Katie Mather, a 37-year-old stay-at-home mother of three from Warrington, has transformed her financial situation by capitalizing on the UK's booming second-hand fashion market. Within a year, she has built a profitable business that has lifted her off Universal Credit.
From decluttering to Vinted success
Mather, who previously worked in a nursery and as a cleaner, initially tried a home decluttering business. After a customer suggested she sell on Vinted, she launched a Facebook group called Vinted Done For You. Since then, her business has grown rapidly. She now earns over £2,000 in her most profitable months.
Unique business model
Unlike many Vinted sellers who take a commission, Mather charges clients an upfront fee. Her first package costs £60 for 10 items, which she stores for four weeks, handling listings, photos, messages, and postage. The second package is £135 for 30 items, stored for 12 weeks. Clients keep all sale proceeds.
"Other people will take clothes off a person and they will list them and then they take a percentage of the profit," Mather said. "But for me, listing them, photographing, storing them, and researching how much they are, you're doing a lot of work there, and it's not guaranteed money."
Growing demand
Since starting a year ago, Mather has rented storage space twice to accommodate inventory. She has worked with 180 clients, many of whom are repeat customers. Her business suits her lifestyle as a stay-at-home mum, allowing time with her children and fiancé.
"I think in my first month of doing it, I earned like £800, which was just incredible for me," she said.
Advice for aspiring sellers
Mather recommends not listing all items at once on Vinted, as the platform's vast audience ensures almost anything can sell. She keeps some selling secrets but encourages others to try. "I do think if it works for me - it can work for anyone," she said. "I'm just like your average person."
