How to create a second-hand marketplace like Vinted.

  • 4 minutes reading
Vêtements sur portant - lancer une marketplace comme vinted
In today’s economy, consumer-to-consumer (C2C) platforms have revolutionized the way people buy and sell products. One outstanding example is Vinted, a marketplace for second-hand clothing. It has captivated millions of users around the world. Wondering how to create a marketplace like Vinted ? that combines economic efficiency and sustainability through the circular economy? You’ve come to the right place.

Key points to consider when building a marketplace like Vinted:

  1. Understanding Vinted’s business model.
  2. The pillars of Vinted’s success.
  3. The challenges ahead for your business, such as Vinted.
  4. Current trends in the second-hand market.
  5. Key technology tools for a C2C platform.
  6. Launch your C2C platform for second-hand products with Origami Marketplace.

Understanding Vinted's business model.

Vinted is a C2C platform that has managed to develop a sustainable model based on the circular economy. It operates in the second-hand market as well as Biked, Green Musicians. The way it works is simple: users can quickly sell their unworn clothes. They can also buy from other users’ wardrobes. In this way, Vinted helps to reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. Vinted’s clever business model is divided into several revenue streams:
  • Commissions on sales: charged to buyers in the form of “buyer protection”. This is €0.70 per item plus 5% of the item’s value.
  • Wardrobe and item promotion: to increase visibility, users can either pay $6.95 to promote their wardrobe for 7 days, or pay a small percentage of the sale price of a single item.
  • Authentication service: For $25 per item, users can have the authenticity of their products verified, filling a critical need for luxury items.
Vinted has turned user frustration into additional revenue. They’ve solved problems like item highlighting and product authentication… Why is this important? Because it’s an excellent indicator of market movement. It helps you understand demand and assess the overall performance of your marketplace.

The pillars of Vinted's success.

The multi-vendor marketplace, an appropriate model for the second-hand market: Vinted promotes the circular economy by facilitating the resale of used clothing between individuals, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of the fashion industry. The second-hand market has exploded between environmental awareness and declining household purchasing power. According to surveys, in 2022, 80% of online shoppers have bought or sold at least one used product. Consumers have developed the habit of checking the availability of a used product before considering buying a new one. Vinted has launched its own consignment delivery service to limit last mile pollution. This reinforces its environmental vision.

An easy-to-use interface: Vinted’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly. The brand has simplified its user experience as much as possible. This encourages users to visit the platform regularly. Moreover, the platform has a mobile application, enabling users to log on at any time, from anywhere, to buy or sell second-hand clothes in just a few clicks. Registration is quick and posting items is simple. Buyers can then chat with sellers and suggest prices.

A strong community: Vinted has built a community of engaged buyers and sellers, the “Vinties”. This is critical to the success of any online marketplace. Vinted communicates a lot on social networks. They encourage users to share what they find with their friends. The platform also offers a forum where Vinties can exchange tips on how to buy and sell better.

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The challenges ahead for your business, such as Vinted.

Shipping management: In C2C, supply chain management must be kept as simple as possible to avoid frightening users. Vinted partners with shipping companies to offer multiple delivery methods. However, managing shipping costs can be a challenge, especially with a variety of products ranging from t-shirts to winter coats. To overcome this challenge, Vinted asks the seller to enter the estimated package size according to the product type. With a solution like Origami Marketplace, these issues are already addressed by the features included in the offering. Our system is synchronized with 25 national and international carriers and offers a wide range of shipping and collection options. In addition, our solution allows you to carefully select the ideal method and carrier for each type of product, ensuring simplified and secure shipping management at competitive rates.

Dispute resolution: The platform must be able to mediate in the event of a dispute between a seller and a buyer. Having a good dispute management team is critical to build user confidence in the platform. A clear policy for handling disputes and managing returns is also essential.

These challenges are also addressed through built-in features. Our three-way messaging system simplifies communication between buyers and sellers. It allows smooth negotiations and customer service. In the event of a dispute, the platform operator can intervene discreetly to ensure a quick resolution and customer satisfaction, while keeping interactions secure.

Counterfeit management: Attempts to post ads offering counterfeit products are common. Vinted has implemented a product authentication service, a paid option that allows buyers to be sure that the product being sold is not a copy.

Team tips 🎓

The most important thing is to have the right support from the beginning of your project. The right technology, a well-defined budget, and a solid concept are the keys to success. Whether you’re in the ideation stage or ready to launch your project, we’re here to help. At Origami Marketplace, our experts are available to advise you on the creation of your used C2C platform, inspired by success stories like Vinted. Feel free to contact us to talk about it. Bring your vision to life with experts at your side.

The rise of C2C platforms: The second-hand market is growing rapidly. According to a recent report, the second-hand market is expected to reach $77 billion by 2025. Consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases and are looking for sustainable alternatives. In addition, the global economic crisis has pushed many consumers to look for more affordable options, which has greatly benefited platforms like Vinted.

The impact of sustainable fashion: Sustainable fashion is a big trend. Many brands and retailers are turning to more responsible production models and adding pre-owned options to their offerings. For example, giants such as H&M and Zara have launched their own resale initiatives, underscoring the growing importance of used goods in the fashion industry.

The emergence of new specialized players: Innovative startups are emerging to meet the specific needs of the second-hand market. For example, Green Musicians (pictured below) specializes in the resale of used musical instruments, providing a platform for music enthusiasts looking for high-quality products at competitive prices. These new players add value by targeting specific niches and providing specialized services, helping to diversify and stimulate the second-hand market.

Marketplace like Vinted - C2C platforms

Key technology tools for a C2C platform.

Artificial intelligence and personalization: Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a critical role in personalizing the user experience. Recommendation algorithms can suggest items based on user preferences and behavior, increasing the likelihood of a sale. In addition, AI can help detect and eliminate counterfeits. For example, by improving security and trust on the platform, or by enhancing product sheets to make them more comprehensive.

Blockchain for tracking: Blockchain is an emerging technology that can guarantee product tracking and authenticity. By integrating blockchain, platforms can provide full transparency on the origin and ownership of items, which is particularly important for luxury goods.

Logistics automation: Logistics automation, through partnerships with automated delivery services and smart drop-off points, can significantly improve shipping efficiency. This not only reduces costs, but also improves user satisfaction by offering fast, flexible delivery options.

Launch your C2C platform for second-hand products with Origami Marketplace.

When you’re ready to launch your own C2C platform, choosing the right technical solution is essential. Origami Marketplace is the only online marketplace solution that allows you to quickly launch a circular economy or second-hand marketplace. Our SaaS solution provides you with an off-the-shelf solution that accelerates your time to market while minimizing the resources required. There’s no need to build your platform from scratch, and you benefit directly from features designed for C2C marketplaces that can be customized to meet your needs. Origami Marketplace offers you a fully customizable and scalable solution without the need for advanced technical skills. Our teams of experts will work with you to implement the features you need for your business. This allows you to focus on the core elements of your business, such as building your community, promoting your concept, or providing an enhanced customer experience.

In short.

Building a C2C platform like Vinted is challenging. It requires careful planning, efficient implementation and the right technical partners. Then you can create a multi-vendor marketplace like Vinted that combines economic success with sustainability and respect for the environment.

👋 Future online marketplace operator!​

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