On Vinted, refunds are usually handled by the platform itself rather than manually by the seller. If a buyer reports a problem with an item and the case is approved, Vinted manages the process from start to finish. However, it’s still important to understand how refunds work, when you're responsible, and what to expect during the process.
Refunds are only triggered when something goes wrong — such as the item not arriving, arriving damaged, or being significantly different from the description. As long as your listing is accurate and you ship using Vinted’s label, refunds are rare. But when they do happen, the platform will step in and guide both parties through the process.
When Are Sellers Expected to Refund
Sellers are expected to refund a buyer if the item arrives damaged, is incorrect, counterfeit, or significantly different from what was advertised. Vinted will ask the buyer to raise the issue within two days of receiving the item. The platform will then investigate and, if the buyer’s claim is valid, initiate a return.
Once the buyer sends the item back and tracking confirms it’s delivered, the refund is processed. The money is returned to the buyer, and the order is cancelled. You won’t receive payment for the sale, and the item is returned to you.
If the issue was due to an honest mistake, like sending the wrong size or colour, it’s best to acknowledge it and cooperate. Refusing to engage with Vinted’s dispute system can lead to delays and potentially affect your seller rating.
What If the Item Is Returned
If Vinted approves a return, the buyer will be given instructions on how to send the item back. In many cases, the return shipping is covered by Vinted or charged to the seller depending on who is at fault. Once you receive the returned parcel, the refund will be finalised and the money will not be released to you.
Returned items are usually in the same condition you sent them in, unless the buyer mishandled the parcel. If you receive something that’s been damaged or altered, you can report it to Vinted support for further review. However, that kind of case is uncommon.
Can Sellers Offer a Refund Voluntarily
You can’t manually issue a refund on your own through the app — everything must go through Vinted’s resolution system. If a buyer messages you with an issue, and you agree they should receive a refund, ask them to report the problem through the official dispute option in the order screen. That way, Vinted can track the case and step in if needed.
Trying to handle refunds outside the system is against Vinted’s rules and can leave both parties unprotected. Keeping the process within the app ensures everything is logged and verified.
What If You Disagree with the Refund
If you believe the buyer’s complaint is unfair, you have the right to challenge it. You’ll be asked to submit evidence — such as photos, shipping proof or a copy of your listing — to support your case. Vinted’s support team will then review both sides before making a final decision.
It’s important to stay calm and respond professionally. Sellers who cooperate, even when disputes are difficult, are more likely to get fair outcomes and maintain a strong profile.
nlike platforms like eBay or PayPal, you don’t issue the refund manually on Vinted. Everything goes through their automated system. Once a dispute is opened and resolved in the buyer’s favour, the funds that were being held in escrow simply go back to the buyer. You never actually receive the money in the first place, so you're not refunding something you've already been paid.
This setup makes things smoother and avoids the risk of you having to chase someone down for payment or repayment. It also protects both sides by removing manual control over funds.
Will I lose money if I have to refund a buyer
You Won’t Lose Money If You Follow the Rules. If you’ve done everything by the book — listed the item accurately, packed it well, used the official Vinted shipping label and posted on time — you’re generally protected. If an item goes missing in transit or gets damaged by the courier, Vinted won’t hold you responsible. You’ll likely keep your funds, and Vinted will resolve the issue with the buyer directly.
However, if you ship an item late, outside of Vinted’s system, or misrepresent something in your listing, that’s when you’re expected to take responsibility. That can include accepting a return or missing out on payment.
Do I need to confirm receipt of a returned item
Vinted May Ask You to Confirm Receipt of a Return. If a return is approved, the buyer is expected to send the item back using tracked postage. Once the parcel shows as delivered, Vinted may ask you to confirm you’ve received it. Make sure to check the contents carefully. If the buyer has returned the wrong item or something arrives in bad condition, you need to flag it right away. If you say nothing and confirm receipt, the refund will go ahead and the case will be closed permanently.
Always document returns — take a photo of the parcel before opening and inspect the item for any issues immediately.
Can refund requests Affect Your Seller Reputation
Having the occasional refund request doesn’t mean your account is in trouble. Vinted understands that things can go wrong now and then. But frequent disputes, especially where you're found to be at fault, can lead to lower visibility on your listings, reduced trust from buyers, and even platform warnings if patterns continue.
To avoid this, focus on detailed listings, clear photos, and fast shipping. Preventing disputes is the best way to stay profitable and visible.
Why do Some Sellers Try to Avoid Refund
Trying to talk a buyer out of opening a dispute or asking them to sort things out privately can actually hurt you more than help. Vinted has systems in place to flag this behaviour, and it often leads to restrictions or account review. Even if your intentions are good, always handle refunds through the app and encourage the buyer to report issues the correct way.
It keeps you covered, keeps the transaction official, and protects your seller rights if the buyer isn’t being honest.
Summary
Refunds on Vinted as a seller are handled through the platform’s dispute system. You’re only expected to refund when an item is damaged, incorrect or not as described, and Vinted manages the return and payment process on your behalf. You can’t send refunds manually, but you can cooperate with the buyer by encouraging them to open a case through the app. By keeping communication clear and following Vinted’s process, you’ll stay protected while keeping your profile in good standing.