A woman was floored before she even opened her Vinted parcel thanks to the way it had been taped up. But when she flipped her jeans inside out, she wasn’t impressed
Shopping doesn’t always go to plan (stock image)(Image: Getty)
Online shopping is always a bit of a gamble, but buying second-hand takes that risk to a whole new level. While platforms like Vinted have revolutionised thrifting – allowing sellers to keep 100% of their profits and list unwanted clothes in a matter of minutes – hunting for a bargain can sometimes backfire spectacularly.
One fashion fan learned this the hard way, revealing she got “the ick” before she had even fully unpacked her latest purchase.
After struggling to break through layers of heavy packaging tape, she discovered her new leopard-print jeans hadn’t been neatly folded. Instead, they were carelessly “screwed up” inside a parcel that she claimed closely resembled a “hospital bag”.
However, the poor presentation was nothing compared to the garment’s condition. Deciding to give the trendy trousers a proper inspection, the buyer turned them inside out and made a stomach-churning discovery.
The previous owner had allegedly worn the jeans without washing them before shipping, leaving behind glaring, deeply ingrained stains.
“Initially, they look alright […] so I look inside the trousers and they are covered in sweaty fake tan marks,” the disgusted shopper recalled. Unsurprisingly, the grim find was enough to completely ruin the purchase, with the buyer confirming: “Safe to say I’ve initiated a refund already.”
A spokesperson for Vinted said: “For each purchase on Vinted, buyers have two days after delivery to confirm receipt or raise an issue.
“A refund can be issued if an item does not arrive, is damaged, or is significantly not as described under our refund policy. More information is available in our Help Center.”
What to do if this happens to you?
According to Vinted, you must pause the transaction immediately, as soon as you notice something is wrong. Open the chat with the seller for the specific order and click the “I have an issue” button under the order status.
Choose “Item significantly not as described” or “Damaged/Defective” as the reason. Next upload clear, well-lit photos showing the discrepancies (e.g., hidden stains, unmentioned tears, wrong size label, or inaccurate branding).
Add a brief text description explaining how the item differs from the original listing to alert the seller to the issue. Once this is reported, the issue is sent to the seller.
They can then choose whether to offer a refund without you returning the item, a partial refund, or a refund if you return it.
However, if the seller refuses to assist, marks the claim as invalid, or stops responding, tap “Contact Us” or “Escalate to Vinted” within the dispute thread. Vinted support will review your photos alongside the seller’s original listing and make a final decision.
Make sure you do this within 48 hours of receiving the item to ensure you can get a refund.
How to avoid a Vinted shopping fail
1. Zoom in on the details – Don’t just glance at the main photo. Zoom right in to check for hidden bobbling, fading, missing buttons, or sneaky stains.
2. Always ask for measurements – Sizing varies wildly between brands and eras. Never rely purely on the label—ask for pit-to-pit or waist measurements to guarantee a fit.
3. Decode the description – Read carefully. Phrases like “well-loved”, “plenty of life left”, or “vintage condition” are often polite code for heavy wear and tear.
4. Check their track record – Always glance at a seller’s reviews before buying. A string of auto-generated negative reviews for cancelled orders is a major red flag.
5. Request inner photos – As the fake tan fiasco proves, the outside only tells half the story. Don’t be afraid to ask for pictures of the lining, the collar, or the soles of shoes.
6. Look at their ‘last active’ status – Don’t buy from a ghost account. Check the seller’s profile to see when they were last online; if they haven’t logged in for months, your item likely won’t be shipped.
7. Filter out the fuss – If you hate the idea of unexpected stains or odours, ruthlessly filter your searches to “New with tags” or “New without tags” to weed out heavily worn clothes.
8. Ask about pets and smoke – Photos can’t capture smells. If allergies or stale odours bother you, always message the seller to ask if the garment comes from a pet-free and smoke-free home.
9. Keep it on the app – Never agree to transfer money via PayPal or bank transfer. If you pay outside of Vinted, you instantly lose your Buyer Protection and wave goodbye to your cash if things go wrong.
10. Watch the postage trap – A £2 top isn’t much of a bargain if the buyer protection fee and postage add an extra £4. Always check the final total, and try bundling multiple items from the same seller to combine shipping costs.
