Brave For The Other — Volume 1 (Adult Edition) Listening time: 20 minutes · Also available as a children’s edition Long description Some stories are written. This one was walked. Brave For The Other — Volume 1 is the adult companion to the children’s picture book
of the same name — the unflinching version, the one told after the lights go down and the pram wheels stop turning. In twenty raw, cinematic minutes, Lance and Carolyn pull back the curtain on the year that asked everything of them — and on the three cats who quietly held the line. There’s Ruby, the black-and-white tuxedo tom: cantankerous, impossibly resilient, the kind of cat who looks at a terminal prognosis and decides he isn’t finished yet. Moon, the soft one, who gives love away like it costs her nothing.
Pic: The Luxury Of TouchPic: “Ruby illustration. One night, I recorded a portion of this audio and heard him behind me at 2:00 AM. I felt like a hypocrite reciting his praises and ignoring him, so I turned around and wondered if he could understand. Instantly, I sat him beside me. Not a herd of wild horses would have me believe that he wasn’t absorbing the melancholy prognosis from the vet.”
Here is the clip .
Pic: She looked appallingly sad when I found her. She Pic: Adorable
And Millie, the tortoiseshell — only ever touched gently, head-first, because somebody before them got it wrong, and she has not forgotten. This is the origin story behind LC Chaos and Home. A small Cheshire life. A blue pram. A cloud blanket. And the lanes of Warrington, Hillcliffe and Stockton Heath in sun and rain — nearly nine weeks of long walks after the vet said weeks, not months. Ruby curled into a tight ball most days, almost weightless. Then someone would say the word pram — and to their astonishment, he’d uncurl, find his feet, and go and wait beside it. Every single time. Volume 1 doesn’t flinch from the strain. The pensive ache of wanting a break, a holiday, anything — and not being able to leave. The quiet recalibration of two people who realised they had become entirely centric to one small life, and that the only way through was outward — branching into new realms, learning AI, building something that could carry the story when they couldn’t carry it alone. It is, at its heart, the simplest equation of all: two people and a promise. One small step. One kind thing. Brave for the other. For listeners of memoir-led audio in the vein of Glennon Doyle, Matt Haig and Helen Macdonald — and for anyone who has ever loved something so much they had to learn a new version of themselves to keep loving it well. The children’s edition tells it gently, with paw prints and sunshine. This one tells it true. Press play. Meet Ruby, Moon and Millie. Be brave for the other.
Hey lovely! Grab a cuppa and let’s have a proper chat about mornings. If you’re anything like me, your 7:00 AM self and your 10:00 PM self are two very different people. At night, I’m ambitious, thinking I’ll whip up a full English or a gourmet omelette. By the time the alarm actually goes off? I’m lucky if I manage a piece of burnt toast while hunting for my car keys.
But then, I discovered the absolute lifesaver that is Overnight Chia Pudding. If you haven’t hopped on the chia train yet, consider this your official invitation. It is, quite literally, the “set it and forget it” breakfast of dreams. It feels like you’re eating a posh dessert for breakfast, but it’s actually fueling you with so much goodness that you won’t be reaching for the biscuit tin by 11:00 AM.
So, What’s the Big Deal with Chia Seeds?
You’ve probably seen these tiny little black and white seeds everywhere, from health food shops to the middle aisle of Aldi. But they aren’t just a “trendy” fad; they are actual nutritional powerhouses.
Historically, they were a staple for the Aztecs and Mayans—and if they could power ancient civilisations, they can definitely power you through a rainy Tuesday in the UK! Here’s why I’m obsessed with them:
• Omega-3 Heroes: Chia seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of Omega-3 fatty acids (specifically alpha-linolenic acid). This is brilliant for your heart health and brain power, but it also helps your body absorb all those important fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
• The “Fullness” Factor: Just two tablespoons of these tiny seeds pack about 10 grams of fibre and 5 grams of protein. Because they expand and turn into a gel when soaked, they keep you feeling satisfied for ages. No more tummy rumbles mid-meeting!
• Mineral Magic: They’re loaded with calcium, magnesium, and manganese. It’s basically like taking a multivitamin, but it tastes like raspberry cream.
• Friendly for Everyone: Whether you’re smashing a Keto goal, living that Vegan life, or just trying to be a bit more “Whole-foods” focused, chia seeds fit right in.
The Science of the “Gel” (The Magic Part!)
The coolest thing about chia seeds is their “hydrophilic” nature—basically, they love water. They can absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid! When you soak them, they transform from a crunchy seed into a silky, pearl-like pudding. You can eat them after two hours, but for that truly luxurious, thick texture, letting them sit in the fridge overnight is the secret. It’s like magic happening while you sleep.
🍓 My Signature Raspberry & Coconut Recipe
Serves 2 | Prep time: 5 mins (plus a little nap in the fridge)
This is my go-to when I want something bright, zingy, and fresh. The pink hue from the raspberries makes it look so pretty in a Kilner jar!
What You’ll Need:
• The Base: 2 tbsp chia seeds & 175ml (approx. 3/4 cup) creamy coconut milk (the stuff from the carton works great, or use tinned for extra richness).
• The Flavour: 40g raspberries (frozen are fine!), 1/2 scoop of your favourite protein powder (vanilla or berry works best), a pinch of lemon zest, and a splash of vanilla extract.
• The Toppings: A handful of fresh blueberries, sliced strawberries, and a generous sprinkle of desiccated coconut.
The Method:
1. Whiz it up: Don’t just stir the protein powder in—it’ll get clumpy! Pop the milk, raspberries, protein powder, lemon zest, and vanilla into a blender. Give it a quick whiz until it’s a smooth, gorgeous pink liquid.
2. The Big Mix: Pour that liquid into a bowl or directly into your Kilner jars over the chia seeds. Give it a really vigorous stir with a fork or a small whisk.
3. The “Check-In”: This is the pro tip—about 30 minutes after you put them in the fridge, give them one more quick stir. This stops the seeds from clumping at the bottom.
4. Chill Out: Let them set overnight.
5. Finish it off: In the morning, layer on your fresh berries and coconut. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup doesn’t hurt!
Lance and I go to yoga weekly and usually end our session with a standard Savasana and a heated debate over where to get smoothies. But this week, things got… resonant. After rolling up our mats, we decided to dive headfirst (literally, in Lance’s case) into a vibrational healing session. If you’re wondering if that involves a lot of humming and mysterious wooden instruments, the answer is a resounding yes.
What Exactly is Vibrational Healing?
For the uninitiated, vibrational healing (or sound therapy) is based on the idea that everything in our bodies—from our cells to our over-caffeinated heartbeats—vibrates at a specific frequency. When we’re stressed, sick, or just “off,” those frequencies get out of whack.
The goal? Use sound and physical vibration to “retune” the body. Think of it like a software update for your soul, but with fewer “remind me later” buttons.
The Highlights (and the Humorous Bits)
1. The Monochord “Chest Press”
In the first photo, you’ll see me lying flat while our practitioner placed a Monochord (that sleek wooden stringed instrument) directly on my chest.
• The Sensation: It’s hard to describe, but it feels like your ribcage is being turned into a cello. As she plucked the strings, the sound didn’t just go into my ears; it traveled straight through my sternum.
• The Benefit: This is incredible for “heart opening” and clearing out emotional congestion. Honestly, it vibrated the stress of my Monday morning right out of my toes.
2. Lance and the “Tube of Zen”
Then there’s Lance. As you can see in the photo, he had a rain stick tube positioned right over his “Third Eye.”
• The Look: I won’t lie—from my angle, it looked like he was being beamed up to a very chill spaceship.
• The Benefit: This targeted sound application is meant to calm the nervous system and quiet the “monkey mind.” Judging by the fact that Lance didn’t move a muscle for twenty minutes, I’d say his monkey mind went on a full-blown vacation. And he didn’t snore which is a result!
Why You Should Try It
If you’re feeling “stuck” or just need a break from the noise of the world, here’s why we’re now vibrational healing converts:
• Deep Physical Relaxation: It reaches spots that a foam roller just can’t. The vibrations act like a cellular massage.
• Mental Clarity: It’s like hitting the “reset” button on your brain. I walked out feeling like I’d just had eight hours of sleep and a very polite epiphany.
• Intimate Connection: Doing this with a partner or friend adds a layer of shared peace. There’s something special about being in a room that quite literally hums with good energy.
The Verdict
We walked into the session as two slightly stiff yoga students and walked out feeling like a couple of well-tuned Stradivarius violins. If you have the chance to let someone play a wooden instrument on your chest or point a sound tube at your forehead—do it.
Your cells will thank you, and honestly, the “zen glow” is a much better look than “post-work stress.”
Have you ever tried sound or vibrational healing? Did you feel like a new person or just a very musical human? Let us know in the comments!
Whether you’re clearing out your wardrobe for some extra holiday cash or you’re a seasoned “pro-seller” trying to shift a designer gem, the Vinted “ping” is a sound that brings a mix of hope and immediate, soul-crushing frustration.
You open the app, expecting a notification that your item has sold. Instead, you find an offer so low it feels like a personal attack on your character—or even worse, you accept a fair offer within thirty seconds and then… tumbleweeds.
If you’ve ever found yourself shouting, “Why even send the offer if you aren’t going to buy it?!” at your phone while your dinner gets cold, this post is for you. Let’s dive into the chaotic psychology of the Vinted buyer.
1. The “Car Boot Sale” Delusion
We have to remember that Vinted isn’t a high-street shop, and it’s not even really eBay anymore. It has morphed into a giant, global, 24/7 digital car boot sale.
At a physical car boot sale, people don’t just want the item; they want the thrill of the steal.
• The Sport of Haggling: For a lot of buyers, the “Make an Offer” button is basically a game of Deal or No Deal. They aren’t thinking about your profit margin; they’re chasing the hit of dopamine that comes from “winning” a negotiation.
• The “Cheeky” Punt: Let’s be real—sometimes lowballing works. A seller who is moving house or just desperately needs space might say “fine, just take it” to a 60% discount. Buyers send “stupid” offers because, once in a blue moon, someone is tired enough to say yes.
2. The “Hidden Fee” Panic
As a seller, you see a £10 item. You think, “That’s a bargain!” But the buyer’s brain is doing some very stressful “Vinted Math.” By the time they click through, the screen looks like this:
• Item: £10.00
• Buyer Protection Fee: £1.10
• Shipping (Standard): £3.29
• Total: £14.39
Suddenly, that “tenner” purchase is nearly £15. Many buyers send a lowball offer not because they think your item is worthless, but because they are trying to “cancel out” the fees and shipping costs to bring the total back down to the price they saw on the thumbnail.
3. The “Offer and Ghost”: What’s Actually Happening?
This is the one that truly grinds our gears. Why send an offer, wait for the seller to accept, and then disappear into the void?
The “Safety Net” Strategy
Think of this as the “dating app” approach to shopping. A buyer might find five different pairs of black Levi’s they like. They send a £20 offer to all five sellers simultaneously. The first seller to accept “wins” the buyer, and the other four sellers are left shouting into the abyss. It’s cold, it’s calculated, and it’s incredibly annoying.
The Impulse Cool-Down
We’ve all been there. It’s 11:30 PM, you’ve had a glass of wine, and you desperately need a vintage leather jacket. You send the offer. By the time the seller accepts the next morning, the “buying fever” has broken. You’ve realized you have three jackets already and you probably shouldn’t spend the money. On Vinted, because an accepted offer isn’t a binding contract (unlike eBay), it’s way too easy to just… walk away.
Window Shopping 2.0
For some, making an offer is just a way of “super-favouriting” an item. They’re testing the waters. They want to see if you’re a “flexible” seller just in case they decide to buy it next payday. They aren’t ready to commit; they’re just flirting with your listing.
How to Keep Your Sanity
Look, Vinted is a wild west. To survive without throwing your phone out the window, try these three rules:
• Don’t take it personally: A £2 offer on a £10 item isn’t a comment on your fashion sense. It’s just a stranger in their pajamas trying their luck.
• The “Counter-Offer” is your best friend: Never just decline. Even if their offer is insulting, counter-offer with your lowest price (or even just 50p off the original). It keeps the door open and reminds them that there’s a real person on the other end.
• The “Expect Nothing” Mantra: Until you see the notification that says “Download Shipping Label,” the sale does not exist. Don’t start looking for a mailing bag or imagining what you’ll spend the profit on until the money is actually in the “Pending” bin.
The bottom line? Vinted is a marketplace of human whims, late-night boredom, and bargain hunting. For every ten “ghosts” and lowballers, there’s one dream buyer who pays full price and leaves a 5-star review. You just have to wade through the “Is this still available?” messages to find them!
What’s the most “creative” lowball offer you’ve ever received? Drop a comment and let’s commiserate!
Let’s be honest for a second—is there anything actually better than a bubbling tray of cheesy potatoes? I don’t think so. Whether the British weather is doing its usual grey thing or you’ve just had one of those days at work, this Ham and Potato Bake is my absolute soul-soother.
It’s one of those “hug-in-a-bowl” meals that feels like home. It’s unpretentious, incredibly filling, and honestly? It’s even better the next day if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers.
A Little Secret for the Best Ham…
You don’t need to spend a fortune at a fancy deli for this. If you want a tip from me, head over to Lidl. Their Oaklands range for the veg is great, but their Dulano or Select and Better thick-cut honey roast ham is a total game-changer for this recipe. It’s salty, slightly sweet, and chunky enough that it doesn’t just disappear into the sauce.
What You’ll Need
The Filling:
• 1kg Maris Piper Potatoes: These are the kings of the potato world. They get lovely and fluffy in the sauce.
• 200g Cooked Ham: Grab a thick-cut pack from Lidl or Aldi are great and dice it into proper, bite-sized chunks.
• 1 Small Brown Onion: Finely diced (this adds that lovely sweetness to the base).
The Liquid Gold (The Sauce):
• 40g Unsalted Butter
• 3 tbsp Plain Flour
• 600ml Whole Milk: Go for full-fat if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
• 200g Extra Mature Cheddar: Grate it yourself, trust me. The pre-grated stuff has a dusty coating that stops it from melting perfectly.
• Seasoning: A good pinch of salt, plenty of cracked black pepper, and if you’re feeling fancy, a tiny dab of English mustard.
Let’s Get Cooking
1. Get Prepped
First things first, get your oven heating up to 180°C (160°C Fan). Find your favourite big baking dish and give it a quick rub with a bit of butter so nothing sticks to the corners. Peel and cube your potatoes into roughly 1.5cm pieces—don’t worry about being too perfect, rustic is better! Throw them in a bowl with your chunky Lidl ham.
2. The “Secret” Sauce
Melt your butter in a saucepan and gently soften the onion. Once it’s smelling amazing, stir in the flour. Cook it for a minute or so—you want it to look like a thick paste. Now, slowly—and I mean slowly—whisk in your milk. It takes a bit of elbow grease, but keep going until it’s smooth and thick.
3. Make it Cheesy
Take it off the heat and stir in about three-quarters of that cheddar. Watch it melt into that silky, creamy sauce. This is the part where I usually “quality control” a spoonful!
4. The Big Mix
Pour all that cheesy goodness over the potatoes and ham. Give it a really good stir so every single potato cube is smothered. Pour it into your dish, cover tightly with foil (this steams the potatoes to perfection), and pop it in the oven for one hour.
5. The Crispy Bit
Take the foil off, sprinkle over the rest of your cheese, and slide it under the grill for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for those gorgeous, slightly burnt “cheesy bubbles” on top.
A Quick Favour…
Try to let it sit for about 10 minutes before you dive in. I know, I know—it smells incredible and you’re hungry—but letting it rest helps the sauce thicken up so it wraps around the potatoes instead of running all over the plate.
Serve it with a big pile of buttery peas or just eat it on its own on the sofa. You deserve it.
Are you a “crispy edges” person or a “creamy middle” person? Let me know in the comments!
I am going to immerse myself in unfathomable serenity and instill energy, regain empowerment, and accelerate momentum—not tomorrow or the day after, but on a pinpointed day.
I would imagine a lot of people can relate to this.
Communicating with people is extraordinarily hard. We don’t really speak to listen. In truth, influencing others was never difficult for me.
In design (Adobe Photoshop), something I started 25 years ago, I was able to give advice born from repeatedly trying. In photography, people asked for advice inspired by the framed work that I was very fortunate to have adorning their walls.
In fitness, when people told me they could never do a marathon, I had been there.
My running advice was born from the challenges I encountered by doing it after hobbling around on crutches for three years. Moreover, it’s my perspective. I believe there is zero difference, analytically, in the first ten steps and the last of 26.2 miles. If you know of any, feel free to let me know. It’s the simplicity of this rhetoric that got me—a hardly svelte man—around 17 half-marathons and 3 marathons.
weights and fitness
I haven’t been to a Dr’s in 13 years. Perhaps that allocates me to “It might be working” Philospophy. If you asked my advice on weights and fitness, it would be given from the perspective of stepping into a gym at 23 and varying degrees of “lax” and “on-and-offs,” but mostly, to be very fair, pure tenacity and discipline.
I know exactly where I am in the universe, and the world has taught me repeatedly—and ingrained in me—the pointlessness of assuming any kind of reasurence of safety from my fellow citizens bar one fabulous soul partner. My safety, my well-being, my fitness, and my psychological well-being aren’t enhanced by “this” decade’s emphasis on mental healths sudden importance or an awareness of how it presents. I solidly believe that just because you identify what impediment you suffer from it doesn’t mean that the solutions are more accessible. In fact, it means more people readily roadblock self-progress by utilizing what the medical fraternity christened it (if indeed it was confirmed by a Dr) as reasoning not to develop the skills to overcome problems incurred.
Moreover, just because so many people can now identify the names of their fluctuating mental health, doesn’t mean they all try to overcome it. I am responsible for mine. Now, I can wholeheartedly acknowledge that, and given I have done so comfortably, I will set about initiating the changes required. It will start with the staple that first introduced me to confidence when I was 23: exercise.
Brave for the Other.
Walking Cheshire pushing Ruby
For 60 days straight—sometimes for several hours a day—we walked in all weathers. Virtually every day since his diagnosis, we covered the miles: up London Road, along the Bridgewater Canal, through Walton Gardens, and around Hillcliffe. We even nicknamed that steep stretch up London Road “Cardio Hill.”
It was difficult. There was the constant struggle of coaxing a cat out, gently unfolding his weathered body, and cleaning eyes and legs that he insisted on repeatedly biting. But like a prisoner finally granted release, the absolute payoff was witnessing his zest for life once he was out there.
What we carry with us now is the memory of that effort. Even when taking the long route in the pouring rain—while Ruby remained shielded from the elements, tucked under the waterproof cover of his pram with a hot water bottle—it was always worth it. None of it would have been possible without taking that first small step, choosing one kind thing, and being Brave for the Other.
This journey inspired me to capture these lessons of courage, pet loss, and the bond between humans and animals. I have written a children’s picture book titled Brave for the Other. This illustrated book is available as a digital PDF for £7.99, featuring a moving story and beautiful artwork that celebrate the spirit of our companions.
Links to purchase and explore more are available in our link tree and here.
I’ve written a little children’s story about cats and the enormous benefits of taking one small step, doing one kind thing, and being brave for another.
It’s called “Brave for the Other”. It’s for ages 4 to 7 and will be available on Gumroad for £7.99. It will be just one of several stories I’ll be creating.
Here is an illustration of Millie, showing her beautiful colouring: “the colours of autumn leaves”.
The underlying theme of the book is the value of not just saying, but doing. But there is also immense satisfaction gained from the way people and living animals absorb kindness, and from the gratitude received in return.
We have realised that the luxury of touch is incredible. Every single day, you have an opportunity to give someone, or something, the chance to remember how you made them feel.
Millie, “With colourings like Autumn leaves”Ruby in his pramMoon, “Always sharing the love”Carolyn and Lance walking ever day with the fabulous Ruby in his pram.Lance and Carolyn, in our “Sanctuary for the misunderstood “
After over 20 years as resellers, my partner and I have seen it all. We’ve watched platforms rise and fall, but the current “Vinted vs. eBay” era is a whole new ballgame. While we love the thrill of the sale, reselling in 2026 requires more than just a camera and a spare afternoon—it requires a strategy. I started like most people selling my girls old baby clothes to fund the purchase of larger ones
If you want to turn your wardrobe into a genuine side hustle, here is the “battle-tested” blueprint we use to keep our shop running like a boutique.
1. The Secret Weapon: The Half-Body Mannequin
If you want to stop being a “casual seller,” invest in a half-body torso mannequin. We use a female form with a distinct gold neck and top section.
Flat-lays on the carpet are a thing of the past though I do still do this for trousers .
A mannequin allows buyers to see exactly how a garment drapes and saves you from the hassle of “modeled” shots. Plus, that gold finish makes colors like black and white pop, giving your items a premium feel that justifies a higher price point.
2. Staging a “Cosy Corner” for Small Items
For accessories, shoes, or beauty products, a mannequin isn’t enough. You need a dedicated cosy corner for staging.
• The Vibe: Use a warm, nice lamp and a vase of flowers to create a “lifestyle” aesthetic.
• The Reflection Trick: I highly recommend using a circular candle mirror plate. Placing small items on a reflective mirror base catches the light beautifully and makes even a budget item look high-end.
• Lighting is King: Ensure your corner has excellent lighting; natural light is best, but a soft-tone lamp can help create that inviting “homely” glow that Vinted buyers love.
3. Beating the Vinted “AI Photo Trap”
One of the biggest frustrations for beginners is Vinted’s aggressive AI.
• Never use stock images: If you use photos from a retailer’s website, Vinted will remove your listing. If you ignore the warnings, they will ban your account.
• Proof of Life: We take photos against our signature grey door. This “human touch” proves to the AI that the photo is yours and the item is real.
• Real Models: While eBay now allows (and even encourages) AI model-generated photos to showcase fit, Vinted is the opposite—they want authentic photos. If you have a photo of yourself wearing the item, use it! It builds trust instantly.
4. The “Measurement” Rule (Trust Us)
After two decades of this, we’ve learned that “Size 12” means something different to every brand. Always measure your items.
• Include pit-to-pit, waist, and length measurements in the description.
• Taking a photo of the tape measure against the garment is the ultimate “real-world” evidence for the AI and saves you from answering endless “Is it true to size?” messages.
5. Vinted vs. eBay: Choosing Your Battlefield
• Vinted: Best for high-street basics. It’s fee-free, but be warned: the etiquette can be shocking. Between the lowball offers and the “Ghost Buyers” who don’t collect parcels (and get a full refund while your item is held hostage!), Vinted is definitely the “wild west.” You have to price competitively but items do sell very quickly . Allow a little wriggle room and be prepared for low ball / insulting offers
• eBay: Our go-to for designer gear. It’s more professional, offers better seller protection, and their tools for higher-volume sellers are much more advanced. It’s easier to edit and easier to search and has a much wider international market
6. Logistics & The “Five-Star” Unboxing
Don’t let your inventory take over your life. As soon as an item is photographed, we place it into a clear, sealed bag with a unique number on it. When it sells, we aren’t digging through a “death pile”; we just grab “Bag #42” and ship it out. It keeps the clothes dust-free and organized. We post our items in mailing bags and double bag them.
A quick google search will show you some legendary Vinted packaging materials such as crisp packets, corn flake boxes .. I kid you not ! keep any good quality boxes you have from your own online orders to reuse for your Own parcels – it will save you a fortune.
If you have fragile items invest in bubble wrap and use the philosophy if you drop the item from a two storey building will it survive as there is a good chance it may get thrown about by couriers. After many years we decided to invest in a label printer , we put it off for ages but it has paid for itself . No paying for printer toner, paper and sticking on with sellotape- gives a much more professional finish . Most couriers offer a print in shop option but I avoid this because it’s easy to get muddled as to what’s in each parcel if you anything like me dashing around all the time
To ensure great feedback and quick “Everything is OK” clicks, we enclose a small organza bag in every parcel including:
• A personalized thank you card.
• A tea light candle and an herbal tea bag (for a “moment of calm”).
• A little chocolate treat.
This small investment has earned us incredible feedback and turned one-off buyers into loyal followers!
Shop My Reseller Setup – these are affiliate links so I may earn a tiny amount if you buy
If you want to recreate my “Cosy Corner” or my professional mannequin setup, here are the links to the exact items I use:
• My Gold-Neck Torso Mannequin – Perfect for showing garment fit.
Mailing bags – these look lovely and are really good quality – they fit tops trousers etc but you would need something larger for jackets, coats bedding etc
We’ve all been there. You spend your Sunday afternoon de-bobbling a sweater, photographing it in the “good” light, and carefully wrapping it like a precious artifact. You trek to the parcel shop, send it off with a little wave, and wait for that sweet “Item Delivered” notification.
Then… nothing.
The parcel sits in a locker. The days tick by.
You message the buyer—“Hey! Just checking you saw your parcel is ready!”—only to be met with radio silence or a promise to collect. Finally, the dreaded notification hits: “The buyer didn’t collect the parcel. It is being returned to you.”
And here is where the “Vinted rage” truly kicks in: the buyer gets a full refund, and you get your item back, often weeks later, having gained nothing but a headache and a wasted trip to the post office.
The Unfairness of the “No-Show” Refund
Let’s be real: why is there no penalty for a buyer simply changing their mind via laziness? On almost any other marketplace, if you fail to collect an item, you’re at least liable for the shipping costs. On Vinted, the buyer walks away scot-free.
• Your time isn’t free: You spent time listing, packing, and driving to a drop-off point.
• The “Held Hostage” Factor: While that item was sitting in an inpist locker for 3 days depending on (plus the 5 days it takes to travel back), then you have to go ando collect it , it wasn’t available for someone else to actually buy and keep.
• Packaging waste: That mailer you paid for? It’s now covered in return stickers and probably ready for the bin.
It feels like the “Buyer Protection” fee we hear so much about is actually a “Buyer Can Do No Wrong” policy.
The Customer Service “Black Hole”
If you’ve ever tried to complain about this to Vinted, you’ll know that their customer service can be… let’s say, challenging.
Trying to get a human response often feels like trying to explain color to a thermostat. You usually start with a bot that gives you a “pre-packaged” answer that doesn’t quite fit your problem. When you finally do get through to a human, the response is often a polite version of: “This is our policy, and we cannot deviate from it.”
It’s incredibly frustrating when you feel like a valued member of a community, yet you’re treated like a ticket number in a system that favors the buyer’s convenience over the seller’s effort.
Is There a Silver Lining?
To be fair to the “other side,” things happen. Lockers break, people get sick, or life just gets in the way. Sometimes a buyer wants the item but physically can’t get to the pickup point.
However, the lack of a “restocking fee” or even an automatic one-star review for uncollected items feels like a major loophole. Currently, the only “punishment” for the buyer is that they don’t get the item. Big deal—they have their money back!
What Can We Do?
Until Vinted decides to tweak the rules, we sellers have to stick together. Here are a few “pro-tips” to keep your sanity:
• Check Reviews: If a buyer has several “Auto-feedback: Order cancelled” reviews, they might be a serial non-collector.
• The Block Button is Your Friend: If someone wastes your time by not picking up a parcel without a word of apology, block them. You don’t need their “business” twice.
• Keep Your Packaging: If you can carefully open the returned parcel, reuse that mailer for the next (hopefully better) buyer!
What do you think? Should Vinted start deducting shipping costs from refunds for uncollected items? Let’s vent in the comments!
LCChaosandhome 