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Original poster

To despair of Vinted/eBay/charity shops?

126 replies

madeinmanc · 12/10/2023 17:31

This is just a moan really, I'm so upset today all sparked by the fact that I bought a hand-knitted cardigan on Vinted which I was really looking forward to opening. I thought It would be a dainty crochet look; it was listed as a 10, but even when I got the parcel I realised that couldn't be right just from the size of the bag. Anyway it's more like a size 16 and doesn't look right on me even worn as loose, but it turns out even if I can return it I'll have to pay postage so I'll be about 10 pounds down for nothing. I can't afford that.

Plus so many things arrive smelly, sprayed with Febreeze or stinking of fabric conditioner that won't even wash out 😞 I left a skirt like that on a pile of new clothes and the smell has "infected" the other stuff! With Vinted it's more likely something will smell than not, even if listed as new 😕

I replied to someone's thread about spending 1000 on clothes and was thinking how amazing it would be to pick out clothes that didn't smell!

OP posts:
uhtredofbattenberg · 13/10/2023 13:51

Found you have to be careful with Ebay. Once bought a fleece top that looked great in the pics but had a smell to it like it had the owner's horse riding top, even once washed....
I stick to things like cotton tops that are easily washed and I know the brand, so know it will fit .

Still get some good stuff in charity shops, but not loads.

FayCarew · 13/10/2023 14:08

I got a dress from eBay that smelled of fabric softener but I thought it just smelled clean- it was a lovely dress.
I got a dress from eBay that smelled of fabric softener and I didn't even want it in my house. It stank of the stuff. I doubt that it would have ever washed out. Spraying things with white vinegar, soaking them, hanging them on the lines does help usually but doesn't do the item much good.

SabbatWheel · 13/10/2023 14:13

I started using Vinted a few months ago and took a punt on some tunics e.g. White Stuff, Mudd and Water. I’ve found loads of really nice pieces, now know my size in these and other brands, and haven’t paid more than £5 for them (many were under £3). I only filter Very Good or better for condition and make offers for items that have been up for a while. Love Vinted!

Original poster
madeinmanc · 13/10/2023 14:15

@SabbatWheel Did any of them smell?

OP posts:
stickybear · 13/10/2023 14:15

I generally like Vinted and find it works well, but I do get frustrated waiting for buyers to collect things and mark 'everything is ok'. I'm waiting for two at the moment.

LadyBird1973 · 13/10/2023 14:24

I love it when clothes smell of fabric conditioner. That round be a bonus for me. Obviously I'd rewash it anyway, but I appreciate the seller cleaning it before sending

WoollyBat · 13/10/2023 14:32

I've had a few manky things, but you get an instinct for avoiding them over time. I find the more detailed and useful the description, the better the condition. It means the seller is a careful person who makes an effort and the item is usually good condition, washed and nicely folded and wrapped. Also you get to know which brands last well and will still be in good nick second hand. Hush (except maybe knitwear), Boden, Hobbs, Superdry, Fat Face, and fancy designer brands (I have an amazing Joseph jumper that cost £15 on ebay) but also H&M group and also surprisingly primark (if natural fabrics) are often good.

The disappointment when it's horrible though - I hate that! Sorry that happened OP Flowers

GetUpAndGoHasGone · 13/10/2023 14:38

I ordered some clothing from a well know high street store. Paid quite a lot for said order. This was about 3 weeks ago.

Parcel arrived in 5 tatty plastic bags in the one posted bag with the items not even folded properly, just shoved in any fashion not even on hangers.

1st bag could not even try the item on it was so badly creased, same with the 2nd dress. The other items, stank of perfume/deodorant, and strong BO all with tags on but had clearly been worn and sent back. Who checks items when they are returned or sent out for an order?.

I sent everything back and sent email as well as a note with the goods, have I had any reply or communication, no nothing, so even buying 'new' is no guarantee of smell free clothing.

I will never ever purchase anything online from John Lewis again, appalling service, sorry rant over!

FayCarew · 13/10/2023 14:49

@LadyBird1973 , but you could add your own fabric conditioner.
It's a definite return for me. I suspect I'm not alone. It's not just a lingering smell, it's the feel of it. It doesn't wash off.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 13/10/2023 14:54

I was reading this with interest as I do need to sell some things to make room. Regarding smell everyone has talked about ... would including a small bag of dried lavender be offensive?

LadyBird1973 · 13/10/2023 15:01

@FayCarew I think MN is a bit unusual in its dislike of fabric conditioner. It seems to have quite a high number of people who are sensitive to perfumes.
I don't drown my laundry in it but I do like the smell. I've never noticed it altering the feel of fabric tbh.
I'll bear it mind though for them I'm selling clothes and just use the normal washing liquid.

Original poster
madeinmanc · 13/10/2023 15:06

Apart from the fact that some fabric conditioner smells really obnoxious (extra strength beads etc.), and others more subtle I think it's probably just a weird animal instinct thing where having someone else's scent on something is in some way repulsive (unless they are your partner etc.)., even if the smell is not too bad.

OP posts:
User1748953 · 13/10/2023 15:12

If you use a tumble dryer, fabric conditioner helps stop static, that's why many people use it but the pure one is fairly unscented. I can't be bothered to sell anything so just dump it in the charity bin at the supermarket.

uhtredofbattenberg · 13/10/2023 15:12

On the subject of smells. I sold one of my dds coats on ebay once. It was not new but I was completely up front about all its wear and tear and it did sell.

A few weeks later the buyer got in touch to say her dd loved the coat and particularly the smell of it and could I tell her the name of the washing liquid brand.

Graciebobcat · 13/10/2023 15:47

I love the smell of Fairy, and Lenor Spring - I don't use softener every time but if I don't use it every now and then clothes feel too harsh, and more especially towels. It would be like drying yourself on crackerbread without it.

WoollyBat · 13/10/2023 16:03

more especially towels. It would be like drying yourself on crackerbread without it.

I love a newly washed crispy "crackerbread" towel! Grin

I don't like fabric conditioner because to me it gives things a slimy feeling. But I know some people don't notice or mind that.

TremendousTurnip · 13/10/2023 16:04

My main issue with the charity shops near me is that they are absolutely heaving with stuff that's not in fashion. I know they can only put out what they get donated, but they are turning donations away as they are too full. There is one particular one which is a huge (warehouse size)- I don't go very often but every time I do, I see the same dresses and tops still there, that were fashionable 10-12 years ago. They are always overpriced/not in great condition/smell etc. I would argue if you aren't shifting stuff within 3 months, then get rid (I know there is a cost for this, but surely freeing up space for new donations which might sell is better than having a ten-year-old Oasis lace pencil dress hanging on the rails for weeks and weeks!)

NashEnquirer · 13/10/2023 16:22

WoollyBat · 13/10/2023 16:03

more especially towels. It would be like drying yourself on crackerbread without it.

I love a newly washed crispy "crackerbread" towel! Grin

I don't like fabric conditioner because to me it gives things a slimy feeling. But I know some people don't notice or mind that.

Same! It's how you know they're clean 😁

I never use fabric conditioner on anything but spirit vinegar in with towels does soften them a bit.

Graciebobcat · 13/10/2023 16:29

I feel a bit like the cat when you stroke them and they get static electricity when I use one of those crispy hotel towels.

RandalsAunty · 13/10/2023 19:29

I buy on Vinted and eBay. On Vinted I either buy cheap and cheerful - mainly kids holiday stuff, or brands that I like and know (know sizing of) like Reiss, Ted Baker but never for more than £50 really. And only from people who have a good number of reviews. If I don’t like the branded item or it doesn’t fit i know I can re-sell easily. Vinted is a pain with returns and only gives you 3 days to flag if there is an issue, so never buy any high value item. It’s also full of fakes!
Buy more expensive stuff on eBay, I bought few designer handbags and already had a good experience. I like their authentication service (I still authenticate independently) as you know that someone won’t sent you a paid or smelly socks instead of designer bag!
As people said it can be hit and miss but I have had more good experiences than bad.

FayCarew · 13/10/2023 20:08

@DuckbilledSplatterPuff , I wouldn't include it. I'd like it but SIL wouldn't not that she ever buys 2nd hand

JaceLancs · 13/10/2023 21:28

I used to sell on eBay and if I can be bothered will do so again
I won’t sell anything that I wouldn’t buy myself - if worn it comes clean and ironed
If I say worn once I mean it!
Sadly due to fees etc I no longer sell anything that has a starting price of less than a tenner - it used to be a fiver but it’s just not worth the time spent, packaging costs, fees, trip to post office etc
Anything else goes to charity shop or if they are not accepting donations ‘cash for clothes’
I wish there were food banks or other options near me that take clothes other than school uniform as I hate waste

tectonicplates · 14/10/2023 01:10

Fabric conditioner is revolting enough on clothes, but last year I stayed at a holiday cottage where the bedding had been washed in it. I actually felt sick every evening when we went to bed 🤮

tectonicplates · 14/10/2023 01:18

I sell all my old clothes on Vinted now, having moved over from eBay last year. But there’s very few things I’d buy. Even buying BNWT isn’t safe - I received something that was absolutely drenched in perfume and it won’t even come out in the wash. I don’t even know how anyone manages to make such a strong smell - it’s as if someone actually spilled a bottle of perfume.

Vinted really need to issue some stronger guidelines about sending clothes. They should tell people to stop using Febreze as it’s awful and very difficult to wash out. And because parcels take a few days to arrive, the clothes tend to get marinated if that makes sense, which makes the problem even worse.

I have excellent reviews on my Vinted account, but unfortunately a lot of people just don’t seem to have the same standards as me. It’s completely inappropriate to spray perfume on clothes that you’re sending to someone else. And if you’re selling something that’s had perfume spilled all over it, you should specify that in your item listing.

tectonicplates · 14/10/2023 01:23

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 13/10/2023 14:54

I was reading this with interest as I do need to sell some things to make room. Regarding smell everyone has talked about ... would including a small bag of dried lavender be offensive?

Don’t. It’s inappropriate to send scented items to people you don’t know when you don’t know their medical history. I hate lavender and it’s very difficult to get the smell out. As per my previous comment, parcels take several days to arrive, or a week or more of they get delayed, and during the time the smell will get even stronger.