Alternatives to Vinted and Gumtree: why Batner is different
On most selling sites, you only find out the truth about an item once you get there. Batner is built around short videos and a call with the seller before you set off.
In this article
In the photo, the pram looks almost new. You drive across town to collect it, and when you get there, a wheel drags and the fabric is torn. That is the weak spot of an ordinary listing: you often learn the truth when you are already on your way.
Vinted, Gumtree and eBay all work, and they have plenty of listings. Batner starts from a different idea: you should get to know the item and the person selling it before you go anywhere.
What really makes Batner different
Short videos instead of endless lists
Video in a listing is nothing unique. eBay, Depop and Facebook Marketplace offer it, and Gumtree lets you add a YouTube link. Batner goes further and turns video into a way of browsing: you swipe through short clips, much as you would on social media. A seller can show the item in motion: the drawer closes, the phone turns on, the wheel spins. You see details that are easy to miss in a photo. A video doesn't prove everything, but it tells you far more than a single flattering shot.
Audio or video call inside the app
You can call the seller directly from Batner, by audio or video. You don't have to swap phone numbers first. On a video call, the seller can show you the item live, from the angle you need.
Chat that sorts out the arrangements
Send each other photos of the details in the chat. Once you agree, share your location so you both know where to meet. The whole arrangement stays in one place, not scattered across texts, calls and emails.
Unlimited free listings and search by distance
List as many items as you like, and pay nothing for the listings. If you want more visibility, you can boost a listing with credits. Search by distance to focus on what's close to you. You can also follow sellers you like, and give away things you don't want to sell.
A comparison based on what matters
| Batner | Vinted | eBay | Gumtree | Facebook Marketplace | Depop | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browsing short videos | Yes, by swiping | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Video in a listing | Yes | not stated | yes, one per listing | YouTube link only | yes, recorded in the app | yes, one in the app |
| Calls in the app | Audio and video | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated for Marketplace | not stated |
| Messaging in the service | Yes, with photos and location | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Free listings for private sellers | Unlimited | no selling fee, no limit found | 300 a month | basic ads free, some categories excluded | check in the app | no selling fee, payment processing charged |
| Main strength | checking an item before you travel | prepaid labels and parcels | auctions and fixed prices in one place | free local ads | selling to people nearby | fashion and younger buyers |
"Not stated" means we didn't find the feature in the service's official description as of 1 November 2026. It doesn't mean the service lacks it or can't add it. Terms change, so check them before a bigger deal.
How to check an item on a video call before you travel
This is the biggest practical difference. Five minutes can save you a wasted trip:
- Ask for a full view in daylight. A flash photo can hide stains and scratches.
- Ask to see the flaws. Put it directly: "Where is it most worn?"
- Ask the seller to switch it on or use it. For electronics, check the screen and charging. For a pram, the brakes and folding. For furniture, the drawers and hinges.
- Check the label and serial number. They help you confirm the model and age.
- Agree the price and terms straight away. Having seen the item, you can base your offer on what you saw.
If a seller won't show anything or avoids a call, that tells you something important before you set off.
When to choose another marketplace
To be fair: Batner is smaller than Vinted, eBay or Facebook Marketplace in the UK, so what you'll find depends on your location and category. If you post a lot of clothes, Vinted is built for exactly that, with prepaid labels and no selling fee. Buyers there pay a fee on Buy now orders, usually 3% to 8% plus 30p to 80p (Vinted UK price list, November 2026). If you're hunting for a rare part for an old car, eBay's bigger range may get you there faster. Collectors will like its auctions. For a sofa to collect nearby, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree reach a lot of local buyers.
You don't have to pick just one. You can list an item in several places, and the video you shoot for Batner can help on sites that accept video too. When it sells, take the other listings down.
Who gets the most out of Batner
- You're selling something where function or quality shows: electronics, furniture, kids' items, bikes.
- You're buying further from home: a video call can save you a trip for an item that isn't right.
- You don't want strangers ringing your mobile: you can handle everything in the app.
Want to get more from your listing? See how to sell your things second-hand. If the seller offers it on an item, you can also pay by card on Batner with Buy now.
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