How to package Vinted items
How to package Vinted items
The Eco-Friendly clothing resale app Vinted has quickly risen in popularity throughout the UK. This C2C platform estimates that on average, 1.8kgs of carbon is prevented for each item sold on the platform. This equates to an estimated carbon prevention of 453 Kilotons in 2021 alone.
It’s clear that this peer-to-peer platform is a great alternative to fast-fashion, freeing unloved clothing from the wardrobe. Though, being a customer to customer sales platform, it’s completely understandable that sometimes, the seller may be unsure of what packaging to use for Vinted.
So the Packaging Experts here at Springpack have created the guide below, containing dos and don’ts for sending packages on Vinted.
How should I pack my Vinted Parcel?
Ensuring your parcel arrives undamaged reduces the risk of returns or refunds and helps increase your feedback. In turn, this works to boost Vinted sales. You need to pack your Vinted Parcel securely – but how?
Many Vinted sellers use plastic mailing bags for sending light items of clothing, as mailing bags are lightweight and are low cost. These are a great option to keep your packaging costs low, as the seller pays for packaging on Vinted.
Mailing bags aren’t suitable, however, for things like shoes, bags, electonics or mugs. For these items, you should use a box. Inside the box, there should be a layer of void fill material on the bottom and sides. Place your item inside with more void fill on top, and seal the box. The goal is to suspend the item in the centre of the box, to prevent it hitting the sides or taking on any impacts.
To test out our packaging - we threw Easter Eggs from our 30ft mezzanine! Do you think they survived?
Common Vinted Packaging Problems
Wrapping the package in paper: Whilst wrapping the clothes you’ve sold in paper seems like the eco-friendly choice, using paper alone to package your products may result in a lost item and an unhappy customer.
No matter how well presented the package is, low-quality parcel paper can easily become snagged or torn as the parcel passes through the courier’s distribution centres.
As the paper is the only thing holding the package together, this can result in the items actually falling out of the packaging and getting lost.
Paper also does not offer any protection against crushing, scratching or knocks and bumps in transit. Instead, consider using bubble wrap on your parcel and securely packaging it into a box.
Wrapping the clothes in coloured tissue: It’s no secret that adding a layer of coloured tissue paper to your parcel can create a luxury experience for the recipient. However, it is not recommended that you do this.
This is because some dyed tissue can be susceptible to dye transfer. This means that when it’s in contact with a garment for a long time, the colour can bleed from the tissue to the fabric.
Using mailing bags: This one might come as a shock to you, but Vinted’s packaging guidelines state that packaging should be “ideally, a cardboard box”. As of August 2023, there is no mention at all of polybags or padded mailers in the Vinted official packaging guidelines.
Whilst sending your product out using a mailing bag is not likely to cause an issue, if you do run into a problem in transit, Vinted may not refund your damages.
Incorrect Package Size: Choosing the wrong size or weight package can lead to delays in delivery. Many store drop offs have limited space, meaning that your package could be refused if it’s too big. Remember, you need to measure the outer packaging, not just the item.
Packaging Best Practices for Sellers on Vinted:
- Always use a cardboard box to provide optimal protection for your products
- Recycle packaging where you can. Keep hold of packaging materials from parcels you have received, such as bubble wrap or sturdy boxes. These can be reused, which will reduce your need to purchase new materials.
- Wrap in dye free, acid free tissue paper.
- Choose suitably sized packing boxes, if you have selected a “Small Package” size, and you use a box that is too big for this label, your package may be rejected. To learn more about Vinted’s Parcel Size Guidelines, please click here.
- Attach the shipping label properly, and avoid taping over the barcode on the shipping label. Putting tape on the barcode can cause transit delays as it makes it hard for the scanners to read the package.
- Use good quality packing tape. Did you know, tape can expire? Why not read our guide on How to Optimise The Shelf Life of Tape.
- Do the “Crush and Chuck” test. Think: would this parcel be damaged if it was thrown down the stairs? Would this parcel be damaged if someone stepped on it? – If the answer is yes, your Vinted Packaging needs some help!
Packaging for Vinted Items
Springpack has thousands of options for packaging for Vinted items.
From boxes that will fit through your customer’s letter boxes, to plastic postal bags, our next-day packaging solutions are the perfect option.
Why Vinted Packaging is Important
Although Vinted is a Consumer to Consumer platform, learning how to successfully sell on Vinted UK can definitely be a learning curve.
Your potential customers usually read your reviews. If your reviews say “Parcel arrived in a nappy!” (Yes, that really happened!), your potential customers may choose to go elsewhere. Leading you with a full Vinted wardrobe, and nothing to wear!
In contrast, if you have glowing Vinted reviews saying “Well packaged, great seller” you’ll build trust with your customers on Vinted, which can lead to more sales.
Eco Friendly Vinted Packaging:
At Springpack, we the environmental impact of our packaging very seriously.
Our supply chain is closely monitored to ensure only the most sustainable, high quality solutions, are on our shelves. We are partnered with Carbon Neutral Britain to ensure all of our packaging materials and business operations are kind to the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What packaging do you use for Vinted?
The packaging you use for Vinted can, and should, vary based on what you are sending. A mailing bag may be suitable for a fabric garment, but it is not suitable for a pair of shoes. Instead, try to use a box where possible, though avoid using boxes that have had food in them, as this can make your items smell or risk a person with allergies health.
Can I send a parcel in a plastic bag?
Despite not being a part of Vinted’s packaging guidelines, many people opt to recycle plastic bags, and use this for their packaging. To do this, they fold the bag inside out and fold it flat. Insert the folded item into one of the corners of the carrier bag. Then, they neatly fold the carrier bag over until the garment is secure, and tape up the edges.
This method, however, is not recommended as it is less secure than using a Mailing or Jiffy Bag, and considerably less secure than a box. Remember to always follow Vinted’s Official Packaging Guidelines to ensure you are covered by Vinted’s Seller Protection.
How do postage and packaging work with Vinted?
On Vinted, the buyer chooses the postage method. This can be a range of options, based on where you are in the world. The seller receives a link to download a postage label. The seller must then package the item and follow the instructions on the label. The package is then to be dropped off at the nearest drop-off point.
Can you send a Vinted parcel in a bin bag?
No, you should not ever send a Vinted Parcel in a bin bag – nor should you send in a nappy, crisp packet, take away container or food packaging.
Who Pays for Vinted Packaging
The seller is responsible for the packaging of their items, and the buyer pays for the postage.
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