How Does Vinted Make Money? | Business Model Explained

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The Vinted Business Model: How Does It Make Money?

Vinted is one of the most popular second-hand clothing marketplaces in Europe. Founded in 2008 in Lithuania by Milda Mitkute and Justas Janauskas, Vinted started as a simple website to help Milda give away clothes before moving house. It has since grown into a multi-billion-euro company operating in over 20 countries.

How Does Vinted Work?

Vinted is a peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace that allows users to buy, sell, and swap second-hand clothing, accessories, and home items directly with one another. Unlike many online marketplaces, Vinted lets sellers list their items for free — a key reason for its rapid growth.

Here’s a basic breakdown of the process:

  1. Sellers upload photos and descriptions of the items they want to sell

  2. Buyers browse and purchase items, paying securely through the Vinted platform

  3. Sellers post the item using prepaid shipping labels provided by Vinted

  4. Buyers confirm receipt, and Vinted releases the funds to the seller


How Much Money Does Vinted Make?

While Vinted doesn't disclose detailed financials for every market, recent estimates suggest it made €370 million in revenue in 2022, up from €245 million in 2021 — a growth of over 50% year-on-year. It became Lithuania’s first tech unicorn in 2019, valued at over €1 billion, and its growth has continued strongly since.

The company has expanded across Europe, with particularly strong user bases in the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Its continued focus on sustainability and affordable fashion has made it a popular alternative to fast fashion.

Vinted is forecast to keep growing as second-hand shopping becomes more mainstream. With environmental concerns and cost-of-living pressures on the rise, the platform is well-placed to benefit.

So, How Does Vinted Make Money?

Vinted makes its money through several clever and low-friction revenue streams, without charging sellers listing fees.

1. Buyer Protection Fees

When a buyer makes a purchase, they pay a small additional fee (usually a few pounds or euros), which covers:

  • Safe payment processing

  • Refunds if the item doesn’t arrive

  • Support in case of disputes

This fee is typically 5% of the item price plus a fixed amount (e.g., £0.30–£0.80 depending on the country). With millions of transactions monthly, this creates a steady revenue stream.

2. Shipping Partnerships

Vinted works with shipping companies like Evri, Royal Mail, UPS, and others. While shipping costs are usually covered by the buyer, Vinted often receives a small margin by negotiating discounted rates with couriers.

It’s a win-win — the user pays a standard rate, and Vinted earns a bit from the difference.

3. Item Bumping (Paid Promotions)

Sellers can pay to “bump” or boost their listings so they appear higher in search results. This increases visibility and can lead to quicker sales.

Prices vary but typically start from £0.95 to £3 per bump, depending on the category and duration. These optional features generate extra revenue without disrupting the free-to-list model.

4. Wardrobe Spotlight

This is another paid feature that allows sellers to promote their entire wardrobe to other users, boosting visibility across the platform.

Again, this is a voluntary but popular upsell, especially for power sellers or users with lots to sell.

Does Vinted Sell Ads?

Unlike some platforms, Vinted does not rely on traditional advertising. It focuses on a clean, user-driven experience. Instead, it monetises through value-added features and service fees — which helps keep the platform uncluttered and user-friendly.

Future Growth & Expectations

Vinted continues to expand across Europe and invest in new features, including:

  • More shipping options

  • Sustainability-focused initiatives

  • New categories (homeware, books, tech accessories)

With growing demand for second-hand and eco-conscious shopping, analysts expect Vinted’s revenue to pass €500 million in the next few years, especially as it enters new markets and rolls out premium services.

Final Thought

Vinted started as a small idea in Lithuania and has grown into a major European platform by offering free selling, low fees, and a simple user experience. It makes money through buyer protection fees, shipping margins, and optional seller promotions — a smart model that avoids alienating its core audience.

As second-hand shopping continues to boom, Vinted is perfectly placed to lead the charge — sustainably and profitably.