Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is the buyer a CF or am I?

144 replies

OMGitsnotgood · 15/05/2025 15:45

I sold something for a couple of pounds on Vinted. I’d run out of new postage bags, I could either wait a few days to order & receive some more or reuse one I’d received something in and post it immediately. I decided on tbe latter, turned the bag inside out so the old label was inside, all info crossed out . It looked like new from tbe outside and was securely packaged. I thought to myself actually I should do that more often, better for the planet etc.
The buyer didn’t leave me feedback (thankfully), but did send me a message saying tbey didn’t appreciate being sent something in packaging that had already been used. Honestly, the packaging was like new from tbe outside.. I responded politely saying it was that or she had to wait longer for her £2.50 item, and tbat it was ironic that someone buying second hand clothes and tben complaining about 2nd hand (but new looking) packaging, I won’t enter into any further communication.
Before I re-use packaging again, I thought I’d ask on here whether it’s not the done thing and everyone expects new packaging? Receiving messages like that doesn’t bother me but my concern is whether another buyer might leave me poor feedback, which might affect future sales. Am I missing something?

OP posts:
ifionlyhadacat · 15/05/2025 17:01

I often send business sales in old cardboard envelopes and I reuse plastic packaging (turned inside out) and used bubble wrap. It's the responsible thing to do, OP!

GloryDias · 15/05/2025 17:01

I purposely save packaging to reuse if I sell anything, it's definitely her issue not yours

gamerchick · 15/05/2025 17:01

I've been sent stuff in black bags and a lot of tape before. I only cared that I got my item.

You could put it somewhere in your listing I suppose.

WiddlinDiddlin · 15/05/2025 16:58

I expect functional, fit for purpose packaging.

I couldn't give a shit how that is created, generally speaking I'd prefer people recycle/re-use if possible.

It would only cross my mind to complain about packaging if it was unsuitable, ie insufficient/too thin/item arrived damaged as a result.

godmum56 · 15/05/2025 16:58

I much prefer sellers to use appropriate used packaging but I'd prefer it not turned inside out. If it is turned inside out, I would expect the item to be covered with clean packaging, not necessarily new, inside the packaging with the address on.

DriveMeCrazy1974 · 15/05/2025 16:57

Your buyer is being ridiculous. In fact, I would have replied that it is better to have recycled something than let more stuff go into landfill! I sell on eBay a lot and although I use brand new padded envelopes for most things, I will always reuse boxes and have reused very good envelopes in the past.
Your buyer sounds ridiculous.

Moveoverdarlin · 15/05/2025 16:57

I have bought loads of things on Vinted. 98 percent of the time it’s delivered in reused bags. I use those SHEIN bags to send loads of things.

Klozza · 15/05/2025 16:56

OMGitsnotgood · 15/05/2025 15:45

I sold something for a couple of pounds on Vinted. I’d run out of new postage bags, I could either wait a few days to order & receive some more or reuse one I’d received something in and post it immediately. I decided on tbe latter, turned the bag inside out so the old label was inside, all info crossed out . It looked like new from tbe outside and was securely packaged. I thought to myself actually I should do that more often, better for the planet etc.
The buyer didn’t leave me feedback (thankfully), but did send me a message saying tbey didn’t appreciate being sent something in packaging that had already been used. Honestly, the packaging was like new from tbe outside.. I responded politely saying it was that or she had to wait longer for her £2.50 item, and tbat it was ironic that someone buying second hand clothes and tben complaining about 2nd hand (but new looking) packaging, I won’t enter into any further communication.
Before I re-use packaging again, I thought I’d ask on here whether it’s not the done thing and everyone expects new packaging? Receiving messages like that doesn’t bother me but my concern is whether another buyer might leave me poor feedback, which might affect future sales. Am I missing something?

I’ve bad people send stuff in black bin bags taped up before and I literally couldn’t care less as long as whats inside isn’t damaged. Unless it’s something thats worth money and can be damaged in transit I don’t care what it comes in

ThirdStorm · 15/05/2025 16:56

I only once criticised a vinted sellers packaging, they sent clothing in a thin envelope that during transport had ripped, luckily the item inside was fine and I was honest but I warned her for future. Re-used packaging? Surely thats the norm?!

CuriousQuestioningGal · 15/05/2025 16:54

OMGitsnotgood · 15/05/2025 15:45

I sold something for a couple of pounds on Vinted. I’d run out of new postage bags, I could either wait a few days to order & receive some more or reuse one I’d received something in and post it immediately. I decided on tbe latter, turned the bag inside out so the old label was inside, all info crossed out . It looked like new from tbe outside and was securely packaged. I thought to myself actually I should do that more often, better for the planet etc.
The buyer didn’t leave me feedback (thankfully), but did send me a message saying tbey didn’t appreciate being sent something in packaging that had already been used. Honestly, the packaging was like new from tbe outside.. I responded politely saying it was that or she had to wait longer for her £2.50 item, and tbat it was ironic that someone buying second hand clothes and tben complaining about 2nd hand (but new looking) packaging, I won’t enter into any further communication.
Before I re-use packaging again, I thought I’d ask on here whether it’s not the done thing and everyone expects new packaging? Receiving messages like that doesn’t bother me but my concern is whether another buyer might leave me poor feedback, which might affect future sales. Am I missing something?

Hi I reuse all the time. Better for the planet. X

TheDandyLion · 15/05/2025 16:53

I've had a vinted parcel sent in a multipack Wotsits crisps bag before.

MyCyanReader · 15/05/2025 16:52

I prefer recycled packaging. Much better for the environment.

spiderlight · 15/05/2025 16:52

The only time I even registered the packaging of an item was when I came home from walking the dog and there was a Quality Street tub in my porch, which got me all excited for a few seconds until I realised it was actually an empty tub that had been used to send a Vinted item 😆

thismummydrinksgin · 15/05/2025 16:50

I always do this, what does she expect for £2.50 😂

NImumconfused · 15/05/2025 16:49

There was a video (probably not real) came up in my Facebook feed yesterday of someone receiving a Vinted delivery packaged in a hollowed out watermelon - maybe try that one next time!

HuffleMyPuffle · 15/05/2025 16:49

Itsjustgonenoonhalfpastmonsoon · 15/05/2025 16:46

Hmmmm …. I wonder if she’s miffed because she can’t in turn use the packaging herself to send something of her own. Oh well, too bad! 😆

You can reuse packaging again if you don't damage it too much

Londontown12 · 15/05/2025 16:49

I think it’s good for the environment to keep re using packages as long as it’s clean and odourless it’s fine !! Crazy buyer lol it’s always the ones that want something brand new and expensive but only wanna pay £4.00 😂😂😂

ladyofshertonabbas · 15/05/2025 16:48

She’s nuts, been sending g stuff in used packaging for 30 years, no complaints.

MidnightMeltdown · 15/05/2025 16:47

I’ve had a buyer on eBay actually message me and ask me to use recycled packaging if possible!

Itsjustgonenoonhalfpastmonsoon · 15/05/2025 16:46

Hmmmm …. I wonder if she’s miffed because she can’t in turn use the packaging herself to send something of her own. Oh well, too bad! 😆

SpideyVerse · 15/05/2025 16:43

KarmaKameelion · 15/05/2025 16:09

Honestly I don’t mind second hand packaging! I’ve also received stuff inside a wrapped up Sainsbury’s plastic bug.

however by turning it inside out you are using the dirty side that could have been pretty dirty from being in a van, handled, sat outside ect. It could create stains ect on the item of clothing.

next time just stick your label over the other label.

Yes, this is exactly what I was thinking.
The 'fresh' side is best kept against the garment, rather than doing the rounds in transit.
Apart from that, absolutely continue to give your received packaging another life, @OMGitsnotgood 👏

Icecreammaninavan · 15/05/2025 16:41

I would expect my parcels to be packed properly and securely. I don’t care if it’s in second hand packaging. Surely it’s more environmentally friendly to reuse packaging.

Charmofgoldfinch · 15/05/2025 16:39

I always used second hand packaging OP. As long as the packaging is clean, not ripped and gets the item to the buyer undamaged then I don’t think there’s any issue.

WhatMe123 · 15/05/2025 16:39

I've had stuff in carrier bags and bin bags, not bothered as long as it's clean. They're totally unreasonable op you should re use more 😁

kwetu · 15/05/2025 16:38

Once had a package arrive in an old tampon box so no complaints about a reused bag from me!