Wrong item on Vinted

[LumpyandBumps]

I’ve been using Vinted as a buyer for a while, and it’s mostly been positive.

Recently I had an incorrect item delivered. Not the correct item mis described, just a completely different item.

The seller initially asked me to return it through the formal procedure. I have started this, although things have now been quiet for around 36 hours awaiting her reply.

Vinted have said that if the seller accepts the return they will deduct return postage costs from my refund, unless the seller offers to pay.

I can’t see why I am charged extra for Buyer Protection on every purchase if I can still be out of pocket for something that is in no way my fault.

Depending upon the method of return they offer I may also have to drive to a drop off point, although I accept that part is just unfortunate and can’t be helped.

I understand that mistakes happen, I don’t expect sellers to be perfect, but I am surprised that so called Buyer’s Protection leaves me out of pocket for the seller’s error.

I never buy expensive items so it would be more cost effective for me to not have to pay the extra amount and just cover any losses, but they don’t give this option.

Does anyone know if I’ll still be able to leave factual feedback for the seller if I return the item?

The one time this has happened to me, the seller immediately refunded me in full, apologised profusely, insisted I keep the wrong item, then relisted the correct item and reserved it for me to rebuy.
But I suppose not everyone will be as good as that!

Could you just keep the item and resell it? Ask the seller to relist the correct item so you can buy it if you still want to? (I’d be looking for it from a different seller myself)

As a seller I would either refund the item & tell you to keep/resell if was cheap ( under £5 ) , or if expensive enough for me to want it back I’d most definitely be covering the postage . It’s the sellers mistake to fix , but I’m not sure that would be enforced by Vinted ( as they’re bloody useless AI bots in my experience)

No, you cannot leave feedback if you return the item

Thank you everyone.
Whilst the seller gave a brief apology and asked me to follow instructions in a screenshot, she has since failed to accept the request to return.
She’s not exactly falling over herself to put things right, and hasn’t offered to pay return postage costs.
I assume that at some stage Vinted will step in if she continues to ignore?
It’s a bit of a shame that no feedback can be left if the return is accepted as I will be out of pocket due to the seller.
I don’t sell on Vinted, but I suppose I could cancel the request and keep the item so I can give factual feedback. It wasn’t very expensive.

this happened to me. I complained to Vinted. They said the cost of the return was on me if I wanted to return (it was kids shoes that were two different sizes and clearly unusable). Vinted don’t make the seller pay the postage even if they mess up

That’s disappointing. If they didn’t charge a premium for Buyer Protection on every purchase I wouldn’t mind so much.

It’s also quite concerning as they are now displaying items from USA in searches, and the location isn’t always obvious, and I’ve bought a few items.

The return costs to USA would probably be significant.

I've seen so many scams like this. The seller then says you've returned the wrong item and they keep your money

I had this once and the man I'd bought it from arranged collection from my brother's house and also sent the actual item I wanted with no extra charge. He was so nice about it.

I think you've been unlucky that the seller isn't as helpful. It does seem unfair if you are having to pay more

I had a message from Vinted earlier today to say that the seller has paid return postage costs, so I will now return the item. I do have a bit of a drive to the drop off point but can live with that.
I am a bit concerned about what AzureFinch says about a possible scam though.

I have had a seller report the wrong item delivered.
i didn’t even recognise the item that had arrived- it was a mix up with the delivery people.
It could be that problem- which makes it tricky for the seller.