Selling on Depop is one of the easiest ways to turn your closet into cash or launch a small online business. With its user-friendly app and built-in social features, Depop makes it simple for anyone to list items, connect with buyers, and ship out orders—all from their phone. Whether you’re clearing out old clothes or building a curated shop, this guide will walk you through every step to start selling successfully on Depop.
What Is Depop and How Does It Work?
Depop is a popular online marketplace where you can buy and sell clothes, shoes, and accessories. It’s especially known for secondhand and vintage fashion. Think of it as a mixture of Instagram and eBay, you post photos, write a short description, and set your price.
Once your item is listed, buyers can purchase it or make an offer. Sellers get notified, accept the payment, and then ship the item. It’s a simple way to turn your closet into cash or build a small resale business.
Is Depop Safe to Use for Sellers and Buyers?
Yes — Depop is generally safe for both sellers and buyers when you follow the rules. Payments are processed through your PayPal account, which adds a layer of protection. Buyers are covered by PayPal’s purchase protection, if the item is not shipped you will be issued a refund, and Depop sellers are protected as long as they ship items with tracking.
To stay safe, always communicate and receive payment through the app, never off-platform. Avoid suspicious messages and be honest in your item description to avoid disputes.
How Do You Sell on Depop? Step-by-Step
Selling on Depop is simple — you can start with just a few items from your own closet. Here’s how to do it:
Set up your account
Download the app, create a profile, and link your PayPal account to receive payments.List items
Take clear photos, write a detailed item description, and set a fair price. You can also enable Depop offers to let buyers negotiate.Choose shipping options
You can use Depop shipping labels or handle shipping yourself. Many sellers attract buyers by offering free shipping.Boost visibility
Share your listings on social media or try boosting listings inside the app to get more views.
Once a buyer makes a purchase, you’ll receive payment, ship the item, and wait for your rating. That’s it — you’re officially a Depop seller!
Source Items to Sell
Once your profile is set up, it’s time to find the items you want to sell. You can start by doing a closet audit — look through your wardrobe and pick out pieces you no longer wear but are still in good condition.
You can also thrift or buy secondhand and vintage clothing to create a unique inventory. Many successful Depop sellers focus on trendy or niche styles like Y2K, streetwear, or designer labels to attract specific buyers.
The key is to curate items that will appeal to your target audience and stand out among the many items on Depop.
Prepare Your Items
Before listing your items, make sure they look their best. Clean and iron each piece to give buyers confidence in the quality.
If there are any minor damages, consider repairing them or clearly note the flaws in your item description. Accurate details help avoid disputes later.
Also, take accurate measurements to include in your listings — this is crucial for online shoppers to know if the item will fit.
Well-prepared items create better buyer experiences and improve your chances of selling quickly.
Take High-Quality Photos:
Great photos are key to catching buyers’ attention on Depop. Use natural lighting whenever possible to show the true colors of your items.
Take multiple shots — front, back, close-ups of tags, and any flaws — so buyers get a full view. If you can, model the item or style it on a mannequin for better context.
Keep your photo style consistent across your shop to create a recognizable aesthetic. Clear, attractive images help your listings stand out and boost sales.
Write a Strong Listing
A clear and detailed listing helps buyers find and trust your items. Start with a searchable title including the brand and item type.
In the item description, include important details like size, condition, fit, and any flaws. Use relevant keywords and hashtags to increase visibility in Depop’s search.
Set a fair and competitive price — research similar items on the platform to gauge what buyers are willing to pay.
A well-written listing paired with quality photos greatly improves your chances of making a sale.
How to Ship with Depop
After a sale, it’s time to ship items quickly and securely. Depop makes this easier with their Depop shipping labels, which you can purchase directly through the app at discounted rates.
Here’s how shipping works:
Print the label and attach it to your package.
Drop off your parcel at the carrier’s location.
Mark the order as shipped on Depop.
You can also choose your own shipping options if you prefer. Just be sure to communicate shipping times to the buyer and keep the package safe.
Offering free shipping can encourage more buyers, but be sure to factor shipping costs into your prices.
List and Promote Your Items?
Consistency is key when selling on Depop. List your items regularly to keep your shop active and engaging.
Don’t just rely on Depop’s marketplace — share your listings on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Pinterest to reach more potential buyers.
Use Depop’s features like boosting listings or Spotlight to increase your item’s visibility within the app.
The more you promote your shop, the higher the chances of making a sale and growing your follower base.
Manage Sales and Customer Service
Once your items start selling, good communication is essential for selling on Depop. Respond to buyer questions and offers promptly to build trust.
Be fair when accepting or rejecting Depop offers, and always mark items as sold once purchased to avoid confusion.
If your buyer requests it, provide tracking information to keep them updated on their order’s status.
Prompt and professional customer service encourages positive reviews, which help boost your reputation as a reliable seller when selling on Depop.
Ship Orders Promptly
After a sale, aim to ship the item within 1–2 days to keep your buyers happy. Using Depop shipping labels can simplify this process and provide tracking.
Package your items carefully in clean or branded packaging to give a good first impression. Including a thank-you note or small freebie can encourage repeat business.
Fast and thoughtful shipping helps maintain high ratings and positive feedback on your shop.
Maintain Good Seller Ratings
Positive reviews are essential for building trust when selling on Depop. Encourage happy buyers to leave feedback by providing excellent service throughout the process.
If issues arise, resolve disputes calmly and professionally to protect your reputation.
Keep communication open and transparent — this shows buyers you’re a reliable seller when selling on Depop and encourages repeat sales.
Final Thoughts on Selling on Depop
Selling on Depop is a fantastic way to turn your wardrobe into cash or start a small online business. By setting up a complete seller profile, sourcing and preparing quality items, taking great photos, and writing strong listings, you’ll attract buyers and make sales faster.
Remember to choose the right shipping methods, promote your shop consistently on social media, and provide excellent customer service to maintain positive ratings. Understanding Depop selling fees and managing your pricing accordingly will help keep your profits healthy.
With patience and persistence, you can build a trusted presence on this unique online marketplace and enjoy the benefits of selling on Depop!
