What To Do If Your Vinted Parcel Goes Missing

A missing parcel on Vinted can feel really stressful, whether you’re the seller waiting to get paid or the buyer wondering where your item is. The good news is that most delayed parcels aren’t actually missing — they’re just moving slowly through the courier network, waiting to be scanned, or sitting in a depot longer than expected.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do, step by step, no matter which courier was used. Everything here applies to Evri, Yodel, Royal Mail and InPost, and it’s written for both buyers and sellers so everyone knows what to expect.

If you prefer calm, clear instructions you can follow without panicking, you’re absolutely in the right place.

How Vinted Tracks Parcels (Quick Overview)

Before we get into the steps, it helps to understand how Vinted handles tracking.

• Vinted generates the postage label or QR code
• The courier scans it when they first receive the parcel
• Tracking updates are fed directly into the Vinted system
• Both buyer and seller can see the same timeline
• Buyer protection stays in place until delivery is confirmed

This means that you don’t have to chase the courier yourself — Vinted handles most situations automatically.

Is the Parcel Really Missing? Or Just Delayed?

Here’s the honest truth: the majority of “missing” parcels aren’t missing at all. They’re:

• waiting to be scanned
• stuck in a backlog at a local depot
• out for delivery but not updated yet
• delayed due to weather or strikes
• sitting in an InPost locker waiting to be collected
• mis-scanned and then corrected later

A day or two of no movement is completely normal, especially with Evri and Yodel. Royal Mail can also be slow to update scans during busy periods. InPost parcels sometimes sit in a locker for 24 hours before scanning.

So don’t panic — let’s walk through what to do.

See also: Vinted username ideas.

Step 1: Check the tracking inside Vinted

Open your conversation with the other person
Tap the parcel card
Check the live tracking updates

Buyers and sellers both see the same timeline, so you’re working from shared information.

You do not need to check tracking on the courier’s own website — Vinted’s version is the official one for your protection.

Step 2: Allow a reasonable window for updates

Each courier has typical timeframes:

Evri
24–72 hours for first scan
Can take 3–5 days for movement during peak times

Yodel
Fairly similar to Evri, especially around weekends

Royal Mail
May not scan until the parcel reaches a sorting centre
Proof of postage is essential for sellers — always keep your receipt

InPost
Can take up to 24 hours after drop-off for the first scan
Lockers fill quickly; sometimes parcels wait for a slot

If the parcel hasn’t moved for 24–48 hours, it is still considered normal.

Step 3: For Sellers – check your dispatch method

If you posted with:

Evri, Yodel or InPost:
No proof needed — Vinted sees the QR scan automatically.

Royal Mail:
Always keep your proof of postage. This is a small receipt with the address/postcode printed on it, and Vinted will ask for it if there’s ever a dispute. Even if Royal Mail doesn’t scan the parcel straight away, your proof protects you.

See also: best things to sell on Vinted.

Step 4: Send a calm message if needed

Buyers appreciate reassurance, and sellers appreciate updates too. You can say something simple like:

For buyers:
“Hi, just checking in — tracking hasn’t updated yet but that’s very normal. Parcels usually get scanned once they reach the next depot. Let’s give it another day or two and keep an eye on it together.”

For sellers:
“Hi, just dropping a quick note so you know I’m keeping an eye on the tracking. It’s normal for parcels to move slowly at first, but I’m here if you have any questions.”

A friendly tone goes a long way.

Step 5: If it’s been several days with no movement

Here’s a good guideline:

Evri/Yodel: 3–5 days
Royal Mail: 3–5 days
InPost: 2–3 days

After this point, Vinted may automatically flag the parcel as delayed and notify both buyer and seller. There is still no action needed from you at this stage.

Step 6: If the buyer hasn’t received it by the estimated delivery date

Vinted usually gives a delivery estimate inside the tracking. If the parcel passes this date but still shows no movement:

• buyers can tap “I have an issue”
• sellers will be notified
• Vinted opens an internal check with the courier

This is automated. You do not need to call Evri, Yodel, Royal Mail or InPost yourself.

Step 7: Let Vinted handle the investigation

All missing parcel investigations must go through Vinted, not through the courier.

This protects both parties because:

• seller protection applies
• buyer protection applies
• Vinted can verify the label and tracking
• couriers respond faster to Vinted than to individuals

You’ll usually see a message inside the chat saying Vinted is taking over.

Step 8: What happens if the parcel is genuinely lost?

If Vinted confirms the parcel cannot be found:

Buyers
Receive a full refund automatically

Sellers
Keep their payout (if Vinted rules in your favour)
Or
Have the sale cancelled (if the item wasn’t shipped correctly)

If you used the label or QR code provided, you are almost always fully protected.

Special Notes for Each Courier

Evri
Lack of first scan is extremely common. Parcels often jump from “expected” to “out for delivery” without any intermediate tracking.

Yodel
Similar to Evri. Delays especially common around weekends.

Royal Mail
Not scanning until the parcel reaches the sorting centre is completely normal. Proof of postage is your safety net.

InPost
If the wrong parcel appears inside the locker, or the buyer receives something else, they must report it immediately. I’ve got a guide about what to do when InPost goes wrong.

When you should contact Vinted

• no updates for more than 5–7 days
• parcel marked as delivered but buyer didn’t receive it
• parcel returned to sender unexpectedly
• parcel stuck on “in transit” for over a week
• buyer opens a case

Vinted handles everything — buyers and sellers do not call the courier.

Related guides

If you’re sorting out postage issues, these guides may help too:

• My Vinted postage guide
• My guide to common Vinted scams
• What to do when items aren’t selling

Missing parcels can feel worrying, but in most cases they simply haven’t been scanned yet or just need a few extra days. As long as you used the postage label or QR code provided by Vinted, you’re fully protected as a seller. And if you’re a buyer, the platform’s buyer protection ensures you’ll never lose your money.

A little patience goes a long way, and Vinted investigates everything behind the scenes so you don’t have to.