 5% service fee (minimum $0.70). This covers payment processing, refund guarantees, and dispute resolution.
2. Shipping & Delivery Services (Vinted Go) — The company earns from shipping partnerships and its in-house logistics network, offering lower rates while taking a margin.
3. Promoted Listings (Visibility Boost) — Sellers can pay €0.95–€2.50 per item to feature their listings higher in search results.
4. Vinted Wallet Services — Some earnings come from wallet balance interest and payment processing commissions.
5. B2B Integrations — Larger merchants and thrift stores pay for bulk listing APIs and inventory sync services.

Pricing Structure (2025 Snapshot)

Type	Who Pays	Amount	Description
Buyer Protection Fee	Buyer	5% + $0.70	Covers secure payments, support, and refunds
Promoted Listing	Seller	€0.95–€2.50	Boost item visibility
Shipping	Buyer or Seller	Varies by country	Discounted via Vinted Go
Transfer Fee	Seller	Small % (varies)	Withdraw balance to bank

Market Size & Growth Stats (2025)

• Global Resale Market Size: $250 B+ projected by 2027
• Vinted Revenue 2024: €813.4 M (+61 % YoY)
• Active Users: 100 M +
• Valuation: Estimated €4.5 B (2025)
• EBITDA Growth: Quadrupled profit between 2023–2024

These metrics highlight that Vinted’s growth comes from scaling logistics and payments — not from increasing seller fees, which keeps the community loyal.

Profit Margins Insight

Vinted runs on low operational cost, high transaction volume economics. Because shipping and payments are semi-automated, the platform scales with minimal human involvement — resulting in healthy 15–20 % margins on each transaction-related service.

Key Features That Make Vinted Successful

Vinted’s success lies in combining simplicity, community trust, and automation. Let’s look at its top 10 features that make it a leader in resale fashion marketplaces.

Top Features & Why They Matter

1. Zero Listing Fees
   
   • Why it matters: Encourages anyone to start selling without barriers.
   • Benefit: Drives massive inventory growth and user participation.
     
2. Smart AI-Powered Search
   
   • Why it matters: Helps buyers find specific items (e.g., “Nike Air Force 1 white 2023”).
   • Technical edge: Uses machine learning for product tagging and relevance ranking.
     
3. In-App Payment Protection
   
   • Why it matters: Builds buyer trust — funds are held until item delivery is confirmed.
   • Benefit: Reduces fraud and improves satisfaction.
     
4. Vinted Go (Logistics Network)
   
   • Why it matters: Simplifies shipping and offers lower rates.
   • Tech side: Real-time tracking with API-linked carriers like DHL, Evri, and Mondial Relay.
     
5. Bundle Discounts
   
   • Why it matters: Encourages multi-item purchases from one seller.
   • Benefit: Sellers earn more per transaction; buyers save on shipping.
     
6. Promoted Listings (Boost)
   
   • Why it matters: Sellers can pay small fees to improve visibility.
   • Benefit: Generates extra revenue for Vinted and helps sellers sell faster.
     
7. In-App Chat & Offers
   
   • Why it matters: Allows negotiation directly between users.
     
   • Tech side: End-to-end encrypted messaging integrated with transaction context.
     
8. Integrated Wallet (Vinted Balance)
   
   • Why it matters: Enables quick reuse of earned money within the ecosystem.
   • Benefit: Boosts user retention and repeat purchases.
     
9. Community Moderation & Ratings
   
   • Why it matters: Builds a safe and trusted peer marketplace.
   • Feature: Verified profiles, review systems, and reporting tools.
     
10. Sustainability Dashboard (2025 Update)
    

• Why it matters: Shows users how much CO₂ and textile waste they save by reselling.
• AI Integration: Machine learning calculates sustainability metrics in real-time.

2025 Updates & Innovations

• AI-Powered Visual Search: Upload a photo to find similar listings.
• Smart Shipping Selection: Recommends cheapest courier automatically.
• Cross-Border Expansion: Vinted now allows EU-to-US shipments via Vinted Go.
• Carbon-Neutral Deliveries: Logistics partners offset emissions by default.

What Sets Vinted Apart

Unlike competitors like Depop or Poshmark, Vinted focuses on community-first trading — zero seller fees, affordable buyer protection, and an ad-free browsing experience. It’s a platform designed for sustainability and trust, not just profit.

The Technology Behind Vinted

Vinted’s technical foundation is what allows it to serve over 100 million users efficiently while maintaining trust and speed across 20+ countries. The platform blends modern microservices, machine learning, and logistics APIs into a seamless, scalable ecosystem.

Tech Stack Overview (Simplified)

Layer	Technology	Purpose
Frontend	React (Web), Swift / Kotlin (Mobile)	Dynamic, fast UI for app & site
Backend	Python + Go microservices	Handles listings, payments, and user data
Database	PostgreSQL + Redis	Secure data storage & fast caching
Search	Elasticsearch	Instant product discovery & recommendations
Cloud Infrastructure	AWS + Kubernetes	Auto-scaling for millions of daily requests
Payments	Adyen / Stripe APIs	Multi-currency, escrow-based transactions
Analytics	Snowflake + Looker	Business intelligence & AI insights

Real-Time Features Explanation

• Instant Notifications: WebSockets power real-time chat and purchase updates.
• Smart Recommendations: ML models suggest items based on browsing and purchase history.
• Dynamic Pricing Alerts: Automated notifications when saved items drop in price.

Data Handling & Privacy

Vinted is GDPR-compliant and ISO 27001-ready.

• User data is encrypted in-transit (TLS 1.3) and at-rest (AES-256).
• Personal identifiers are anonymized in analytics.
• Secure ID verification prevents fraudulent accounts.

Scalability Approach

Microservice architecture + container orchestration (Kubernetes) ensures:

• Zero-downtime deployments
• Regional load balancing for EU & U.S. markets
• Auto-scaling servers to handle seasonal surges (like Black Friday or “Back to School” drives)

Mobile App vs Web Platform

• Mobile App: Optimized for selling — camera integration, push alerts, chat.
• Web Platform: Better for browsing, managing listings in bulk, and analytics dashboards for pro sellers.

API Integrations

• Shipping: DHL, Evri, Mondial Relay, La Poste.
• Payments: Adyen, Stripe, PayPal (region-based).
• AI Services: Google Vision for visual search & ML tagging.
• Marketing: Braze & Firebase for in-app engagement.

Why This Tech Matters for Business

Vinted’s technology reduces overhead and scales community trust — the two hardest challenges in peer-to-peer marketplaces.
Its automation-first approach keeps costs low while enabling global expansion, making it a blueprint for sustainable marketplace engineering.

Vinted’s Impact & Market Opportunity

Industry Disruption

Vinted has revolutionized the second-hand fashion industry by transforming casual reselling into a trusted, tech-driven ecosystem. Before Vinted, people relied on classifieds or local thrift stores with limited reach. Now, users can trade globally with secure payments, integrated logistics, and social-like interactions — all inside one app.

This shift has directly contributed to the global “recommerce boom,” where sustainability and affordability intersect.

Market Statistics & Growth

Metric	2023	2024	2025 (Est.)
Active Users	75M	100M+	120M+
Revenue	€505M	€813.4M	€950M+
Countries Served	18	20+	25+
App Downloads (Global)	50M+	65M+	80M+

Global resale market size is expected to reach $250 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 15–20%, with Europe contributing nearly 40% of that growth — largely led by platforms like Vinted.

User Demographics & Behavior

• Age: 18–40 (Gen Z & Millennials dominate)
• Gender Split: ~70% female, 30% male
• Motivations: Sustainability, savings, and the “thrill of thrifting.”
• Top Categories: Women’s fashion, shoes, kidswear, accessories.

Geographic Presence

Vinted’s strongest markets include France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands.
In 2025, it is expanding further into the U.S. and Canada, leveraging partnerships with USPS and FedEx for faster fulfillment.

Future Projections (2025–2028)

• AI Visual Search Expansion: Matching untagged products automatically by image.
• Sustainability Badges: Certifications for eco-friendly brands.
• B2B Partnerships: Onboarding physical thrift stores via API.
• Recommerce-as-a-Service: Licensing its tech stack to retailers.

Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Vinted’s success shows a clear demand for trust-based, circular marketplaces — not just for fashion, but also in sectors like:

• Electronics resale
• Furniture
• Kids’ toys and gear
• Book swapping
• Luxury accessories

Entrepreneurs can tap into this with similar platforms powered by secure payments, AI discovery, and community-driven ecosystems.

Building Your Own Vinted-Like Platform

Why Businesses Want Vinted Clones

The booming recommerce trend makes Vinted’s model irresistible for entrepreneurs. It combines peer-to-peer social selling, sustainability, and steady recurring revenue — all within a single, scalable ecosystem. Launching a Vinted-like app allows businesses to enter the eco-fashion, thrift, or even luxury resale markets with pre-proven user behavior and monetization frameworks.

Key Considerations Before Development

1. Niche Focus – Choose your category (fashion, kidswear, gadgets, etc.) to define audience and UX.
2. User Trust Systems – Build robust rating, escrow, and ID-verification layers from day one.
3. Shipping Integrations – Integrate multiple carriers with auto-label generation (like Vinted Go).
4. Payment Security – Include wallet, escrow, and instant payout features.
5. Scalability – Design a microservice-based backend for future cross-border growth.
6. Sustainability Positioning – Showcase carbon-neutral shipping or impact dashboards for Gen Z appeal.

Time & Cost Factors (Miracuves Reference)

Miracuves offers Vinted-like marketplace clone apps with full customization and deployment within 3-6 days.

Cost Range: $3,299 – $4,999 (Go Live in 3–6 Days)
(Includes iOS + Android + Admin Panel + API Integrations)

Essential Features to Include

• User Profiles & Reviews
• Product Listings with Smart Filters
• Chat + Offers Module
• Escrow Wallet + Secure Payments
• Shipping Label Generator
• Order Tracking Dashboard
• Push Notifications & Email Alerts
• AI Recommendations + Visual Search
• Admin Analytics + CMS

Read more: Most Profitable E-commerce Apps to Launch in 2025

Conclusion

Vinted has redefined what it means to “shop smart” — turning sustainability into a global movement. From a simple idea in Lithuania to a billion-euro powerhouse, it’s proven that people crave affordable fashion with purpose. Its zero-fee model, AI-driven simplicity, and eco-first logistics show how tech and community can work hand-in-hand to reshape consumption habits.

As resale platforms like Vinted lead the charge into 2025 and beyond, the opportunity for entrepreneurs is enormous. Whether it’s fashion, electronics, or furniture, circular marketplaces are the future — and now is the perfect time to build your own.

Miracuves empowers founders to launch world-class marketplace apps quickly, affordably, and with full customization — turning your vision into a thriving business in just days.

Ready to Build Your Own E-commerce App?
Launch your marketplace in just 3–6 days with Miracuves’ proven solutions. Contact Us to get a free consultation and live demo today.

FAQs

Related Articles:

• What is StockX and How Does It Work?
• What is ASOS and How Does It Work?
• What is Farfetch and How Does It Work?
• What is SHEIN and How Does It Work?