SELLING on second-hand clothing apps like Vinted can be a great side hustle to earn some cash when clearing your closet. And for thrifty shoppers, they offer a way to find fashion bargains without having to trawl charity shop rails. However, with the increasing popularity of these apps, there have been a growing number of complaints from users who have encountered problems. In this article, we will explore some of the risks involved and your rights when things go wrong.
Payment Problems and Lost Items
A number of sellers on Vinted have reported issues with payment problems and lost items. Emma Jones, for example, found herself out of pocket after her withdrawal of £160 bounced back to Vinted due to a banking glitch. Despite providing proof from her bank, she received no help until intervention from Sun Money. Similarly, Josh Taylor is still missing his £85 after selling a pair of Yeezy trainers. His buyer claimed that the trainers never arrived, and when Josh tried to resolve the issue through Vinted's app, it automatically refunded the buyer without consulting him.
Buyer Protection that Fails
Aisha Furtado paid an extra £2 for Vinted's "buyer protection" when purchasing a COS dress for £35. However, when she received her parcel, it contained a pair of old hair straighteners instead. Despite repeatedly messaging Vinted, she only received automated replies and felt frustrated by the lack of help. The buyer protection cover that she paid for was meant to refund her if the item was not delivered or wasn't as described. It was only after Sun Money's involvement that she got her money back.
Seller Disputes and Loss of Money
Jacky Catling purchased two gold bracelets from Vinted for £102, but when she had them checked by a jeweler, she discovered they were gold-plated and only worth £25. When she complained, Vinted sided with the seller and held onto her money for four months. Jacky felt like a victim, as she was left without both the bracelets and her money. However, after Sun Money contacted Vinted, Jacky was refunded the £102.
Payment Error and Debt for Pension Credit Applicant
Robert Vincent, a 75-year-old from Porthcawl in South Wales, was hit with a £22,096 bill after an error on his Pension Credit application was discovered six years later. Robert, who applied for the benefit after struggling to manage his bills, was confirmed eligible at the time. However, the Department for Work and Pensions later claimed that his private pension income was higher than what he had stated. Now, Robert has to pay back £258.72 every four weeks until 2030, significantly impacting his monthly income.
Pension Credit is underclaimed, with almost one million eligible individuals missing out on a collective £1.7 billion a year. Applying for the benefit can be done online, over the phone, or by post. If the DWP later finds any errors, they can demand overpaid money back.
It is important for users of second-hand clothing apps like Vinted to be aware of the risks involved and their rights when things go wrong. While these apps offer great opportunities for buyers and sellers, it is essential to be cautious and understand the limitations and protections in place.
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