SHOPPERS can bag big bargains buying items from other people via online marketplaces.
Vinted is one of the most popular and you can pick up anything from shoes and homeware, to toys and baby gear.
On the app or website you can browse through items that other people want to sell, and they may be new or used, similar to eBay and Depop.
When you spot an item you want to buy you can either choose the buy now option or make the seller an offer.
Once the sale is agreed, you' be sent the item but remember you'll have to cover postage. How much that is depends on the item.
But how do you know how to spot the treasure amongst the trash?
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We asked shopping expert Rebecca Bebbington for the items she would recommend buying on Vinted – as well as those that you could probably do with leaving on the virtual shelf.
Rebecca, who works at NetVoucherCodes, told The Sun: "Shopping for items on Vinted is worth a look if you’re wanting to refresh your wardrobe in time for summer.
"It’s also a savvy way to find items for bargain prices, as many are listed at a much higher price on other online marketplaces."
As ever when shopping on marketplaces check the seller is legitimate – you can see ratings and review from previous buyers. Plus beware of fakes.
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Of course, it's also important not to get swept up in the excitement of finding a bargain.
Remember, it's only a good deal if you wanted to buy it in the first place, always do some research on prices before you look.
When shopping on Vinted you'll also have to factor in fees. When you "buy now" you'll pay between 3% to 8% of the sale price and there's a charge of between 30p and 80p per transaction.
We asked Rebecca for her top choices of what you should buy and what you should avoid on Vinted.
Items to buy
1. Kids trainers – from £3
One of the most popular purchases on Vinted according to Rebecca is kid’s trainers and shoes.
She managed to find a pair of kids Nike Hurache trainers for just £3, these would normally cost around £40 first-hand.
"A simple polish, wipe and clean can make them look brand new and is useful for when the kids grow out of shoes quickly," she said.
2. Pet toys – from £1
Dogs toys can be pretty expensive to buy in big pet shops and supermarkets, and let's face it your dog will likely tear them apart anyway.
Rebecca explained how finding second-hand squeaky toys on Vinted could be a cheaper alternative.
She said: "Squeaky pet toys and hats can be found for as little as a pound on Vinted from pet owners whose animals had no interest in using them.
"Give them a wash first to get rid of any bacteria that could harm your four-legged friend."
We found a squeaky carrot toy that was sold for £1 on Vinted, a similar style toy costs anything from £7 at Pets at Home.
3. Fancy dress – from £3
If you need a last-minute costume for cheap it’s definitely worth having a scroll on the app before spending a fortune for one that's new.
Rebecca managed to find a child's Rapunzel Disney Princess outfit for just £3, while one brand new from Argos would cost £16.
"Costumes are usually only worn for themed parties and Halloween, so they’re unlikely to have been worn much and cost over 70% less than they would in outlets," Rebecca said.
The very nature of fancy dress means you don't tend to wear it more than once.
That means it can be an easy way to make some cash by selling it on if you have an old one collecting dust.
Adult's costumes can cost anything from £30 to hundreds of pounds from costume shops – so shopping on Vinted could save you some considerable cash as you can find them for around a tenner.
4. Swimwear – from £1 to £4
Another item that you should keep an eye out for on Vinted is swimwear.
Rebecca said: "If you’ve got a holiday lined up for summer, swimwear can be found at great prices on the platform with both bikinis and swimming shorts from under a fiver.
"Prices in retailers could be marked up higher this year due to inflation, but buying them second-hand could help you save over £15 for a set."
Scrolling on Vinted we found a men's swimming trunks "bundle" with two pairs of Next shorts for just £1.
A quick Google showed that these shorts could cost you £15 direct from the retailer.
Of course do bear in mind that it might be worth checking if items like bikini bottoms still have the hygiene sticker in them.
5. Winter clothes in summer – from £2
Sometimes the items you should be hunting down depend on the season.
Rebecca recommends having a look for winter clothing during the summer months, and vice versa, to find some bargains.
She said that people will be having wardrobe clear outs ahead of the new season and are likely to "want to flog it cheaper just so it's gone".
It’s worth paying less for items like coats an jumpers now rather than September, when demand is usually higher – and prices too.
She managed to track down a New Look teddy fur coat for just £2, for example.
Items to avoid
Designer items
One of the main items to be wary about shopping on Vinted according to Rebecca is designer items.
This is because you could end up with clothing or accessories that are not quite the real deal.
She said: "There are a lot of sellers who are disingenuous about whether the designer items are real or not, and many are still asking for high prices for knockoff items.
"Sunglasses and T-shirts are the worse ones out there, so be cautious before going after them."
There could be some better options for buying designer if you're concerned about fake sellers.
For example Vestiaire Collective, a designer online marketplace, ensure that every item sold undergoes a rigorous authentication process before being sent out.
Knitted jumpers
Another item that is probably worth buying brand new is knitwear.
Rebecca said: "Knitted jumpers and cardigans that have been worn are full of bobbles and loose stitching that could result in the item being worn out a month after wearing it.
"Try to avoid these or go for ones in newer condition rather than those labelled as satisfactory."
Of course if an item still has the tags in and that's visible in the photos listed then it's probably in pretty good nick.
Jeans
Jeans are fairly cheap when sold second-hand, but it’s also an item of clothing that fits differently on everyone's body.
For that reason the shopping expert says it might be best to avoid them, unless you know the exact model or style you're looking for.
"Stay clear of buying jeans from online marketplaces as you could end up with some that don’t fit correctly and you’re unable to return," Rebecca said.
Beauty products
It might be an obvious one but buying used makeup is not really a good idea.
It could be tempting because big name brands are so pricey but it really isn't hygienic.
Rebecca said: "Buying second-hand beauty products like lipstick and foundation can mean you’re putting bacteria on your face which could lead to infection and other viruses.
"While it may not look like it’s been tested, it’s likely the seller has tried at least once."
Buggies
Rebecca's final item to avoid is one for parents.
She said: "Buggies have become popular to buy on the platform now as the little ones grow out of them so quickly.
"The issue with buying them second-hand is they can easily get damaged in transit as it has to be physically packaged by the buyer and they may not use secure tape or bubble wrap to prevent them from getting broken."
It isn't worth the risk of spending your hard earned cash on an important bit of kit just for it to turn up broken or unsafe for your child.
Recently, we've also spoke to an expert in all things second-hand for what to look for in charity shops to make up to £5,000 a month.
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And, thrifting pro Caroline has been bagging bargains for years, she revealed how to save yourself £1,000s.
Meanwhile, if you're looking to grab some bits at a car boot sale or on Facebook Marketplace too – we spoke to shopping experts for the five things to look out for and the ones to avoid.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
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