For many, shopping is a habit and a dopamine rush, just like sugar, alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, exercise and getting social media likes - anything that gives someone a quick rush of pleasure.
However, just like ebay, Vinted is a way of owners being able to sell unwanted goods and make a bit of money. At least it keeps goods out of landfill or from being dumped on a faraway country for a little while longer. Charities sell donated goods on ebay and Vinted too.
I rarely buy clothes, definitely an understated capsule wardrobe person. I have never bought an item of clothing on ebay or Vinted. However, last year, now that I drive less and use the bus more, I was in need of a warmer winter coat to wear when waiting for the bus. I went second-hand shopping with a purpose and snagged a brand new with tags Montgomery duffle coat for £60.00 from Oxfam Online. These retail at £300 full price (currently £150 in the Black Friday sale) so it was a very good bargain and will probably see me out. And yes, it did give me a rush.
Sellers get a rush too. I couple of years ago, I did a big declutter. For about three months, I sold unwanted household goods on ebay to raise funds for a particular project. It was always a thrill to see an item get its first bid or to see bidders competing against one another. I wouldn’t want to do it longer term or regularly as I found packaging a chore, but for a while it was very satisfying.
I suppose that’s why TV auction programmes are popular. Viewers get a vicarious thrill from seeing goods bought and sold and a profit made.