Shoppers on the popular second-hand marketplace Vinted are facing a new financial blow as the platform prepares to roll out a mandatory 'handling fee' from next week.
The new charge, set to be introduced on March 18th, will add an extra 70p to 80p to every transaction made through Vinted's Buyer Protection programme, effectively increasing the cost of every purchase on the platform.
What This Means For Your Wallet
Unlike previous charges that primarily affected sellers, this new fee will directly impact buyers, adding a fixed handling cost to their total at checkout. The fee is in addition to the existing buyer protection charge and will apply regardless of the item's price.
The platform claims the fee will help cover the costs of running and improving its services, including customer support and safety features. However, many users are expressing frustration at yet another cost being added to their second-hand purchases.
User Backlash and Platform Response
Early reactions from the Vinted community have been largely negative, with many users taking to social media to express their disappointment. Some have threatened to abandon the platform altogether, while others are concerned about the impact on smaller, lower-value sales where the fee represents a significant percentage of the total cost.
Vinted has defended the move, stating in communications to users: "This fee contributes to the maintenance and development of our platform, ensuring we can continue to provide a secure and improving service for all members."
The Bigger Picture for Second-Hand Shopping
This change comes as the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze household budgets across the UK. Platforms like Vinted have seen massive growth as consumers seek more affordable alternatives to high-street shopping.
The introduction of handling fees may challenge this value proposition, potentially making second-hand shopping less attractive compared to traditional retail options, especially for lower-priced items.
Shoppers are advised to factor in these additional costs when browsing and making purchases on Vinted from March 18th onwards.
