Vinted Returns & Disputes Explained in 2026: A Calm Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Returns and disputes are one of the most stressful parts of using Vinted. Whether you’re the buyer who’s opened a parcel and gone “oh no”, or the seller staring at a case thinking “what now?”, it can feel confusing and overwhelming.

The good news is that Vinted has a set process for handling problems, and once you understand how it works, it becomes much less scary. This guide walks through exactly what happens, what to expect, and how to protect yourself at every stage.

I’ve seen pretty much every scenario at this point, so this is the realistic, real-world version — not the vague help-centre fluff.

When Can a Buyer Open a Dispute?

A buyer can open a Vinted dispute if:

• the item hasn’t arrived
• the item arrived damaged
• the item is not as described
• the wrong item was sent
• the parcel contains someone else’s item
• the parcel tracking looks wrong
• an InPost locker mix-up happened

Disputes must be opened within Vinted’s time window, usually shortly after delivery is marked. If the buyer waits too long and marks the item as received, it becomes much harder to open a case.

If the issue is a missing parcel, the Vinted parcel goes missing guide explains exactly how that process works separately.

What Happens When a Dispute on Vinted Is Opened?

When a buyer opens a dispute:

• the transaction is paused
• The seller is sent information about the dispute
• both sides can upload evidence
• the order is frozen until a decision is made
• the seller can offer a full refund, partial refund or ask for a return
• Vinted steps in to review the case if a resolution isn’t met

This protects both buyer and seller while Vinted investigates.

Common Types of Vinted Disputes (And How They’re Handled)

Item Not as Described

This is the most common one. For example:

• wrong size listed
• colour looks different
• flaws not mentioned
• condition worse than stated

Vinted will look at:

• your original photos
• your description
• the buyer’s photos
• any messages between you

If the buyer can show the item doesn’t match the listing, Vinted may approve a return.

This is why clear photos matter so much. These photo tips for Vinted are designed to protect you just as much as attract buyers.

Item Arrived Damaged

If something breaks in transit, Vinted may:

• ask for photos of the packaging
• ask for photos of the damage
• check the courier tracking
• review how the item was packed

If packaging was clearly poor, sellers can lose the case.

Wrong Item Sent

This includes:

• sending the wrong item to the buyer
• InPost locker mix-ups
• parcels containing someone else’s order

Here is my guide on InPost locker problems.

Vinted may:

• arrange a return
• investigate locker errors
• contact the courier
• refund the buyer if the error is confirmed

Parcel Marked Delivered but Not Received

If tracking says delivered but the buyer didn’t get it, Vinted will:

• check courier proof
• ask for delivery confirmation
• investigate with the courier
• review GPS or locker scans

Your buyer doesn’t mark as received guide and missing parcel post work really well alongside this.

Who Pays for Return Postage?

This depends on the reason:

• If the seller is at fault, the seller may cover return costs
• If the item is not as described, the buyer may be asked to return it
• If the courier is at fault, Vinted may refund without a return
• If it’s a locker mix-up, Vinted often investigates before deciding

The exact outcome varies case by case, which is why evidence is so important.

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Evidence That Actually Helps

Strong evidence makes a huge difference. Useful evidence includes:

• clear photos of the item
• close-ups of flaws or damage
• screenshots of the original listing
• screenshots of messages
• photos of packaging
• Royal Mail proof of postage
• locker drop-off receipts
• tracking screenshots

If you use Royal Mail, always keep proof of postage. It doesn’t cost anything, but it can save you in a dispute.

What Sellers Should Do in a Dispute

If you’re the seller:

• stay calm and factual
• upload evidence quickly
• don’t argue emotionally
• don’t message the buyer aggressively
• don’t suggest paying outside Vinted
• don’t try to move the conversation elsewhere

If you’re unsure how to talk to support properly, this Vinted support guide shows how to communicate in a way that actually helps your case.

What Buyers Should Do in a Dispute

If you’re the buyer:

• open the dispute promptly
• upload clear photos
• don’t mark as received too early
• keep communication in the app
• follow Vinted’s instructions exactly

What Happens to Your Money During a Dispute

While a case is open:

• the seller’s payout for this sale is paused
• the buyer’s payment is held
• Vinted controls the funds
• no one can withdraw the funds for this sale until it’s resolved

This protects both sides, even though it feels frustrating.

What If a Return Is Approved?

If Vinted approves a return:

• the buyer will be given return instructions
• a return label may be issued
• the buyer must ship within a time limit
• tracking must update correctly
• the seller receives the item back
• Vinted releases the refund or payment

If tracking doesn’t update, the case can drag on longer.

Related: How to send offers on Vinted

What If the Buyer Never Sends the Return?

If a buyer doesn’t return the item in time:

• the case may close
• the seller may be paid
• the buyer may lose refund eligibility

This is another reason to keep an eye on timelines inside the app.

Can Disputes Affect Your Account?

Yes, patterns matter. One dispute is normal. Multiple disputes for the following can impact how Vinted see your account:

• misleading descriptions
• poor packaging
• wrong items
• frequent damage claims

The Vinted rules guide explains what behaviour can escalate into account issues.

If a Dispute Turns Into a Bigger Problem

If a case triggers account action, this recover a locked or suspended account guide walks through what to do next and how to appeal properly.

Learn more from me

How to Reduce Returns and Disputes in Future

A few habits make a huge difference:

• photograph flaws clearly
• describe condition honestly
• pack items securely
• use the correct Vinted label
• keep proof of postage
• don’t rush drop-offs
• double-check items before shipping

If you’re newer to selling, this complete guide to selling on Vinted is a great safety net to help you avoid most common mistakes.

Returns and disputes are part of online selling. They don’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Most are resolved fairly when both sides upload clear evidence and follow the process.

The key is understanding how Vinted works, staying calm, and letting the system do its job.