eBay vs Vinted: Which Is Better for Sellers?

eBay vs Vinted: A Reseller's Perspective

Having sold on both eBay and Vinted, I’ve seen firsthand the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. Whether you're deciding where to list your next batch of inventory or trying to expand your reselling business, this comparison will help you make an informed choice.

Platform Overview

	eBay	Vinted
Seller Fees	13.25% + $0.30 per order	0%
Buyer Fees	None	5% + £0.70 per transaction
Shipping	Seller's choice; discounted labels	Buyer pays; pre-paid labels
Audience Size	135M+ active buyers	75M+ members in Europe
Best Item Categories	Electronics, collectibles, vintage	Everyday fashion, streetwear
Payment Speed	Varies (usually 2-5 days)	Instant after sale confirmation
Seller Protection	eBay Money Back Guarantee	Vinted Buyer Protection
International Availability	Global Shipping Program	Europe-focused

Cost Considerations: eBay vs Vinted

When it comes to fees, Vinted’s zero seller fees are a standout feature. If you sell a $50 item on eBay, after the 13.25% fee plus $0.30 per order, you'd net around $43.12. On Vinted, you keep the entire sale price, which is particularly advantageous for lower-priced items where margins are slim.

Audience and Item Suitability

eBay's audience is broad, reaching over 135 million active buyers worldwide, skewing towards an older demographic who appreciate auctions and rare finds. Vinted, however, is a haven for Gen Z and Millennials, with a strong focus on fashion. If you're shifting everyday fashion or branded streetwear, Vinted is your go-to.

However, for collectibles and vintage electronics, eBay’s auction model and global reach make it the better choice. A rare vinyl record, for example, could spark a bidding war that far exceeds its expected value.

Shipping and International Sales

Both platforms offer integrated shipping solutions, but they differ in execution. eBay allows sellers to choose their shipping method, offering discounted USPS, UPS, or FedEx labels. The Global Shipping Program handles international orders, making selling abroad straightforward.

Vinted simplifies the process with prepaid labels, and the buyer always pays for shipping. This is a breeze for sellers who want to avoid dealing with shipping calculations. However, Vinted’s reach is primarily within Europe, limiting your global sales potential.

Payment and Seller Protection

eBay payouts generally take 2-5 days, which can be a bit slow for sellers who need quick access to funds. Vinted, conversely, offers near-instant payouts once a sale is confirmed, helping with cash flow management.

Both platforms provide seller protection, with eBay offering its Money Back Guarantee and Vinted offering Buyer Protection, each designed to mediate and resolve disputes, ensuring a fair transaction for both parties.

Verdict: Which Platform to Use?

• Use eBay if: You're selling electronics, collectibles, or niche vintage items. The auction format can help maximize your profits on items with uncertain market values.
• Use Vinted if: You're clearing out everyday fashion or have a steady supply of branded streetwear. The zero-fee model means you pocket the entire sale price, which is critical for budget-conscious items.

Both platforms are compatible with tools like ListingGenie, which can help optimize your listings for better visibility and sales conversion.

FAQs

• Can I sell internationally on Vinted? Vinted is primarily Europe-focused, so your international reach will be limited compared to eBay’s Global Shipping Program.
• How do shipping costs compare? On eBay, you can offer free shipping to boost search rankings, while on Vinted, buyers always cover shipping costs.
• Are there any hidden fees on Vinted? No, Vinted is transparent with its zero seller fees, although buyers pay a protection fee.
• Which platform is better for quick sales? Vinted might offer faster sales in the fashion category due to its targeted audience and zero seller fees.
• How does buyer protection differ? Both platforms offer solid buyer protection, but eBay's policy is backed by its long-standing reputation and international reach.