How does vinted make money

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Vinted makes money primarily through a buyer protection fee, which is a commission on each sale, and additional services like shipping labels and wardrobe spotlight features. The buyer protection fee typically ranges from 3% to 8% of the item price plus a fixed fee, varying by country. Vinted also generates revenue from optional shipping labels sold to sellers and promoted listings that increase item visibility. Founded in 2008 in Lithuania, the platform has grown to over 65 million users globally as of 2023.

Key Facts

Vinted was founded in 2008 in Vilnius, Lithuania by Milda Mitkutė and Justas Janauskas.
As of 2023, Vinted has over 65 million users across 20+ countries, including major markets like France, Germany, and the UK.
Vinted's primary revenue source is a buyer protection fee, typically 3-8% of the sale price plus a fixed fee (e.g., €0.70 in Europe).
In 2021, Vinted reported annual revenue of approximately €250 million, with significant growth from expanded services.
Vinted also earns from optional services like shipping labels (sold at a markup) and promoted listings (e.g., Wardrobe Spotlight).

Overview

Vinted is an online marketplace for second-hand fashion, founded in 2008 in Vilnius, Lithuania, by Milda Mitkutė and Justas Janauskas. Initially launched as a platform for users to swap clothes, it evolved into a peer-to-peer sales model, allowing individuals to buy and sell pre-owned items. The company gained early traction in Eastern Europe before expanding globally, reaching over 65 million users across more than 20 countries by 2023, including key markets like France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Vinted's growth was fueled by increasing consumer interest in sustainable fashion and the circular economy, with the platform facilitating millions of transactions annually. In 2019, Vinted raised €128 million in funding, valuing it at over €1 billion, and has since introduced various monetization strategies to support its operations without charging listing fees to sellers.

How It Works

Vinted operates on a commission-based revenue model, primarily through a buyer protection fee applied to each successful sale. This fee, which typically ranges from 3% to 8% of the item price plus a fixed amount (e.g., €0.70 in many European countries), covers transaction security, customer support, and platform maintenance. Sellers list items for free, but buyers pay the fee as part of the total cost, ensuring trust and reducing fraud risks. Additionally, Vinted generates income from optional services: it sells shipping labels to sellers at a markup, simplifying logistics and earning a profit on postage, and offers promoted listings like Wardrobe Spotlight, where sellers pay to boost item visibility for a fee (e.g., €1-5 per item). The platform also partners with shipping carriers and may earn from advertising or data insights, though these are minor revenue streams compared to the core fees.

Why It Matters

Vinted's monetization model matters because it supports a sustainable fashion ecosystem by making second-hand shopping accessible and profitable for users. By charging fees only on sales, it encourages participation without upfront costs, driving circular economy practices that reduce textile waste—a significant environmental issue, with the fashion industry contributing to about 10% of global carbon emissions. Financially, Vinted's revenue fuels platform improvements, security measures, and global expansion, benefiting millions of users seeking affordable clothing. Its success highlights the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives, influencing broader retail trends and promoting conscious consumerism in daily life.