Vinted refusing to contact courier over missing parcel after buyer refund

blueice_next

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice regarding a dispute with Vinted.

I sold an item in December 2025 (value £10). In late January 2026, Vinted informed me that the buyer would be refunded and that the parcel would be returned to me within around 25 days.

I heard nothing further, so I followed up in February. Vinted then told me the parcel had been with their courier, InPost, on 13 January 2026. However, I was never notified by either Vinted or the courier that the parcel was available for collection.

I contacted InPost directly and they have confirmed they cannot investigate the issue with me because their contract is with Vinted. They advised that Vinted must initiate any investigation.

Despite this, Vinted has refused to do so. In March 2026 they responded with the following:

“The transaction is now cancelled and buyer refunded. If you were unable to pick up the parcel in time, please contact the shipping provider directly as it is too late for us to intervene.”

They also stated:

“Unfortunately, we have well-defined procedures from which we cannot deviate… If I had the slightest possibility of helping you right now, I wouldn't hesitate to do so.”

I replied explaining that InPost has confirmed they cannot deal with me directly and that Vinted must raise the investigation as their contractual partner. Since then my emails have gone unanswered.

At the moment:

The buyer has been refunded

I have not received my item back

The courier says only Vinted can initiate the investigation

Vinted has refused to do so and closed the case

I have raised a formal complaint and given them a deadline to resolve the issue, after which I am considering issuing a claim via Money Claim Online. It will cost £35 in court fee which doesn't feel worth it for a £10 item but this is about principles for me.

I would appreciate any advice from others who may have experienced similar issues with Vinted.