Who’s buying refurbished and second‑hand refillable vapes on Vinted and Depop in the UK (2026)

Introduction — a resale market reconfigured

Since the 2025 disposable vape ban, the UK’s aftermarket for refillable vaping kits has become a significant and fast‑moving trend. The number of single‑use vapes bought weekly reportedly fell from 7.3 million to 2.2 million — a roughly 69% drop — and that shock to supply and habit has pushed many smokers and vapers into refillables and into resale markets such as Vinted and Depop. Add a new vaping duty (VPD) arriving in October 2026 — a flat £2.20 per 10ml tax — and you have the financial incentive for cost‑conscious buyers to hunt for second‑hand devices. This article breaks down who’s buying on resale platforms, why it matters and what to watch next.

What’s trending

Resale platforms are now a mainstream channel for refillable and refurbished vapes. Two dynamics are especially clear:

• Vinted scale and mainstream appeal. Vinted remains the dominant UK resale app, with penetration highest in 25–34 year‑olds (mid‑30% range). Transactions per user have risen to about 18 a year and average spend per transaction has ticked up from £12 to £14, creating a high‑volume environment where non‑traditional vape sales can quietly scale.
• Depop’s curated second life for higher‑value kits. Depop’s UK performance weakened recently, but its early‑2026 acquisition by eBay (reported $1.2bn) could deepen reach and alter how curated, higher‑value used devices and boutique refurbs trade — think micro‑brands and vintage style kits finding collectors or style‑led buyers.

Why it matters

Three forces are converging to change consumer behaviour and the structure of the resale market:

• Economic pressure. Rising living costs plus the looming VPD will increase the running costs of vaping. The flat £2.20 per 10ml tax from October 2026 effectively raises the price of new e‑liquids and makes buying a second‑hand refillable kit, then topping up with fewer or cheaper bottles, a rational way to cut costs.
• Environmental motivation. The disposable ban has normalised the idea that disposables are undesirable. Many buyers cite sustainability as a reason to choose rechargeable, refillable kits on resale sites instead of one‑use products.
• Supply and accessibility. The rise of micro‑resellers — individuals running tiny “micro‑closets” on Vinted and Depop — is increasing the flow of used, lightly‑used and refurbished devices into the market. That supply matters: more listings mean more choice and better price discovery.

Who’s buying — emerging buyer profiles

On resale platforms the buyer base is diverse, but certain cohorts stand out:

• Cost‑conscious 25–34s. This group is the core Vinted demographic and aligns with the platform’s highest penetration. They favour value for money and are comfortable buying second‑hand tech and lifestyle items online.
• Young adults rethinking convenience. People who previously relied on disposables — younger adults in their early 20s — are starting with inexpensive second‑hand refillable kits as an entry point to a cheaper long‑term habit.
• Collectors and style buyers on Depop. With eBay's acquisition, Depop may see more mid‑market, style‑led transactions: limited editions, boutique mods and customised kits are likely to trade for higher prices there.
• Micro‑reseller customers. Buyers attracted to bargains and unique finds are increasingly purchasing from individual sellers rather than specialist shops. These micro‑closets often list multiple devices, coils and accessories together, making bundled purchases attractive.

Examples of marketplace behaviour

Real‑world selling patterns we’re seeing include:

• Bundled listings. Sellers combine a refillable kit with spare coils and a shortfill bottle, making the second‑hand buy closer to a complete starter package. That’s appealing for first‑time switchers.
• Price arbitrage and quick flips. Some individual sellers buy new kits and resell unopened units at a modest markup to cover operating costs — a micro‑retail model accelerated by Vinted’s transactional scale.
• E‑liquid pairings. Although the focus is on devices, many listings promote refill options. For buyers moving from disposables, good‑value shortfills remain important; for example, popular shortfills now form part of bundled deals or recommended top‑ups for refillable kits.

  Products such as 0mg Fantasi 100ml Shortfill (70VG/30PG), 0mg Bar Series Gold Edition 100ml Shortfill (70VG/30PG) and nicotine‑shot bundles like 0mg Crystalize Bar Salts 120ml Longfill with nicotine shots are frequently listed as top‑up options or bundled with kits to make the transition from disposables easier.

  Safety, compliance and the downside risks

  Safety remains a top concern. Enforcement and consumer awareness rose after the disposable ban, but some displaced users turned to illegal alternatives — about 26% in one survey — which highlights risks on resale channels. Key issues to watch:

  • Product condition and battery safety. Second‑hand devices may have hidden wear or improperly handled batteries. Buyers and sellers should be careful to check batteries, chargers and coil compatibility.
  • Unregulated liquids and counterfeit devices. The resale market can be a conduit for illicit products. Buyers should prioritise reputable sellers and request proof of purchase or clear condition photos.
  • Platform policy and enforcement. Vinted and Depop have updated rules about tobacco‑related items; sellers and buyers must understand platform rules and local law to avoid penalties or unsafe purchases.

  Future outlook — what to expect through 2027

  Looking ahead, expect these trends to continue evolving:

  • More mainstream resale of refillables. As running costs rise under the VPD, second‑hand refillables will become an established category rather than a niche. Vinted’s scale will help normalise the purchase of kits and accessories on generalist platforms.
  • Higher‑value trades on Depop + eBay integration. Depop’s acquisition could professionalise curated sales, attracting micro‑brands and boutique refurbishers who market higher‑quality or customised kits to style‑driven buyers.
  • Better safety signalling. Expect growth in certification, return windows and verification features from platforms and third‑party refurbishers to reduce the risk associated with used devices.

  What buyers should do

  If you’re considering a second‑hand refillable kit on Vinted or Depop: buy from sellers with clear photos, ask about battery and coil history, check the device model online for known faults, and consider pairing a used kit with new, regulated e‑liquids from trusted sources. That approach balances cost savings with safety.

  Conclusion

  The combined effect of the 2025 disposable ban and the 2026 vaping duty is rebalancing the UK vaping market toward refillables and the resale economy. Vinted’s volume and Depop’s evolving positioning under eBay make both platforms important channels for second‑hand devices. Economic pressure and environmental values are the primary drivers, but safety and regulation will determine how sustainable the resale boom becomes. For savvy buyers, second‑hand refillables offer value — provided they prioritise safe, compliant purchases and quality e‑liquids from reputable suppliers.