Vinted launches verification service to boost trust in secondhand online

The optional verification service checks the authenticity of selected designer items and is carried out by a trained team.

The service costs £10 per item for eligible brands’ items listed at £100 or more and it is paid for by buyers while remaining free for sellers. 

The fee pays for the verification service and shipping costs from the seller to the verification hub. The shipping from the hub to the buyer is included in the regular shipping cost shown at the checkout. 

Customers will see a banner with a diamond-shaped item verification badge once they opt for an eligible listing. 

Once launched, the service will be available for items listed across shoes, bags, accessories and jewellery priced at £100 or more. 

Brands such as Christian Louboutin, Gucci and Prada will be included with more brands and categories to be introduced as the service rolls out.

Vinted said the verification service is a “significant step to increasing trust in the authenticity of higher-priced secondhand items and combating counterfeiting”.

Vinted marketplace chief executive Adam Jay said: “We understand that authenticity and trust are paramount in the world of online secondhand shopping and we believe this should be accessible to all. That’s why we’ve worked hard to provide our reliable verification service for designer pieces at an affordable price. 

“Since Vinted was founded 15 years ago, our commitment has always been to make secondhand fashion the first choice for everyone and we see this new service being a significant step forward in our ambition to provide our community with the utmost confidence.”