If you have a hard time getting rid of things, Depop is the solution to your clothing-storage woes. For the uninitiated, Depop is an online reselling platform where users can buy clothes directly from sellers. While there is no shortage of competition in the resale space (see: Poshmark, The RealReal, thredUP, etc.), Depop stands out from the crowd because it functions just like any other social media app: you add a profile pic, write a bio, and follow some of your favorite shops and sellers. Its accessibility makes it a goldmine for shoppers and resellers looking to purchase pre-loved finds. But like with any app, there’s a strategy for how to sell on Depop and get the biggest return on your investment.
In order to find success on Depop, you have to be willing to put in the work. Kick things off with a ton of research — about which brands sell best on the app, for example. Then, you want to present your item in the best light possible, from a polished photo to an information-packed caption that lets the shopper know exactly what they’re getting. Finally, you want to choose a price that’s fair but reasonable based on various factors like the designer, the quality of the item, the original cost, and more. Tags are also a factor if you want to sell on Depop; if the original price tag is still intact, you should acknowledge that in your listing and price the item accordingly.
Ready to get started? Keep reading for six tips on how to sell on Depop like an expert.
How Does Depop Work?
Depop is a global marketplace app that invites users to sign up and begin uploading items they wish to sell in their own shop. Buyers and sellers can communicate in the app about certain products, but once an item is purchased, the seller receives payment and then must ship the item to the buyer immediately following.
How to Sell on Depop
Items you may want to sell on Depop can range from old clothing you no longer wear in your own closet to reworked and handmade items you create specifically for your shop. Once you find an item you want to sell, you can list an item by uploading up to four photos with an accurate description (more tips on that below). While it’s free to list an item, a 10 percent fee is deducted for shipping costs, and there is also a standard transaction fee that gets factored into your profit.
1 Know Your Market
Image Source: Courtesy of Depop
Before you start selling on Depop, do some research on what people are actually buying. If you’re just trying to get rid of your $10 T-shirt from Zara, chances are there will be little interest. But a vintage pair of Levi’s from Goodwill? You can easily make a sale. Scroll through Depop to see what other people are selling and for how much. But don’t get discouraged if no one buys your clothes right away. Depop is a difficult market to break through, so sometimes it just takes time.
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2 Seek Out Items in Unexpected Places
Image Source: Courtesy of Kate Regan
Thrift stores are great sources for unique finds. When looking for clothes to rework or resell, identify brands that would perform well on Depop. According to Depop ambassador Kate Regan, the tag is key. “If there’s a well-made tag [on the item], you can tell that it’s better quality.” For something to classify as vintage on Depop, it must be over 20 years old, so do some research on the tag of an item. Other helpful resources for finding new items? Auction sites or local Facebook groups.
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3 Include a Lot of Detail in Your Item Listing
Image Source: Courtesy of Depop
Once you’ve gathered a collection of items to sell, you have to post them on Depop. When describing an item in a listing, it’s important to be as detailed as possible. Use keywords like “Y2K,” “Brandy Melville,” or “vintage” so that people can search for your items easily, and don’t forget to include the quality or condition (like the coveted “NWT” meaning new with tag). Always add measurements to your listings as well, so buyers know exactly how each item would fit.
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4 Take Good Photos
Image Source: Courtesy of Depop
Taking high-quality pictures of your items is another way to boost your listing. Depop acts just like any other social media app, so photos are key to building your shop. The two most successful photograph styles on Depop are flat lays and model shots. Flat lays — when a clothing item is laid out, usually behind a backdrop or a solid background — look best in natural lighting. According to the Depop Seller Handbook, model shots will increase your item’s likeliness of selling by a whopping 60 percent.
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5 Do the Math
Image Source: Courtesy of Depop
One of the most difficult aspects of selling your clothes is finding the right price for each item. You don’t want to upsell, but you also want to make a profit. There’s no one way to price an item on Depop — every jacket, bag, or pair of jeans is going to be different. Some factors that can help you decide on a price include where you sourced the item, what other people are selling it for, the brand name, the quality, and how much time went into making it (if you designed the item yourself). Keep in mind that Depop charges a 10 percent flat rate fee for every item sold, and there may also be additional fees when using PayPal.
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6 Ship Quickly
Image Source: Courtesy of Depop
You’ve made your first sale, now it’s time to ship. Much like pricing, finding the right way to ship varies with each item. Fortunately, Depop makes it easy — you can print out a shipping label right from the app. Then, there are two options: either the buyer pays for shipping or the seller pays for shipping. Most Depop sellers offer free national shipping because it doubles the chances of their items selling.
No matter which option you choose, communicating with customers on Depop can go a long way. Negotiating pricing, offering discounted bundles for multiple items, and leaving reviews can make your Depop shop soar to new heights.
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