Vinted vs eBay: Which Secondhand Marketplace Is Best for You

Compare Fees, Features & Sales Potential to Choose Your Perfect Secondhand Selling Platform

Selling clothes and other items online is easier than ever, thanks to popular marketplaces like Vinted and eBay. These platforms let you reach millions of buyers, declutter your space, and turn your unused stuff into cash. The main difference between Vinted and eBay is that Vinted usually has no selling fees while eBay charges fees, but eBay allows you to sell a wider range of items and often reach more buyers.

When choosing where to list your items, you’ll notice Vinted focuses on fashion and is quick to use, while eBay gives you options for almost anything, from electronics to collectibles. Prices tend to be lower on Vinted, but the process is often more simple, and buyers there expect deals on used clothes.

Key Takeaways

• Vinted is best for selling fashion items with no seller fees.
• eBay has higher fees but a larger reach and sells more types of items.
• Both platforms offer chances to make extra money online.
• Each platform has distinct advantages for US sellers depending on your goals.

Core Platform Differences

eBay and Vinted both let you sell things online, but they are built for different types of users and products. Each platform has its own audience, rules, and selling experiences, which can affect how you choose to use them.

Overview of eBay

eBay is a broad online marketplace where you can sell almost anything, from clothes and electronics to collectibles and cars. It was started in 1995 and has millions of active users all over the world. This large user base gives you access to a wide audience.

You can choose between selling as an auction or as a fixed-price listing. eBay supports both private sellers and businesses. There are many listing tools, selling options, and promotional features available. eBay also has built-in buyer and seller protection systems.

There are fees to list and there are also final value fees when your item sells. The platform is open to both used and new products across many categories.

Overview of Vinted

Vinted is a marketplace focused mainly on fashion and lifestyle items, such as clothes, shoes, and accessories. You’ll see that it is geared mostly towards private sellers rather than big businesses and brands. Vinted aims to create a community feel by connecting individuals who want to buy and sell secondhand items.

There are no listing fees for you to pay, which lowers your cost to start selling. Vinted holds your payment until the buyer receives and accepts their item. The platform supports only fixed-price sales, so there are no auctions.

Vinted’s main audience is people who want to buy or sell used fashion. Its categories are more narrow, and its community is smaller but more focused on clothes and lifestyle goods.

Business Models Compared

eBay and Vinted work in different ways when it comes to business models. eBay lets you list a wide variety of new and used products in many categories, charging fees for listings and sales. It supports both small private sellers and large businesses.

Vinted, on the other hand, is designed for peer-to-peer selling in the fashion space. It does not charge listing fees and takes a more community-driven approach. Payments are held until the buyer is happy with their purchase. Vinted is better if you just want to sell your own used items without starting a business.

Below is a table comparing some core elements:

US Market Insights

For American sellers and buyers, these platforms offer different experiences that reflect US shopping preferences and habits.

eBay has a massive presence in the US market, with over 85 million active buyers nationwide. Its reach extends across all 50 states, with particularly strong user bases in California, New York, Texas, and Florida. Americans use eBay for everything from fashion to collectibles, with electronics and vintage items being especially popular.

Vinted entered the US market more recently but has gained traction, particularly among millennial and Gen Z shoppers in urban areas. The platform sees highest engagement in fashion-forward cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where secondhand clothing culture thrives.

Here’s a comparison of the US market characteristics:

The typical eBay user in America tends to be more diverse in age and shopping interests, while Vinted attracts a younger demographic focused specifically on affordable fashion.

Selling Process Compared

Selling on Vinted and eBay works differently, especially when it comes to how listings are created, the types of items you can sell, and how to handle postage and payments. Understanding each platform’s approach can help you choose where you want to list your clothes, jewelry, books, or other second-hand items.

Listing Creation and AI-Powered Listings

On Vinted, you’ll find the listing creation process quick and simple. You can upload photos, write a short item description, set the price, and choose the item’s category in a few steps. Vinted guides you with prompts and suggestions, making it easy for first-time sellers.

eBay takes a bit more time. You fill in details for each product, and while eBay offers some AI-powered suggestions for item titles and descriptions, you still need to add specifics like size, color, and condition. eBay lets you set auctions or fixed prices for items. The system provides suggested prices based on similar sales, but you have more manual input than Vinted.

Both platforms allow you to sell items in many categories. However, eBay’s tools are a bit more advanced, especially for optimizing listings and reaching buyers who are looking for rare or specific products like watches or expensive handbags. Vinted focuses more on fast and easy listings.

Item Categories: Clothing, Jewelry, and More

Vinted specializes in second-hand clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories. Most people use it to sell and buy everyday clothing or trendy pieces. You’ll see that Vinted’s categories are more focused on fashion, but you can still list some jewelry and small accessories.

eBay, on the other hand, covers a much wider range. You can sell clothing, watches, books, handbags, jewelry, and nearly any other item. There’s a bigger market for luxury goods and collectibles. This means eBay is often better if you want to sell unique items outside of basic fashion, like rare books or specialty watches.

While both platforms support clothing sales, eBay’s extensive categories make it easier for you to reach buyers for non-clothing items, or to clear out things like gadgets and household goods.

Managing Transactions and Postage

Vinted handles transactions by holding the payment until the buyer receives the item, which gives you some security as a seller. The buyer pays for postage, and Vinted provides postage labels for common parcel shops, making shipping easy. You just pack your item, stick on the prepaid label, and drop it off.

eBay manages payments through its own system, but fees are higher, and you are responsible for calculating the postage. You can choose different shipping services and set your own rates, which gives you flexibility, especially for valuable or bulky products. However, this adds steps and may be confusing, especially for first-timers.

Both platforms have systems for tracking transactions, messaging buyers, and resolving issues. eBay’s structure is more complex, but gives you more control. Vinted is simple and convenient for selling everyday clothes or accessories with less hassle over postage and payment.

US Shipping Options

For American sellers, shipping options differ significantly between platforms. eBay integrates with USPS, UPS, and FedEx, letting you compare rates directly through the platform. You can also offer local pickup for larger items.

Vinted’s US shipping is more streamlined, with partnerships primarily with USPS. The platform provides pre-paid shipping labels, taking the guesswork out of shipping costs. However, this limits your options compared to eBay’s flexibility.

Here’s a quick comparison of US shipping features:

Fee Structures and Charges

When you compare Vinted and eBay, their fee structures are among the biggest differences. Vinted has a straightforward system with no seller fees, while eBay has updated its charges to compete.

Marketplace Fees Overview

Vinted offers zero seller fees for listing and selling items. You can post your items for free and keep all of your earnings after a sale. This makes Vinted simple to understand for new and casual sellers.

eBay, until recently, charged sellers both a listing fee and a final value fee. Now, eBay has removed some selling fees in the UK to match Vinted’s approach. However, eBay still does have fees for certain categories and may charge for optional upgrades, like promoting a listing or using special features.

In the US, eBay typically charges a final value fee ranging from 10-15% of the sale price, depending on the category. For most fashion items, this fee is around 12.9% plus $0.30 per order.

Here’s a simple table comparing basic fees:

Is it Cheaper to Sell on Vinted or eBay?

For most US sellers, Vinted is definitely the cheaper option when it comes to fees. With no listing or selling fees on Vinted, you keep 100% of your sale price. However, it’s important to consider the full picture:

• eBay charges fees but often results in faster sales and potentially higher selling prices
• Vinted has no fees but a smaller audience, which might mean items sit unsold longer
• eBay offers promotional tools that can boost visibility (for an additional cost)
• Vinted’s US buyer base is growing but still smaller than eBay’s massive audience

If you’re selling lower-priced fashion items and cost is your primary concern, Vinted will typically be the more economical choice. For higher-value items where reaching the largest possible audience matters more than saving on fees, eBay might ultimately provide better value despite the costs.

Final Value and Seller Fees

On Vinted, the seller keeps 100% of the sale price. There are no final value fees or payment processing fees taken from your earnings. The only possible deductions are if you choose extra promotional tools or upgrades, but these are not required.

eBay used to charge a final value fee, usually a percentage of the sale plus a fixed amount. For sellers in the UK, eBay is now removing some selling fees, especially for certain categories like secondhand clothes. Where fees are still present, they often combine the marketplace fee and payment processing fee, so you need to read the terms for your specific category.

For US sellers, eBay still charges final value fees on most categories. These typically range from 10-15% of the total sale amount (including shipping). Electronics might have lower fees around 10%, while clothing typically sees fees of about 12.9% plus a fixed $0.30 per order.

Buyer Protection and Additional Fees

Vinted does not charge sellers for buyer protection. Instead, a buyer protection fee is added for the buyer at checkout. This covers secure payments and support if something goes wrong. You don’t lose any money to this fee, so your payouts are not affected.

eBay used to bundle protection as part of its final value fee, but now puts more of the cost on the buyer. In some cases, there are extra fees for enhanced payment protection, returns, or dispute resolution—these may apply in special situations. Payment processing is usually covered in the main seller fees, so you don’t see separate charges.

If you sell on either platform, you need to factor in how these extra fees affect buyers, as it can impact overall sale price and customer satisfaction.

What are the Pros and Cons of Selling Clothing on Vinted vs eBay?

When deciding where to sell your clothing items, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each platform can help you make the best choice for your specific needs.

Vinted Pros:

• No Seller Fees: Keep 100% of your selling price with no final value fees
• Simple Process: User-friendly app designed specifically for clothing sales
• Buyer Pays Shipping: Shipping costs are typically covered by buyers
• Fashion-Focused Audience: Buyers come specifically looking for clothing items
• Built-in Messaging: Easy communication system with potential buyers
• Bundle Discounts: Simple tools to offer discounts on multiple purchases

Vinted Cons:

• Smaller Audience: Fewer buyers compared to eBay, especially in smaller cities
• Limited Categories: Primarily for fashion and accessories only
• Lower Price Points: Buyers typically expect significant discounts on retail prices
• Slower Sales: Items can take longer to sell due to smaller user base
• No Auction Format: Fixed price only, which limits price competition
• Less Brand Recognition: Not as universally recognized as eBay

eBay Pros:

• Massive Audience: Millions of potential buyers worldwide
• Higher Selling Prices: Auction format can drive prices up for desirable items
• Sell Anything: Broader range of categories beyond just clothing
• Established Reputation: Trusted platform with strong buyer/seller protections
• International Reach: Easy access to global markets
• Promotional Tools: Advanced options to increase visibility of listings

eBay Cons:

• Selling Fees: Final value fees take 10-15% of your sale price in the US
• More Complex: Listing process requires more details and options
• Shipping Responsibility: Sellers must handle shipping logistics and costs
• More Competition: Your items compete with many similar listings
• Return Requirements: More formal return policies and expectations
• Time-Consuming: More involved listing and management process

For casual sellers with a few fashion items to sell, Vinted often makes more sense due to its simplicity and lack of fees. For sellers with higher-value items, rare pieces, or those looking to build a more substantial selling business, eBay’s reach and tools may justify the additional fees and complexity.

Buying Experience

The process of buying on Vinted and eBay feels different because of their design and rules. Each marketplace has its own way of handling how buyers make purchases and deal with issues.

How Buyers Purchase

When you use Vinted, everything is set up for instant purchases. You can see the price, click to buy, and pay right away. Listings have fixed prices and you do not bid against other buyers, which makes the process fast.

On eBay, you can use two main options: bidding at auction or buying instantly with “Buy It Now.” Auctions let you try to win an item for less, but there is a wait. Buy It Now gives you the same instant experience as Vinted. eBay has a wider range of items, but some require waiting for auctions to end.

There is also a key difference with fees. On Vinted, you pay a small “buyer protection fee” with each transaction. eBay usually includes buyer protection in their overall fees, and sellers may charge extra for shipping or handling.

Buyer Protections and Dispute Resolution

Vinted charges you a buyer protection fee for every transaction. This covers customer support and gives you help if something goes wrong, like if an item is not as described or is lost in the mail. You can report problems easily through the app, and most cases get decided by Vinted after you send photos or proof.

eBay offers buyer protection through its Money Back Guarantee. If you don’t get your item or it is not as described, you open a case. eBay often asks for evidence and steps in if the seller does not fix the problem.

One important point is that eBay has stronger seller protection, which means the outcome of a dispute may not always favor you if there is little evidence. On Vinted, the system usually leans towards a return-for-full-refund when a buyer complains. This can feel safer, but it also relies on you following the correct steps and showing proof quickly.

Security and Privacy Measures

Vinted and eBay both use several tools to help keep accounts safe, protect personal data, limit unwanted messages, and follow privacy laws. You need to look at how these two platforms handle account safety, personal information, advertising, and fraud prevention.

User Authentication and Anti-Abuse

You have to create an account before buying or selling on both Vinted and eBay. This usually means you provide an email address, create a password, and confirm your identity with a code sent to your phone or email.

Both sites use two-factor authentication as an extra security step. This makes it harder for someone else to access your account, even if they have your password. eBay gives you more options for security questions and login alerts, while Vinted keeps the process simple but effective.

They both also monitor for signs of abuse, like fake profiles or bots. Vinted is known to quickly suspend suspicious accounts. eBay uses strong tools to spot and block unnatural behavior, including sellers trying to scam buyers.

Data Privacy and Consent Settings

eBay and Vinted let you control some of the personal information that you share. If you want, you can update your privacy settings or see what data they have stored about you.

Both sites follow privacy laws like the GDPR. They ask for your consent before saving cookies or collecting sensitive information. You can usually find these controls in a privacy dashboard or settings page.

• eBay gives more detailed privacy options, including ways to manage what data is used for different features.
• Vinted has an easier-to-use privacy section but offers fewer choices.

When you use these websites, your IP address, device info, and activity are collected to keep your account safe and improve their services.

Personalized Advertising and Analytics

You’ll notice both platforms use cookies and tracking tools to show you ads based on things you’ve viewed or searched for. They ask for your consent when you first visit the site. They also let you opt out of some types of tracking through a cookie policy or privacy settings.

eBay uses more complex tools for targeted ads and analytics. You can choose if your data is used for marketing or just to improve the site. Vinted also personalizes ads, but their tracking options are more basic.

Table: Advertising Controls Comparison

Preventing Spam and Fraud

On both platforms, you can report spam messages or listings, and there are filters that try to block unwanted content before you see it. eBay uses advanced algorithms to spot fraud attempts, such as fake listings or harmful links sent in messages.

Vinted also checks for spam and scams, but its tools are simpler and rely more on community reports. Both companies have teams that handle abuse cases and will suspend accounts involved in fraud.

If you get a suspicious message or see a scam, you can usually find a “Report” button nearby. Both sites update their rules and warning systems to help keep users safe from new abuses.

Making Money and Side Hustle Potential

When you need extra cash from unwanted clothes, you want to know the best place to sell and how quickly you’ll see money in your pocket. You can also compare how many buyers will see your listings and which site gives better chances to boost sales.

Cash Earnings and Payout Methods

When you sell second-hand clothing on Vinted, you don’t pay selling fees, which means you keep more from each sale. Vinted lets you withdraw money to your bank account once the buyer confirms they received their item. This often happens quickly if the buyer marks the item as received right away.

On eBay, you pay selling fees and sometimes PayPal fees, which lowers your profit. eBay releases your earnings after the buyer confirms everything is fine, or after a short waiting period. Both platforms offer direct bank transfers, but eBay may take a little longer for new sellers.

For US sellers, eBay now offers direct deposit to your bank account, typically within 1-3 business days after the sale is completed. Vinted’s US payment options include bank transfers and popular payment apps like Venmo, making it convenient for American users to access their earnings.

Here’s a quick comparison:

For your side hustle, having access to fast and reliable payment makes a big difference.

Maximizing Sales and Audience Reach

eBay gives you access to a huge global audience. This means your listings can reach more buyers, especially if you’re selling higher-priced branded items or collectibles. eBay is helpful when you want to sell a variety of goods, not just clothing.

Vinted focuses on second-hand clothing and related items. It attracts shoppers looking for deals on used clothes. You’ll find it easier to sell many low-value or casual items without needing to create long listings. However, the buyer base is smaller than eBay’s, so sales might be slower for certain items.

To boost sales, use clear photos, honest descriptions, and fair prices. Bundling several pieces together on Vinted can help clear out unwanted clothes faster. On eBay, consider auctions or promoted listings if you want more eyes on your items.

For US sellers, eBay’s integrated marketing tools offer significant advantages for those looking to build a serious side hustle. The platform provides detailed analytics on listing performance, suggested price points, and promotion opportunities that can substantially increase visibility.

In most cases, Vinted works well for quick sales of everyday clothes, while eBay offers broader reach for specialty or higher-value sales.

Can I List the Same Items on eBay and Vinted?

Yes, you can list the same items on both eBay and Vinted simultaneously to maximize your chances of making a sale. This strategy, known as cross-listing, is a common practice among savvy sellers. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Cross-Listing Benefits and Challenges

Benefits:

• Expanded audience reach across both platforms
• Increased chances of selling items quickly
• Ability to test which platform works better for different item types
• Potential for higher selling prices by reaching more interested buyers

Challenges:

• Need to monitor both platforms closely to prevent double-selling
• Must remove listings promptly when an item sells on either platform
• Different pricing strategies may be needed for each marketplace
• Managing communications with potential buyers on both platforms

Best Practices for Cross-Listing

If you decide to list your items on both platforms, follow these guidelines to avoid issues:

1. Use inventory management: Keep a spreadsheet or use a cross-listing app to track where each item is listed
2. Check both platforms frequently: Set up notifications so you know immediately when an item sells
3. Remove sold listings promptly: As soon as an item sells on one platform, remove it from the other
4. Consider pricing differences: You might price items slightly higher on eBay to account for fees
5. Use similar photos but unique descriptions: This helps prevent duplicate content issues while maintaining consistency

Many successful sellers use both platforms strategically, listing everyday clothing on Vinted while placing higher-value items or collectibles on eBay to take advantage of each platform’s strengths.

What is Better Than Vinted?

While Vinted offers a strong platform for selling secondhand fashion with no seller fees, several alternatives might work better depending on your specific needs:

Top Alternatives to Vinted in the US Market

Poshmark

• Stronger social selling features with a community focus
• Higher-end audience willing to pay more for quality items
• “Posh Parties” that boost visibility for featured categories
• Better for designer and brand-name fashion items

Mercari

• Broader category options beyond just fashion
• Lower buyer fees, potentially attracting more purchasers
• Strong mobile app experience with simple listing process
• Growing user base across diverse demographics

ThredUP

• Consignment model where they handle everything (photos, listing, shipping)
• Professional photography and descriptions increase appeal
• Good for bulk selling with their “Clean Out Kit” program
• Higher potential reach through their marketing efforts

Facebook Marketplace

• Zero selling fees and local pickup options
• Enormous user base with broad demographic reach
• Integration with Facebook groups for targeted selling
• Great for bulky items that would be expensive to ship

Depop

• Instagram-like interface appealing to younger shoppers
• Perfect for vintage, unique, or trendy fashion items
• Strong community of fashion-forward buyers
• Better for building a “brand” as a seller

Each of these alternatives offers distinct advantages over Vinted in certain scenarios. eBay remains superior for high-value items and collectibles, while these specialized platforms excel in their respective niches.

For US sellers seeking the best return on their secondhand fashion, a combination approach often works best: use Vinted for everyday casual items, Poshmark for branded fashion, Mercari for a mix of categories, and eBay for higher-value or unique items.

How Do I Lower My Price on Vinted?

Adjusting your prices on Vinted can help move items that have been sitting unsold and attract more potential buyers. Here’s how to effectively lower your prices on the platform:

Step-by-Step Price Reduction Guide

1. Access your item listing: Open the Vinted app and go to your profile
2. Find the item: Tap on “Items” and locate the specific listing you want to modify
3. Edit the listing: Click the “Edit” button (usually three dots or “…”)
4. Change the price: Update the price field with your new lower amount
5. Save changes: Confirm your price adjustment by saving the updated listing

Strategic Price Lowering Tips

For maximum effectiveness when reducing prices on Vinted:

• Use the “Price Drop” feature: When you lower a price by at least 5%, Vinted notifies followers and people who’ve favorited your item
• Bundle discounts: Set up automatic discounts for buyers who purchase multiple items (e.g., 10% off when buying 2+ items)
• Consider offers: Enable the “Accept Offers” option to negotiate with interested buyers
• Seasonal adjustments: Lower prices on seasonal items as their prime selling window closes
• Competitive pricing: Check what similar items have recently sold for and price accordingly

Many successful Vinted sellers find that starting with a slightly higher price and then making visible reductions generates more interest than starting with the lowest possible price. The notification system alerts potential buyers to these drops, often prompting action from those who were previously “watching” your items.

Comparison of User Base and Reach

Vinted and eBay both attract millions of users, but they target different groups and operate on different scales. Understanding their audience size, worldwide presence, and competition helps you see where each one stands in the resale market.

UK Market Insights

In the UK, eBay has a long history and remains one of the most recognized online marketplaces. Its user base is diverse, covering all ages and interests, and people sell everything from fashion to electronics.

Vinted, on the other hand, has gained popularity by specializing in secondhand fashion. Its users in the UK are mostly younger adults and teens focused on affordable clothing. Vinted does not charge selling fees, which appeals to many sellers.

Here’s a comparison table:

eBay keeps its lead in reach, but Vinted continues to grow among fashion sellers, especially those looking for a simple experience.

US Market Comparison

In the United States, the marketplace landscape shows some key differences. eBay maintains a dominant position with approximately 85 million active buyers across the country. The platform is well-established in all 50 states, with particularly strong user engagement in California, Texas, New York, and Florida.

Vinted has been gaining ground in the US market but remains more niche compared to its European presence. The platform sees highest engagement in urban centers and among younger demographics, with strongest adoption in coastal cities and fashion hubs.

American users on eBay span all age groups and demographics, while Vinted’s US user base skews heavily toward the 18-35 age range. eBay’s US sellers report faster average selling times (typically 3-14 days) compared to Vinted (5-21 days), reflecting the difference in audience size.

International Expansion and Competition

eBay operates in more than 190 markets worldwide. Its international audience is massive, making it easier for you to sell to buyers in the US, Europe, and beyond. Listings can be seen by a global audience, not just local buyers.

Vinted started in Europe and is expanding steadily. Countries like France, Germany, and the UK have active Vinted communities. However, Vinted’s global reach is still much smaller than eBay’s. In many places outside Europe, Vinted is new or not yet available.

Competition also comes from local resale apps and global marketplaces. Even with this, eBay’s international scale continues to set it apart from most others, especially when you want to sell to people abroad.

Peer Platforms: Depop and Yahoo

Depop and Yahoo Auctions both compete for buyers and sellers but in different ways.

Depop’s main audience is young people, especially in the UK and US. It’s popular for vintage and streetwear, and the app is known for its social media-style layout. Many Depop users also use Vinted, but Depop takes a fee from each sale, which can affect your bottom line.

Yahoo Auctions, mainly active in Japan, attracts users looking for collectibles, fashion, and electronics. Compared to eBay and Vinted, Yahoo Auctions is more niche outside its home country. International buyers sometimes use proxy services to access Yahoo, but it’s not as direct or accessible for UK-based users as eBay and Vinted are.

In the US market specifically, platforms like Poshmark and Mercari have carved out significant user bases that compete with both Vinted and eBay in the fashion resale space. Poshmark reports over 80 million registered users primarily in the US, making it a major competitor that many American sellers use alongside eBay.

Here’s a quick list of peer platform features:

• Depop: Youth focus, social interface, fees on sales
• Yahoo Auctions: Strong in Japan, broad categories, less reach in the UK
• Poshmark: Strong US presence, social selling features, 20% seller fee
• Mercari: Growing US platform, 10% seller fee, wider category range

These details help you decide which platform matches your needs and audience the best.

Sustainability and the Circular Economy

Vinted and eBay both help reduce waste by making it easy to buy and sell second-hand clothing online. These platforms play a role in the circular economy by keeping unwanted clothes in use and giving customers more sustainable choices.

Impact on the Fashion Life Cycle

You’ll see that Vinted and eBay both extend the life of clothes. When you list used shirts, pants, or jackets, it keeps them from ending up in landfills. This practice also uses fewer resources than making new items. By shopping second-hand, you avoid supporting the fast fashion cycle, which creates a lot of waste and pollution.

eBay supports a variety of categories, including clothes, shoes, and accessories. Vinted focuses mainly on fashion, making it easier to find and list items specifically in this market. Both sites encourage people to reuse and recycle, which is a key part of the circular economy. As a result, brands and users are less likely to throw away unwanted items and more likely to keep them in use.

Supporting Free Fashion Selling

On Vinted, you can list most items for free, which helps you sell clothes you no longer want without paying extra fees. This makes it simple for anyone to try selling their old clothes, even if they’re only getting rid of a few items from their closet. The platform’s free listings support large numbers of everyday users.

eBay sometimes charges fees, but its reach is broader and it offers more advanced selling features. For those who want to sell unwanted clothes or build a small business, this can matter. Vinted’s no-fee system makes it easy to enter the circular economy, while eBay’s worldwide audience increases the chance of finding a buyer. Both models support the idea of keeping clothes in use for longer and encourage sustainable choices.

US Tax Considerations for Online Sellers

When selling on platforms like Vinted or eBay in the United States, you need to be aware of tax implications that could affect your online selling activity.

IRS Reporting Requirements

The IRS has specific thresholds for reporting income from online sales. As of 2024, platforms must report to the IRS when sellers exceed:

• $600 in total transactions (through Form 1099-K)
• This threshold is significantly lower than previous years

This means even casual sellers might receive tax forms from platforms like eBay or Vinted if their sales exceed this amount. However, not all sales are considered taxable income:

• Personal items sold at a loss (less than you originally paid) are generally not taxable
• Items sold for profit may be subject to capital gains tax
• Regular selling that resembles a business is considered self-employment income

State Sales Tax Considerations

Beyond federal taxes, state sales tax can create additional complexity:

• Most states require sellers to collect sales tax on transactions to buyers within that state
• Marketplace facilitator laws in most states now require platforms like eBay to collect and remit sales tax automatically
• Vinted has also implemented automated sales tax collection in states with marketplace facilitator laws
• Some states have economic nexus thresholds that may require you to register for sales tax permits

For US sellers who are increasingly serious about their online selling, keeping detailed records is essential:

• Track original purchase prices when possible
• Document selling prices and dates
• Save records of selling fees, shipping costs, and other expenses
• Consider using accounting software if your sales volume is significant

When in doubt, consulting with a tax professional who understands e-commerce is recommended, especially if your online selling has grown beyond just clearing out your closet.

Conclusion

After examining both Vinted and eBay in depth, it’s clear that each platform offers distinct advantages depending on what you’re selling and what your priorities are as a seller.

Summary of Key Differences

Vinted shines as a specialized marketplace for fashion items with its zero-seller-fee model and straightforward listing process. The platform creates a community-focused experience ideal for casual sellers looking to clear out their closets without the complexity or costs associated with more comprehensive marketplaces. Its strengths in the fashion category make it particularly appealing to younger demographics looking for affordable secondhand clothing.

eBay, with its massive global reach and diverse category options, provides sellers with unparalleled audience access and selling tools. While it does charge fees in most cases, the platform’s extensive features, auction capabilities, and broader product categories make it ideal for those looking to sell higher-value items or build a more substantial selling business. Its established reputation and robust buyer/seller protection systems also provide additional security for more valuable transactions.

Recommendations Based on Seller Needs

Choose Vinted if:

• You’re primarily selling everyday clothing and accessories
• Avoiding seller fees is your top priority
• You prefer a simple, streamlined selling process
• You’re a casual seller clearing out your personal wardrobe
• You’re comfortable with a younger, fashion-focused audience

Choose eBay if:

• You’re selling higher-value items or collectibles
• You want access to the largest possible audience
• You need to sell across multiple product categories
• You’re building a more substantial reselling business
• You want the option of auction-style listings
• International selling is important to you

Consider using both platforms if:

• You have a diverse inventory spanning different value points
• You’re testing which platform works best for your specific items
• You want to maximize visibility across different buyer demographics
• You’re willing to manage listings across multiple platforms

Final Takeaways

The secondhand marketplace landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with both Vinted and eBay adapting their models to remain competitive. For US sellers in particular, understanding the distinct advantages each platform offers allows you to strategically position your items where they’re most likely to sell quickly and at the best prices.

The ideal approach often involves utilizing multiple platforms strategically—perhaps listing everyday fashion items on Vinted to avoid fees while reserving higher-value or specialty items for eBay to leverage its broader reach and auction capabilities. Many successful sellers use Vinted for quick, fee-free sales of lower-value items while utilizing eBay’s extensive tools and audience for items where maximum visibility justifies the additional fees.

Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific selling goals, the types of items you’re offering, and how much time you’re willing to invest in the selling process. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each platform, you can make informed decisions that maximize your profits while minimizing hassles in the growing secondhand marketplace economy.

Frequently Asked Questions