Returns, typical scams and how buyer/seller protection secures you.
Buyer protection (the buyer's service fee) secures payment and delivery: the money is only released to the seller once the goods have arrived and been accepted. As a seller you're protected as long as you ship via the platform and use tracking.
Common: requests to pay outside the app, fake payment/shipping confirmations by email, “overpayment” tricks, phishing links in the chat, and buyers who falsely claim “not as described” after receipt. Always stay in the platform's chat and payment.
As soon as you leave the platform (WhatsApp, direct transfer, PayPal Friends), all protection is gone. That's exactly what scammers aim for. An “I'll just pay you directly, it's easier” is almost always a warning sign.
Urgency, links to fake login pages, requests for bank/card details or payment release “outside”. Vinted/eBay never ask for that in the chat. Don't click links and only enter payment data on the real platform.
As a commercial seller the 14-day right of withdrawal applies — you must take goods back. Private sellers can exclude returns. Regardless, buyer protection applies for “not as described”, so an honest description is your best protection.
Refer factually to your photos and description and let the case be reviewed via the platform's buyer protection — there, documentation counts. That's exactly why you should take many honest photos (incl. defects) before shipping.
Always ship with tracking and keep the proof-of-postage. With tracking proof of delivery you're on the safe side in a dispute. Without proof the buyer usually wins.
Buyer protection secures the buyer against non-delivery/wrong delivery; seller protection secures you if you acted compliantly (platform shipping, tracking). Both only work within the platform.
With withdrawal the buyer may inspect the goods as in a store; for use beyond that you may be able to claim compensation for loss of value. The details are legally tricky — when in doubt, resolve it generously or seek advice to avoid review damage.
Reply publicly, calmly and professionally (factual, solution-oriented) — future buyers read it. In case of a rule violation (insults, blackmail) you can report the review to the platform. Don't get into a fight.
The request to pay or communicate outside the platform — often with fake “payment made” emails. As soon as you leave the platform, all protection is gone.
You only see real payments in your platform/payment account, never in a separate email. Always check directly in the app whether the money is there — never trust an email.
The scammer (supposedly) “transfers” too much and asks you to pay back the difference — the original payment is fake or gets reversed. Never send money back for payments outside the platform.
Only sell via platform payment and ship with tracking. With in-platform payment seller protection applies; with external payments (PayPal Friends) you're unprotected.
Present the proof of delivery (tracking) in the case. With documented delivery to the stored address you're on the safe side in the buyer protection process.
Private sellers can exclude returns/warranty; the in-platform buyer protection for “not as described” still applies. Commercial sellers must grant the 14-day right of withdrawal.
Check the returned goods for completeness and condition. For a legitimate return, refund promptly; for damaged/swapped goods, document it and report the case to the platform.
The buyer wears/uses the goods and returns them, or sends back a different/damaged item. Photograph goods before shipping and check returns carefully — documentation is your protection.
They lead to fake login/payment pages that harvest your data. Vinted/eBay never demand a payment release via external links in the chat. Don't click, report the message.
Don't respond as requested, don't open links, report the user and block if needed. When in doubt contact official support — better to lose a sale than your account/money.
Buyer protection primarily protects the buyer; you as a seller are protected if you act compliantly (platform shipping, tracking, stored address). Both only work within the platform.
“Give me a discount or bad review” is a rule violation. Don't give in, stay factual, document it and report to the platform — blackmailed reviews can often be removed.
Proactively inform the buyer and offer a fair solution (partial refund/return). Honest, fast action prevents bad reviews and buyer protection cases.
Photos of the goods before shipping (incl. defects), proof of postage and tracking, plus the platform chat history. This documentation usually decides buyer protection cases in your favor.
Cash on local pickup is fine if you check the money directly; watch for counterfeit and meet in a safe place. Cash on delivery and cheques from strangers are rather inadvisable.
Practical knowledge from the reseller community and experienced full-time sellers, summarized generally. Legal & tax matters follow official sources (incl. the German Federal Central Tax Office on the Platform Tax Transparency Act/DAC7) and do not replace tax or legal advice. As of 2026.
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