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Thrifting and buying second hand can be a great way to reduce waste, stop contributing to overconsumption, and give "pre-loved" things and clothes a second life. One of the platforms where you can do that is Vinted with millions of registered users.

However, when you sell something, there's the dilemma of packaging. Some people want to be as planet-friendly as possible, perhaps, so, they opt for some unorthodox mailing decisions. Here we have a list of the most ridiculous, over-the-top, and creative ways Vinted sellers have packaged their goods. Who knew a pizza box could be such a good container to send a dress?

Bored Panda reached out to Vinted and asked them what's the official policy regarding questionable packaging. They kindly agreed to share their best wrapping strategies so they can be both practical and creative!

#1

My Vinted Frozen Pizza Has Arrived. The Dress I Ordered Arrived In This Packaging, Otherwise In Perfectly Good Condition, I Just Found It Very Funny

My Vinted Frozen Pizza Has Arrived. The Dress I Ordered Arrived In This Packaging, Otherwise In Perfectly Good Condition, I Just Found It Very Funny

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"Our latest impact report shows that by shopping second-hand on Vinted instead of new our community avoided 678,691 tonnes of CO₂e emissions in 2023," a Vinted spokesperson told Bored Panda. "That's the equivalent of flying between London and LA 512,414 times. But of course there's much more you can do including how you pack your preloved items."

Vinted says they encourage their members to be sustainably in other areas of life as well, not just through second-hand shopping. "We love seeing members get creative with their packaging—just as long as it's safe and doesn't damage the items being sent," a spokespoerson for the company tells us. "Whether it's using cereal or pasta boxes, recycled shopping bags, or other eco-friendly packaging options, we welcome inventive choices that are good for the planet."

However, while Vinted champions creative packaging, they emphasize how important it is to keep items secure during transit. "When listing an item, choose the right package size, and to receive positive feedback from buyers, we recommend using clean, sturdy packaging materials," they shared a few guidelines with us. "Together, by taking these small steps, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future."

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    #3

    Vinted Packaging Never Disappoints

    Vinted Packaging Never Disappoints

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    A thought might pop into your head while scrolling through this list: "How does the platform allow these ridiculous packages?" Well, Vinted doesn't explicitly say that you can't send some earrings in a plastic coke bottle. They do have some packaging rules, however.

    According to their website, the most ideal form of packing an order is using a cardboard box. Not regular paper bags though – those can get wet pretty quickly and can damage the goods for the buyer. "The box should be in good condition to protect the item from dirt and moisture during transit," Vinted writes on their website. 


    #4

    Genius

    Genius

    Adult Problems Report

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    Thomas Wolf
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the perfect packaging for it. Thumbs up! I have to remember that!

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    #5

    Genius Or Just Wrong?

    Genius Or Just Wrong?

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    Lara Verne
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People often use old boxes and plastic bags for packaging, but it should be clean.

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    #6

    I Had A Book "Packed" Like That And The Chick Got Mad Because I Reported It To Vinted. Basically, According To Her, It Was My Fault Because I Didn't Peel Off The Label Properly

    I Had A Book "Packed" Like That And The Chick Got Mad Because I Reported It To Vinted. Basically, According To Her, It Was My Fault Because I Didn't Peel Off The Label Properly

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    If the box or a bag is too big for the item, you need to fill in the empty space. Some people, like the ones on this list, choose to use 10-litre juice bags. To each their own, of course, but Vinted recommends using "bubble wrap, foam, paper, newspaper or corrugated material."

    Generally, the company claims that the best option for a package is to use the one your nearest carrier provides. In some cases, it's also possible that a carrier may refuse to ship an item, as different carriers have different requirements.

    #7

    I Got A Package From Vinted In A Garbage Bag

    I Got A Package From Vinted In A Garbage Bag

    blackzerosn Report

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    Nina
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a miracle the bag didn't rip halfway through the journey.

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    #8

    This Wrapping Of A Baby Bouncer Is Straight Out Of A Horror Movie

    This Wrapping Of A Baby Bouncer Is Straight Out Of A Horror Movie

    SallySue54321 Report

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    #9

    Great Recycling

    Great Recycling

    morganegln Report

    Vinted is an online marketplace to sell or exchange second-hand items, founded in 2008 in Lithuania. It all started when the co-founder Milda Mitkutė was moving house and was looking for a way to sell her old clothes. Some of them were brand new, with the tags still on, so chucking them in the bin didn't make sense.

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    #10

    Certainly An Interesting Way To Make Sure The Item Being Delivered Is Protected

    Certainly An Interesting Way To Make Sure The Item Being Delivered Is Protected

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    Traveling Lady Railfan
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Empty wine bladders (from boxes of wine). In my country they are returnable for $0.20 but they make really good sturdy bags. My dad uses them (in a cover) for outdoor pillows on their swing and I refill them with water, put them back in the box and use them asca hand washing station fir the back of my car

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    #11

    That’s Some Creative Shipping

    That’s Some Creative Shipping

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    #12

    This Is Crazy

    This Is Crazy

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    Thomas Wolf
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What did you expect? The delivery guy coming over in a golden coach and offering it to you on a satin pillow?

    Chrissie Anit
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Couldn't you post that picture without those heavy filters, girl?

    Roan The Demon Kitty
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    so, if this woman ever orders anything from me, I need to send it in always ultra packaging? Sorry, but I genuinely prefer bodyform. xD

    Lene
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't see the problem? Is she embarrassed to have someone send her stuff in a period pad packaging? Or is she just embarrassed by the brand of the pads that are no longer in the packaging?

    sbj
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think Vinted purposely seek out the most obscure packaging

    Teutonic Disaster
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stop filtering your face beyond recognition, then we can talk about about someone else being ridiculous.

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    A few days later, she met developer Justas Janauskas at a houseparty and floated the idea of a website for an online marketplace by him at 2 a.m. He agreed to make a website, where Milda uploaded her clothes, invited some friends to do the same, and that was basically the official launch.

    #13

    They're Not Even Trying Anymore

    They're Not Even Trying Anymore

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    #14

    Vinted Is A State Of Mind

    Vinted Is A State Of Mind

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    Shark queen 🦈🦈🦈
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know what vented it is but it sounds like eBay used packaging from either timu or wish instead

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    #15

    I Ordered A Hat On Vinted. Look At This Packaging

    I Ordered A Hat On Vinted. Look At This Packaging

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    pfeils wife
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    After only 13 of these... no one could pay me enough, to order something from Vinted.

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    Now, it's a platform that operates throughout Europe and North America for people who are looking to earn some extra cash, authenticity, unique clothes, and consuming more sustainably. Milda is no longer so involved with Vinted, but remains a shareholder. The company's estimated value was last $3.8 billion.

    #16

    Can't Believe My Parcel Was Wrapped Like This

    Can't Believe My Parcel Was Wrapped Like This

    magentaalee Report

    #17

    Cowboy Boots Bought On Vinted. I Can't Do This Anymore

    Cowboy Boots Bought On Vinted. I Can't Do This Anymore

    momofsaul Report

    #18

    Never Seen Anything Like It

    Never Seen Anything Like It

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    Nina
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the Netherlands there would be about 0% chance this would be delivered unscathed

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    Vinted, of course, has some competitors in the online second-hand market. Depop and Poshmark are perhaps the most similar. Depop, for example, strongly encourages their users to reuse packaging materials. The best option, according to them, is to save the packaging you receive from other sellers.

    #19

    I Bought A LEGO Set On Vinted. The Seller Shipped It To Me With A LEGO Eternals Box Turned Inside Out And Also Used Crumpled-Up Instructions As Packaging Material. I Was Shocked

    I Bought A LEGO Set On Vinted. The Seller Shipped It To Me With A LEGO Eternals Box Turned Inside Out And Also Used Crumpled-Up Instructions As Packaging Material. I Was Shocked

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    Thomas Wolf
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's wrong with people? Shocked? Why? The sender turned the inside out to create a neutral-looking package. And used spare paper to stuff the hollow space. Very good job!

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    #20

    When You Sell A Beauty Doll Head On Vinted And Wrap It Up Without A Box. Sorry To The Receiver If I Give Your Daughter A Heart Attack On Her Birthday

    When You Sell A Beauty Doll Head On Vinted And Wrap It Up Without A Box. Sorry To The Receiver If I Give Your Daughter A Heart Attack On Her Birthday

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    #21

    That’s A New One. I’ve Received Parcels Wrapped In Some Dodgy Ways But Tin Foil And Tape?

    That’s A New One. I’ve Received Parcels Wrapped In Some Dodgy Ways But Tin Foil And Tape?

    reddit.com Report

    They do caution against using feeble packaging materials. "Sending an item out in a bag from the supermarket doesn't give your customer the best possible experience, and can lead to damage in transit," they write. If the material's original intent was commercial shipping, you can be sure it will withstand at least one more journey.

    #22

    Honestly, Love The Creativity From Them

    Honestly, Love The Creativity From Them

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    #24

    Reminds Me Of My Childhood

    Reminds Me Of My Childhood

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    Poshmark, on the other hand, has a partnership with USPS. Their sellers can get free boxes and mailers which can even get shipped to the sellers' door. Depop, too, offers eco-friendly packaging: they have partnered with EcoEnclose, an eco-friendly packaging supply store. It's made from 100% recycled materials, is water-resistant, and can be padded, with tissue paper or Greenwrap (a paper alternative to bubble wrap). 

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    #25

    They Could’ve At Least Turned It Inside Out To Look Tidier

    They Could’ve At Least Turned It Inside Out To Look Tidier

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    #26

    I Mean, Really? Just Received It This Morning And Even The Delivery Guy Was Shocked

    I Mean, Really? Just Received It This Morning And Even The Delivery Guy Was Shocked

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    #27

    Why Buy A Box When You Only Sold The Item For 3£

    Why Buy A Box When You Only Sold The Item For 3£

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    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Use plenty of tape because other than boxes (at tomes), you always get tape for free...

    Most people try to save money when they're packaging second-hand items. Others, however, like to spruce it up a bit and make the order more personal. More established sellers may want to uphold their reputation, so they opt for sturdy boxes, tissue paper, and even surprises: some fun labels, a complimentary candy, or a sticker.

    #28

    Someone Used A Greasy McDonald's Bag To Wrap My Vinted Order

    Someone Used A Greasy McDonald's Bag To Wrap My Vinted Order

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    #29

    This Is How Someone Mailed My Vinted Order. It Really Is The Wild West Of Packages

    This Is How Someone Mailed My Vinted Order. It Really Is The Wild West Of Packages

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    #30

    Doesn't Seem Very Secure

    Doesn't Seem Very Secure

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    I, personally, have never had a crazy Vinted experience. I've received some complimentary chocolates, a thank-you card, and even an extra sweater when I ordered a cardigan. I guess the seller wanted to empty her closet faster, so, even if I didn't consent to the second sweater, I didn't complain.

    What about you, Pandas? Do you have any crazy Vinted (or any other online marketplace) stories? Share them with us below!

    #31

    At Least It Came Safely

    At Least It Came Safely

    palegal_seller Report

    #32

    Honestly, A For Effort

    Honestly, A For Effort

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    #33

    I Got The Legendary Package From Vinted - In A Food Box

    I Got The Legendary Package From Vinted - In A Food Box

    CoNaToKlaudia Report

    #34

    My Daughter's Pyjamas Were Delivered In This

    My Daughter's Pyjamas Were Delivered In This

    ExpressAffect3262 Report

    #35

    As A Seller On Vinted Who Buys Fancy Packaging And Includes A Thank-You Note And Little Gift, I'm Inspired

    As A Seller On Vinted Who Buys Fancy Packaging And Includes A Thank-You Note And Little Gift, I'm Inspired

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    Castles
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nothing wrong with this. I normally send stuff out in plastic bags turned inside out but I sellotape them securely

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    #36

    I Bought A DVD From Poland. It Arrived In Very Unique Packaging

    I Bought A DVD From Poland. It Arrived In Very Unique Packaging

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    #37

    Have You Performed A Successful Operation Of Opening It?

    Have You Performed A Successful Operation Of Opening It?

    clumsyoaf33 Report

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    #38

    Why Do Sellers Pack Things In The Most Peculiar Way

    Why Do Sellers Pack Things In The Most Peculiar Way

    Went to pick up a package today, and the shop keeper handed over essentially a ball and yarn? Opened it up and it was double wrapped, second layer being a dog poop bag. Item itself is totally fine and unharmed, but couldn't help but laugh at the awful choice of packaging.

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    #39

    Got Sent These Packages. I Personally Would Never Pack My Orders Into Something Like This

    Got Sent These Packages. I Personally Would Never Pack My Orders Into Something Like This

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    Earonn -
    Community Member
    4 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's cardboard boxes, and sturdy ones at that. What do you want more?

    #40

    Thought They Sent Me Their Rubbish, But It Was Just An Attempt To Save On Packing Materials

    Thought They Sent Me Their Rubbish, But It Was Just An Attempt To Save On Packing Materials

    I received a massive box for a small wooden kitchen item I ordered. As soon as I started opening the box, I spotted those empty bottles, and I started filming, thinking they'd actually sent me their rubbish. Turns out my item was at the very bottom of that box, under all the bottles. I think this is the worst packaging I've ever received.

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    Nemo
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The thing was too small for the box. This is better than a broken thing because there was no or insufficient padding. It could be way worse

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    #41

    At The Beginning I Still Had Some Boxes, Poly Mailers And Illusions. After A Few Months On Vinted My Packages Started Looking Like This

    At The Beginning I Still Had Some Boxes, Poly Mailers And Illusions. After A Few Months On Vinted My Packages Started Looking Like This

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    #42

    You Never Know What The Packaging Will Look Like When Ordering From Vinted

    You Never Know What The Packaging Will Look Like When Ordering From Vinted

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    #43

    Never Thought There Would Be A Day Where I Would Receive My Order In A Trash Bag

    Never Thought There Would Be A Day Where I Would Receive My Order In A Trash Bag

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    #44

    Packaging Was Wild

    Packaging Was Wild

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    #45

    When You Order Something From Vinted And This Is How It Arrives

    When You Order Something From Vinted And This Is How It Arrives

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    #46

    Just Got My First Trash Bag Wrapped Item

    Just Got My First Trash Bag Wrapped Item

    Just picked it up from a collection point. Kind of made me giggle though, I see the occasional post about it here and there, but never seen it for myself until now.

    GlitteryCucumber Report

    #47

    Well, That's Certainly Unique

    Well, That's Certainly Unique

    Dominique Parsons Report

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    #48

    My Shoes Came Packaged In Boots Pharmacy Bags. Love That

    My Shoes Came Packaged In Boots Pharmacy Bags. Love That

    bethhhowen2000 Report

    #49

    I Bought Some Shorts Off Vinted, And They Sent Them In A Coco Pops Box And Duct Tape

    I Bought Some Shorts Off Vinted, And They Sent Them In A Coco Pops Box And Duct Tape

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    #50

    Sustainability Is Key

    Sustainability Is Key

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    Note: this post originally had 87 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.