Selling on Vinted has become really popular in recent years, with many people turning to the platform to resell their preloved items and make some extra cash. With the rise of digital technology, it’s no wonder that the selling process has also evolved. But the thought of navigating the world of online sales without a printer might leave you scratching your head.
It took me a while to jump onto the Vinted bandwagon. I’m not sure what it was that worried me, but I felt a little nervous about the whole thing. However, I’ve now sold and bought a few things on the app and I find it a really great way to get rid of outgrown clothes and replace them with secondhand items.
One thing I was worried about initially was selling on Vinted without a printer. At the time, I had a very unreliable printer that just didn’t want to work some days. I’ve since replaced it so I can now print labels from home, but it’s great to have the option to sell without a printer where possible too. We all know how temperamental printers can be!
Also, not everyone owns a printer, and it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the perks of selling on Vinted.
Key Takeaways
- Selling on Vinted without a printer is possible, you just need to understand the platform and listing process.
- Optimize your listings to attract more potential buyers and increase your chances of sales.
- Tackle shipping and logistics efficiently, even without a printer, by seeking alternative label printing solutions.
Do You Need a Printer to Sell on Vinted?
First things first, let’s address the main question: do you need a printer to sell on Vinted? The answer’s simple: no, you don’t absolutely need one. In this day and age, there are various alternatives to printing your shipping labels at home.
- Visit a local print shop or library:
Fret not, my friends; most towns and cities have at least one printing service available. Pop into your local print shop or library, and they’ll be more than happy to print your shipping labels for a small fee. - Use a friend or family member’s printer:
Now’s the time to call in a favour. Reach out to your pals or relatives who might have a printer and kindly ask if you can use it for a couple of minutes. Just remember to repay the favour someday! - Workplace printers:
Have you considered using the printer at your workplace? If you’re on good terms with your employer, simply ask if it’s alright to print a few shipping labels occasionally. Be sure to respect their decision and space.
However, there are also options on Vinted to print your shipping label instore, so you don’t actually need a printer at all. Just be aware that in my experience, the instore printers tend to be out of order quite often, so this can be an issue, particularly if you live in a small town like I do with only one store that offers this option. Once you’ve selected to print your shipping label in store, you cannot amend it and print the label yourself. You’ll need to cancel the order completely, ask the customer to buy the item again, and then select print at home. I’ve been there and it’s very frustrating.
Getting Started on Vinted
Creating Your Account
To begin selling on Vinted, you’ll first need to create an account. Download the Vinted app on your smartphone or visit their website. To register, you can use your Facebook, Google, or Apple accounts, as well as signing up with your email address. After signing up, verify your email address and complete the following details in your newly-created profile:
- Profile picture: Upload a clear, high-quality photo of yourself to build trust with potential buyers.
- Username: Select a unique and catchy username that reflects your style or personality.
- Bio: Write a brief introduction about yourself, your style, and what items buyers can expect to find in your wardrobe.
Don’t forget to configure your settings to set up your preferred language, currency, and location for a smooth experience on the platform.
Understanding Vinted’s Platform
Before you start selling on Vinted, familiarise yourself with its various features and sections:
- Homepage: This is where you’ll find personalised recommendations, featured items, and new listings from people you follow, among other exciting content.
- Shop: Explore available items by searching according to your preferences, such as size, category, brand, and price range.
- Add a listing: Use this section to create listings for items you’d like to sell. The better your item’s description, the more attractive it looks to potential buyers.
- Messages: Communicate with both buyers and sellers to discuss price offers, product details, and shipping options.
- Notifications: Stay up-to-date with important activity related to your account, such as new followers, likes, and successful sales.
- Profile: Check your profile to organise your items, interact with your followers, and view your sales history.
Listing Your Items
When selling on Vinted, you really need to create an attractive and detailed listing so that your items stand out to potential buyers.
Taking Quality Pictures
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to selling clothes, accessories, and shoes. Follow these tips to make your items stand out:
- Lighting: Good lighting is crucial. Use natural light when possible, as it best showcases the true colours and details of the item.
- Angles: Take multiple photos from different angles to give potential buyers a comprehensive view of the product.
- Close-ups: Capture close-up shots of any unique features, patterns, or potential flaws to provide an honest and thorough representation.
- Background: Use a clean and simple background to keep the focus on the item. Neutral colours, like white or light grey, are ideal.
Writing Compelling Descriptions
A well-crafted description can pique the interest of potential buyers and answer any questions they might have. Be concise, informative, and casual in tone. Here are some ideas to help you write a winning description:
- Title: Use a clear and descriptive title, such as “Blue Denim Jacket – Size 10” to quickly capture the potential buyer’s attention.
- Category: Choose the appropriate category for your item (e.g. clothes, accessories, or shoes) to make it easy for buyers to find it in search results.
- Details: Describe the item’s key features, such as brand, size, material, and condition. Use bullet points to keep the information organised and easy to read.
- Measurements: Adding measurements can help the buyer gauge the fit of the item, which is particularly helpful for clothes and shoes.
Determining the Right Price
Setting the right price can be the difference between a quick sale and your item lingering on the platform for months. Here are some methods to help you determine the most attractive price:
- Research: Look at similar items on Vinted to gauge the demand and average selling price. Consider factors such as brand, condition, and rarity.
- Considerations: Think about the original price of the item and how much you’ve used or worn it. Be realistic about the item’s value.
- Negotiations: Vinted allows buyers to make offers, so don’t be afraid to price your item slightly higher than desired, but remain open to negotiations.
Optimising Your Listing
Using Wardrobe Spotlight
One way to optimise your listings is by using the Wardrobe Spotlight feature. This feature helps to promote your items to a larger audience by placing them at the top of the main feed.
- Choose items that are in high demand or trendy to increase your chances of a sale.
- Make sure your items’ photos and descriptions are clear and detailed.
- Remember, using Wardrobe Spotlight increases your visibility for only 24 hours, so pick the right time to attract potential buyers.
Leveraging Listing Bumps
Another way to optimise your listings is by using Listing Bumps. A bump pushes your item up in the feed, making it more visible to potential buyers. You can use Vinted’s bump feature or share your item on social media for an added boost. Here are a few ideas to utilise Listing Bumps effectively:
- Prioritise items: Focus on bumping items with higher demand, better condition, or higher-priced items.
- Time it right: Time your bumps for when more users are active, typically evenings and weekends.
- Use social media: Promote your Vinted listings on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for maximum exposure.
Preparing for Sales Without a Printer
So, you want to sell on Vinted without a printer? No problem! In this section, we will walk you through some straightforward alternatives that will make your Vinted experience a breeze.
Alternative Label Options
If you don’t have a printer, don’t fret – you still have options for creating shipping labels. Here are two alternatives:
- Mobile QR code: Vinted offers a convenient QR code option so that you can easily ship your items without a printed label. After confirming the sale, simply download the QR code to your mobile device and show it at the post office or parcel shop. They will handle the rest!
- Handwritten label: For a more traditional approach, you can simply handwrite the shipping information on your package. Make sure to include the buyer’s address, your return address, and any necessary postage information. Tip: Write neatly and double-check your information to avoid any mix-ups.
Organising Shipping Manually
While Vinted typically automates the shipping process, selling without a printer means you’ll have to organise it manually. However, this can be easily managed with a little extra effort:
- Choose your shipping options: Before creating your listing, be sure to research different postage options and select the one that best suits your needs. You can choose from various shipping options, such as Royal Mail, Evri, or other couriers. Think about size, weight, and cost to find the perfect fit for your item.
- Pricing your items: Consider shipping costs when pricing your items. If you select a shipping option that costs more, you may need to adjust your item’s price accordingly. This ensures you cover the cost of shipping and still make a profit.
- Join forces: If you’re selling multiple items on Vinted, consider offering combined shipping. This allows your buyers to save on shipping costs and makes organising parcels simpler for you. Plus, it’s better for the environment!
- Drop off at the post office: Once you’ve prepared your package and decided on a shipping option, simply head to your nearest post office or parcel shop to drop it off. Make sure you have your package labelled and ready to go, whether using a mobile QR code or a handwritten label.
Completing Transactions
Securing Payments
Most sellers on Vinted prefer PayPal as it offers both seller and buyer protection. If you don’t already have a PayPal account, it’s easy to set one up.
Here are a few tips for securing payments:
- Always make sure to get paid before shipping the item
- Always use a tracked shipping service to avoid disputes
- Be aware that Vinted charges a buyer protection fee included in the shipping cost
Communicating with Buyers
Maintaining open and honest communication with your buyers can help build trust and foster successful transactions. Here are a few tips on ways to effectively communicate with your buyers:
- Be responsive to messages – buyers may have questions about the item or postage
- Provide updates on the shipping status
Shipping and Logistics
Selecting Courier Services
When selling on Vinted without a printer, it’s essential to choose a courier service that accommodates hand-written labels. Here are a few options to consider:
- Royal Mail: Widely recognised and available throughout the UK, Royal Mail offers a range of services for various parcel sizes and delivery speeds.
- Yodel Direct: Convenient and affordable, Yodel Direct allows you to book a collection or drop-off service, with the option to hand-write parcel labels.
- Yodel Store to Door: For smaller items, Yodel provides a Store to Door service, in which you can drop off your parcel at a nearby store and they’ll deliver it to the buyer.
- Evri: Previously known as Hermes, Evri offers both collection and drop-off services while also accepting hand-written parcel labels.
- UPS: UPS offers a range of shipping options and allows customers to hand-write parcel labels, which can then be scanned at their collection points.
- InPost: With 24/7 locker access, InPost provides a convenient drop-off service, though you’ll need to ensure that your chosen service accepts hand-written labels.
While each courier has its pros and cons, it’s crucial to compare the services, prices, and delivery times to determine which one suits your needs best.
Arranging Collection or Drop-Off
After you’ve chosen your courier service, you’ll need to arrange for parcel collection or find a drop-off point. Here’s a breakdown of how to do this:
- Royal Mail: With their Click & Drop service, you can enter your parcel details online and pay for postage. Then, simply hand-write the address on your parcel and place it in a letterbox or drop it off at a Post Office.
- Yodel Direct: Select the “Handwritten Label” option when booking a collection or drop-off service. They’ll provide a barcode that you can hand-write on the parcel along with the buyer’s address.
- Yodel Store to Door: When booking online, choose the “Handwritten Label” option, and then drop off your parcel at a participating store. Be sure to write the tracking number and delivery address on the parcel.
- Evri: Arrange for collection or locate a ParcelShop drop-off point through their online portal. Hand-write the buyer’s address and attach a barcode indicating it’s an Evri parcel.
- UPS: Schedule a parcel collection online or take your item to a UPS Access Point. Remember to hand-write the tracking number, service level, and delivery address on the parcel.
- InPost: Find a locker location near you and book a locker before dropping off your parcel. Note that some InPost services require a printed label, so verify whether they accept hand-written labels beforehand.
Growing Your Vinted Business
Expanding Your Inventory
One way to make more money with your Vinted business is by expanding your inventory. By offering a variety of items to your customers, you increase the chances of making a sale. Start by decluttering your home and reselling the clothing, beauty products, toys, entertainment items, consoles, books, watches, and even vintage items you no longer need.
You could also source additional items from friends, family, or local charity shops – making sure they’re in good condition and have a demand in the marketplace. As your business grows, consider branching out to niche items like collectables, art, and limited edition products.
- Clothing: Look for stylish, in-demand pieces that people want.
- Vintage: Explore antique shops, estate sales, and flea markets for unique finds.
- Pets: Create a pet-themed collection with items like collars, leashes, and toys.
- Books: Books of various genres are always popular.
- Watches: Offer trendy and classic timepieces to suit different tastes.
- Amber: Create unique jewellery with amber or other attractive materials.
Remember, though, that Vinted isn’t designed for businesses, so limit your listings to secondhand and preloved items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternative ways to ship items on Vinted if I don’t own a printer?
You can still ship items on Vinted without a printer. One option is to visit a local print shop or library, where you can print shipping labels for a small fee. Alternatively, you can use a courier service that accepts handwritten labels or has the option to print labels in-store. Just ensure that the relevant delivery and recipient information is clearly written on the parcel.
How can I use Royal Mail for Vinted deliveries without printing a label?
To use Royal Mail for Vinted deliveries without a printer, simply take your parcel to your local Post Office. There, the staff will help you choose the correct postage and pay for the service. Some Post Offices even have label writing facilities where you can complete a handwritten label for your Vinted parcel.
Is it possible to handwrite shipping labels for Vinted parcels?
Yes, you can handwrite shipping labels for Vinted parcels if you don’t have a printer. Be sure to include the recipient’s name, address, and any relevant reference numbers. Make sure to write clearly and legibly so that the courier can easily read and deliver the parcel correctly.
Which courier services offer label-free shipping options for Vinted sales?
Some courier services let you ship Vinted items without a printed label. Check with your local branches, but popular options include Hermes, which offers label-free shipping if you drop off your parcel at a ParcelShop, and Royal Mail’s “Click & Drop” system, which allows you to pay for your postage online and then request that they print the label for you.
Can I drop off Vinted parcels at a parcel shop without pre-printed labels?
Most parcel shops require a pre-printed label. However, some couriers, like Hermes, offer label-free drop-off options. In these cases, give your parcel and the necessary information to the staff at the parcel shop. They’ll print the label and attach it to your parcel for you.
What should I do if I can’t print out Vinted shipping labels at home?
If you can’t print Vinted shipping labels at home, there are several options. Visit a local print shop or library to print the labels, use a courier service that accepts handwritten labels, or choose a label-free shipping option if available. Remember to always provide accurate and clear information for seamless parcel delivery.
