If you have ever gone to collect a Vinted order from an InPost locker, scanned your code and watched the door pop open only to find the wrong parcel inside, you are definitely not alone. As more and more people use Vinted and InPost, these locker mix ups are becoming more common. It is really frustrating when you have paid for something, tracked it all the way to the locker and then cannot actually get your item. The good news is that you are protected as a buyer and there is a clear process to follow to sort it out.
What is Vinted?
Vinted is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell second hand fashion, beauty products, kids’ items, homewares and more. It has become one of the easiest ways to make money from unwanted clutter, and it is also a great way to pick up bargains without paying full price for brand new items.
When you are buying on Vinted, you can choose from several different postage options. One of the most popular choices in the UK is InPost locker delivery, where your parcel is delivered to a secure locker instead of your home.
What is an InPost locker and how does it work?
InPost lockers are secure, self service parcel lockers that you will often find outside supermarkets, petrol stations and retail parks. When the seller posts your Vinted parcel to an InPost locker, the courier places it inside a compartment and you receive a QR code or pin on your phone. When you are ready to collect, you scan the code or enter the pin at the machine and the correct locker door should open so you can take your parcel out.
Most of the time this works perfectly, but sometimes things go wrong and the locker either opens with someone else’s parcel inside or appears to be empty. When this happens with a Vinted order, it can feel quite stressful, especially if you are not sure what to do next.
Why might the wrong parcel be inside an InPost locker?
There are a few reasons why you might find the wrong parcel inside the locker you have been sent to collect from, and none of them are your fault. Common causes include:
- The courier accidentally placed a parcel in the wrong compartment
- The system opened the wrong door when you scanned your code
- A previous customer misloaded their return into the wrong slot
- Someone collected their own parcel but left packaging or another parcel behind
- A locker door did not close properly and another parcel ended up in the same space
Although it is really annoying when this happens, Vinted and InPost deal with this kind of situation regularly. You are not expected to solve it yourself, but you do need to take a few quick steps before you report the problem in the Vinted app.
What to do immediately if the wrong parcel is inside
The most important thing to remember if you open an InPost locker and see the wrong parcel is not to take that parcel home. Removing it can make the situation more complicated because the system only knows that the door opened and closed, not what was actually inside.
Instead, follow these steps straight away:
- Take clear photos
Take a photo of the inside of the locker showing the parcel that is not yours. If you can see the label clearly, try to capture that too, without moving the parcel. This proves that the wrong item was inside your locker. - Screenshot your collection screen
Take a screenshot of the QR code or collection screen on your phone, including the date and time if possible. This helps to show that you were at the locker at the correct time using the correct details. - Close the locker door properly
Once you have taken your photos, close the locker door firmly. You do not need to move or touch the parcel inside. Leaving everything as it is makes it easier for InPost staff to retrieve it later.
These steps only take a minute but they give Vinted and InPost exactly what they need to investigate what went wrong.
How to report the problem on Vinted
As soon as you have your photos and screenshots, open the Vinted app and report the issue so that buyer protection is triggered and the money is not released to the seller by accident.
To do this, go to:
- Profile > Purchases
- Select the order with the locker problem
- Tap “Report a problem”
- Choose the option that you did not receive your item
In the message box, explain briefly that you went to the InPost locker, the door opened but the wrong parcel was inside, and that you did not take anything out. When prompted, upload your photos of the locker and any screenshots of your collection details.
Once you have reported the problem, Vinted automatically pauses the payment so the seller cannot withdraw the money while the situation is being investigated.
If you want to know more about what happens in similar situations, you might find my guide on what to do when your Vinted item is not as described helpful too.
Should you also contact InPost?
Vinted will take the lead on sorting out the problem for you, but in some cases it can also help to contact InPost directly. They can look at the locker logs, see which doors were opened and when, and check whether your parcel is stuck in the wrong compartment or has been misrouted.
You can raise a support request with InPost via their website, choosing the option for a missing parcel and explaining that this was a Vinted order with the wrong parcel in your locker. Attach the same photos that you uploaded to Vinted. This is optional, but sometimes it can speed up the process.
See also: best things to sell on Vinted.
What happens next?
After you have opened a case, Vinted will start to investigate what has happened to your parcel. In most cases they will:
- Check the tracking information from InPost
- Confirm that the seller did post the item as stated
- Look at locker activity to see which door was opened and when
- Give InPost time to locate and retrieve any misloaded parcels
It is surprisingly common for misloaded parcels to be found when the lockers are checked and emptied. If your parcel is recovered, the tracking should update and you may be given a new collection code.
If your parcel cannot be found or delivered, Vinted will arrange a refund for you under their buyer protection. As long as you reported the problem within the required time frame, you should not be left out of pocket.
Related: how long is the Vinted withdrawal time for sellers when everything goes smoothly.
How long does Vinted take to resolve InPost locker issues?
Every case is a little bit different, but most locker issues are resolved fairly quickly. As a rough guide:
- Simple cases may be resolved in 2–5 days
- Cases where InPost need to physically retrieve a parcel from a locker can take 5–10 days
- More complex issues with conflicting tracking information can sometimes take up to 14 days
Throughout this time you should keep an eye on your Vinted messages in case buyer protection ask for any more information or extra photos.
Read more: Step-by-step guide to selling on Vinted.
Will the seller lose their money?
It is very unlikely that a genuine seller will lose out financially when an InPost locker problem occurs. If the seller has followed all the steps correctly and posted the parcel using the label generated by Vinted, they are usually covered by the courier and by Vinted’s systems.
In most cases where the parcel is lost due to a locker or courier error, the buyer receives a refund and the seller receives compensation. The seller would only be at risk if they never sent the item in the first place, which is easy to spot because there would be no proper tracking scans from InPost.
Can the correct parcel appear later?
Yes, it is very possible that the correct parcel appears later on. When InPost staff clear the lockers, they often find parcels in the wrong compartment or items that have not been collected properly. These can then be scanned, moved and re-routed correctly.
If this happens with your parcel, you may see the tracking start moving again or receive a fresh notification that your order is ready to collect. If a refund has already been issued, Vinted will guide you through what happens next.
See also: Vinted username ideas.
Tips to avoid future InPost locker problems
You cannot control everything that happens behind the scenes, but there are a few practical things you can do to reduce the chances of running into locker problems again.
- Try to collect your parcel as soon as possible after it arrives at the locker
- Choose lockers in well managed, busy locations such as supermarkets
- Avoid peak evening times if you can, when a lot of parcels are being loaded at once
- If your local locker has repeated issues, consider using EVRi ParcelShop or another delivery method instead
It is also worth knowing that you can still make the most of Vinted even if you prefer to steer clear of lockers altogether. Home delivery and parcel shop delivery are both available on many listings.
If you are looking to save money on your orders, you might also like my guide to how to get free postage on Vinted.
FAQ: Vinted InPost locker problems
If the locker opens and it is completely empty, follow the same steps as if there was a wrong parcel inside. Take photos of the empty compartment, screenshot your collection screen, close the door and report the problem in the Vinted app as soon as possible.
No. It is best to leave the parcel exactly where it is. Removing it can make the tracking and investigation more confusing, and you are not responsible for handling someone else’s order.
As long as you report the issue within the required time frame and follow the steps Vinted ask you to take, you should be covered by buyer protection. If the parcel cannot be found or delivered, Vinted should arrange a refund.
This can sometimes happen when the wrong locker door opens or when there has been a mistake with scanning. Report it to Vinted straight away, provide your photos and any other evidence, and they will investigate.
It can feel uncomfortable when something goes wrong with an order, but Vinted make their decision based on evidence, not on who shouts the loudest. Your photos, screenshots and the locker logs help to show what actually happened.
Enjoy Vinted content? You might also like:
- Selling on Vinted – the complete guide
- Common Vinted scams and how to avoid them
- How to contact Vinted
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