The UK second-hand trading platform Vinted is hugely popular, and many Britons sell books, clothes, toys and household items there when clearing out their clutter. However, James Gwynne, managing director of ITP Packaging, recently reminded sellers to avoid six common mistakes when packaging items, in order to reduce the risk of damage in transit.

First, choosing a box of the right size is crucial. Gwynne says an oversized package lets the item rattle around during shipping, increasing the chance of damage, while a properly sized package keeps the item secure.

Second, waterproofing cannot be overlooked. Especially when mailing clothes, it is advisable to place the garments in a sealed bag before putting them in the outer packaging, to prevent the parcel from getting damp if it is exposed to water.

Third, be cautious when reusing old packaging. Although recycling is a good thing, if the packaging is already damaged or its seams are split, it should be discarded immediately, otherwise it will not protect the item.

Fourth, packaging needs to be sturdy and well sealed, because parcels are squeezed and knocked about during transit. But also note that packaging should not be too hard to open, so as not to inconvenience the buyer.

Fifth, good appearance matters too. Even if you are selling second-hand goods, clean, tidy packaging can improve the buyer's experience and show the seller's care.

Finally, there is no need to over-package. Gwynne stresses that packaging does not need to be complicated or expensive; the key is to use the right size, make sure the item is well protected and the package is properly sealed, and a simple check can greatly reduce the chance of error.

Vinted itself has also published packaging rules, advising customers to choose sturdy packaging that fits the item closely, fill any gaps with padding, use strong tape, and make sure the shipping label lies flat with the barcode clearly visible; when reusing packaging, old labels must also be removed. Detailed examples can be found on the Vinted website.

Source: Vinted users warned to avoid these 6 mistakes when selling items · Originally published 2026-08-31