What is Vinted? What Parents Need to Know

Vinted was set up in 2008 in Lithuania by two friends – one of whom simply wanted to clear out some space in their closet. 

While most items on Vinted are pre-loved clothes, some sellers also list non-clothing items. The app offers everybody a chance to declutter and make money by selling unwanted items or finding great deals on gently used goods. Shopping second-hand on Vinted can also be a more eco-friendly option, helping to reduce waste and lessen the demand for new clothing production.

What is Vinted?

Vinted is  Europe's largest online marketplace for second-hand fashion. With millions of registered users across 20+ markets in Europe and North America, it aims to make second-hand the preferred choice worldwide.

It's available as both a website and a mobile app, making it easy to use on the go. Vinted focuses on pre-loved fashion—and targets anyone looking to save money, adopt sustainable habits, or find unique items.

How Vinted Works

Vinted can be accessed via a web browser or its dedicated mobile app. To start, users need to create a profile with an email address and verify it or use an existing Facebook, Google, or Apple account to sign in. The app then prompts new users to list their first item for sale, though this step can be skipped by clicking the "X" in the corner if selling isn't the goal.

On the homepage, users can explore featured listings based on their previous searches. For more specific results, they can use the search bar and apply filters like category, price, or condition to narrow down their options. When interested in an item, users can either purchase it directly, make an offer, or message the seller with questions.

Selling on Vinted is straightforward. Users click the "Sell an item" button, upload up to 20 photos, add a description, and set a price to list their item. Payment details only need to be added after a sale is made.

The app also includes a messaging feature where buyers and sellers can communicate. Users can contact others about specific listings or for general inquiries. If unwanted messages are received, accounts can be reported for inappropriate behavior.

There are a number of things that you can't sell on Vinted. Obviously, you can't trade anything illegal, unsafe or dangerous but you also can't sell items such as: medicines, food or drink, high-tech electronics & gadgets, music and sports equipment, hobby equipment, furniture for adults or paintings and drawings.

How Did It Become Popular?

Teenagers especially love Vinted because:

• Affordable Prices: Vinted offers a budget-friendly way for teenagers to shop for popular brands and styles.
• Unique Finds: Teenagers can discover items that aren't always available in mainstream stores, opening up a world of unique possibilities that they feel excited about.
• Sustainability: Buying second-hand on Vinted aligns with many young people's eco-conscious values, making them proud of their responsible choices.
• Community Feel: Vinted's social features make it feel more interactive, with opportunities to chat with sellers or buyers.

Is Vinted Safe for Children?

While Vinted requires users to be 18 or older, there is no strict age verification process. This means younger teens can potentially create accounts by entering a false birthdate, provided they have a linked payment method.

Like any online marketplace, it comes with potential risks. While the company takes steps to secure transactions and protect personal information, there are safety concerns parents should be aware of if their child is using the app.

Here's what you need to know about safety on Vinted:

• Payment Protection: Vinted includes a Buyer Protection feature, which helps cover issues like lost items, faulty products, or fraudulent sellers. However, it's not foolproof, and users can still encounter problems.
• Limited Moderation: Although Vinted monitors reported users and listings, some scams and inappropriate content can bypass moderation.
• Privacy Risks: Selling items on Vinted requires uploading photos, which may unintentionally reveal personal information if users aren't careful.

This means children could potentially bypass the age restriction, exposing them to risks such as:

• Money Management Issues: The app's algorithm shows users listings tailored to their browsing history, which can encourage impulse buying. This can lead to overspending, especially for young users who may lack budgeting skills.
• Inappropriate Content: Moderation is inconsistent, and such items can sometimes appear. Additionally, users can send unsolicited or harmful messages through the app's inbox feature, which could expose young people to inappropriate content.
• Scammers: Scams on Vinted are a common concern. For instance, buyers might falsely claim an item is fake to secure a refund while keeping the item, or sellers might send an incorrect or fake product, such as a piece of paper, to exploit the system. Young users may lack the critical thinking needed to spot these scams, making them more vulnerable.

Most Common Scams on Vinted

To protect your teenager, be aware of the most common scams on Vinted. Here are a few red flags to look out for:

1. Fake Buyers: Scammers pretending to buy items might ask your child to complete the transaction outside Vinted. This avoids platform fees but also eliminates payment protection.
2. Phishing Links: Fraudsters might send fake payment confirmation emails or messages with malicious links designed to steal login details.
3. Counterfeit Goods: Some sellers might list fake designer items, which can lead to disappointment or disputes.
4. Item Not Received: After payment, the seller may vanish without shipping the item.
5. Account Hacking: If your child uses a weak password or reuses one from another site, their Vinted account could be compromised.

How to Protect Teenagers on Vinted

While Vinted can be a fun and eco-friendly platform, parents should guide their teens to use it responsibly. Here are some tips to ensure a safer experience:

1. Enable Payment Protection: Encourage your teen to always pay through Vinted's built-in system to access Buyer Protection.
2. Avoid External Transactions: Warn them not to accept offers to buy or sell outside the app, as these are often scams.
3. Use Strong Passwords: Help them create a unique, strong password for their account and enable two-factor authentication if possible.
4. Review Listings Together: If your teen is selling items, review their photos to ensure they don't accidentally reveal personal information, like a home address.
5. Teach Scam Awareness: Talk about recognizing phishing attempts, such as emails or messages with unusual links or requests for personal information.
6. Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check their account for any unusual activity, like unauthorized transactions or changes. If your child wants to sell clothes on Vinted, consider listing the items through your own account. This way, you remain in control of the app, while your child can learn how to earn money safely and responsibly.
7. Research Sellers: Encourage your teen to read reviews and check seller profiles before making purchases.
8. Discuss Online Safety: Have ongoing conversations about the risks of buying and selling online, including messaging within apps. Teach your child to recognize scams and avoid harmful interactions.
9. Teach Money Management: Help them develop financial literacy by discussing smart spending habits and the risks of impulsive purchases. Learning to manage money responsibly is a valuable life skill.

Bitdefender Parental Control helps you keep track of the apps your children download and how much time they spend on them. It helps you block suspicious websites and links, limit downloads, and alert you to unusual behavior. You can set internet time limits and get insights into your child's online activities. It's included in all Bitdefender Family Plans; you only have to download it on your child's devices and use it.

FAQs

Can my child use Vinted if they are under 18?

Vinted is officially restricted to users aged 18 and over due to the financial transactions involved. However, the app does not verify ages, so younger users could create an account with a false birthdate. If your child expresses interest in using Vinted, it's best to supervise their activity by creating and managing the account yourself.

What are the risks of using Vinted for teenagers?

While Vinted is a legitimate platform, there are risks like encountering scammers, overspending, and exposure to inappropriate messages or content. Additionally, selling items requires uploading photos, which could unintentionally reveal personal information. Teaching your teen about online safety and staying involved in their activity can help mitigate these risks.

How can I help my teen use Vinted safely?

Always use the app's built-in payment system, teach them to recognize scams, and review listings together to avoid privacy risks. If your teen wants to sell items, consider using your own account to maintain control while they learn about safe financial practices. Regularly discussing online safety and money management can also help them navigate the platform responsibly.