Vinted started in Lithuania back in 2008 when its co-founder needed to clear out her wardrobe before moving. That simple need turned into Europe’s largest online marketplace for secondhand fashion. The platform operates across more than 20 markets, including France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The business model is refreshingly straightforward: sellers pay nothing to list items. Vinted makes money through buyer protection fees and optional listing bumps that give items more visibility. This zero-commission approach for sellers has been a major draw, helping the platform attract over 80 million members.
Vinted’s catalog covers clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods. The platform handles secure payments and offers integrated shipping labels with tracked delivery. Buyers can negotiate prices directly with sellers through an in-app messaging system, and there’s a five-day window to verify items before payment gets released.
The company reached profitability in 2023 after years of heavy investment in growth. Vinted has raised over €1 billion in funding and achieved a valuation north of €3.5 billion. It’s become a genuine cultural phenomenon in several European countries — particularly France, where it ranks among the most downloaded shopping apps.
Vinted’s environmental angle resonates strongly with younger shoppers. The company regularly publishes impact reports showing how many tons of textile waste its marketplace helps avoid.
