In the summer of 2021, I found a neon-green, mesh Jean Paul Gaultier top at a tiny thrift store in rural Ohio for exactly $3.00. I knew it was special, but I wasn't sure where it belonged. I listed it on a Saturday afternoon, and by Saturday evening, my phone was vibrating off the nightstand with notifications. It sold for $240 to a stylist in Los Angeles. That single sale taught me that this platform isn't just a marketplace; it’s a culture. It’s where "niche" becomes "mainstream" and where your specific eye for style can literally pay your rent. If you've been sitting on a pile of Y2K gems or handmade jewelry, you’re essentially sitting on an untapped bank account.
How Does Selling on Depop Work?
Before you dive in, you need to understand the ecosystem. Unlike eBay, which feels like a massive warehouse, or Poshmark, which feels like a social club, this app feels like a digital version of a cool, underground vintage shop. So, how does selling on Depop work in practice? It’s a peer-to-peer system where you list items, communicate with buyers through "DMs," and ship directly to their door.
Here's where it gets interesting: the algorithm thrives on "relevancy" and "visual cohesion." When you upload an item, it appears in the search results and the feeds of people who follow you. But it doesn't just stay there. You have to actively "refresh" your listings to keep them at the top of the search. I remember back in February 2022, I had forty items listed and wasn't making a single sale. I realized I hadn't updated my listings in weeks. The moment I started clicking "Edit" and then "Save" on every item once a day, the sales started rolling in again. It's a bit of a manual grind, but it’s the heartbeat of the app.
How Do I Sell on Depop as a Total Beginner?
If you’re staring at your phone wondering, "how do i sell on depop without looking like an amateur," the answer is simple: focus on your "Grid." Your profile is your storefront. I’ve seen shops with mediocre items do incredibly well simply because their photos were consistent.
I use a Canon EOS M50 for my main shots, but honestly, an iPhone with good natural light works just as well. I once tried to take photos at 9:00 PM using my bedroom ceiling light. The vintage white lace dress ended up looking like a dingy yellow rag. (That was an honest failure that cost me a week of potential sales). Now, I only shoot between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM near a north-facing window.
Your First Listing Checklist
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The Hero Shot: Model the item if you can. Buyers want to see how the fabric drapes.
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The Texture: Take a close-up of the weave or the embroidery.
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The Tags: Show the brand and the "Made In" location.
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The Description: Use "keywords" but keep it conversational. Mention the "vibe" (e.g., "coquette," "streetwear," "grunge").
And don't forget the shipping. I use Closo to automate my inventory tasks—it saves me about 3 hours weekly that I used to spend on repetitive data entry. If you're looking to scale your business, checking out the Closo Seller Hub for cross-platform tips is a total game changer.
How to Sell Clothes on Depop for Maximum Profit
When people ask how to sell clothes on depop, they’re usually looking for the "secret" to high prices. The secret is "curation." You aren't just selling a shirt; you’re selling an outfit. I always include a "Style With" section in my descriptions. For example, if I'm selling a 90s leather blazer, I'll suggest pairing it with "baggy cargos and a baby tee."
Now the tricky part is pricing. Depop takes a 10% commission on the total transaction (including shipping). Then there are payment processing fees. In May 2023, I sold a pair of heavy boots for $50. I offered "Free Shipping" to attract buyers, but I didn't realize the shipping cost would be $18. After Depop took their $5 cut and I paid for the label, I made almost nothing. (Always calculate your shipping weight before you hit "Post"). I now use a Dymo 4XL thermal printerand a Postal Scale to ensure I never guess on weights again.
Do You Have to Be 18 to Sell on Depop?
This is a question I see in the forums constantly: do you have to be 18 to sell on depop? The short answer is that you must be at least 13 to use the app, but if you are under 18, you technically need a parent or guardian's permission and help with the financial side.
Because the platform uses "Depop Payments" (and used to rely heavily on PayPal), there are strict "Know Your Customer" (KYC) laws. If you’re seventeen and try to set up your own payment account, it will likely get flagged once you hit a certain sales threshold. I have a younger cousin who tried to fly under the radar. She made $500 in a month, but then her account was frozen because she couldn't provide a valid ID showing she was 18. It took two months of back-and-forth with support to get her money out. (It’s better to just use a parent’s information from the start).
How Do I Connect PayPal to Depop? (And Other Payment Questions)
A few years ago, the question was always "how do i connect paypal to depop," but the platform has recently shifted toward its own proprietary "Depop Payments" system in many regions. However, if you're in a location that still uses it, or if you want to offer it as an option, the process is usually tucked away in your "Settings."
You’ll go to your "Selling" tab, click on "Payments," and then "PayPal Account." You’ll need a "Premier" or "Business" PayPal account to receive payments smoothly. I’m honestly a bit uncertain if they will phase out PayPal entirely by 2026, but for now, having both options usually leads to more sales. People love the "Buy Now, Pay Later" options that come with modern payment processors. If you're managing multiple platforms, you should read about how to block a buyer on eBay to keep your overall business safe from the occasional difficult customer.
Depop Selling Tips for the Algorithm
If you want to go from a hobbyist to a pro, you need to master these depop selling tips. First, engagement is a two-way street. Follow shops that have a similar aesthetic to yours. "Like" items that you genuinely find cool. This puts your name in front of people who are already interested in your niche.
Second, the "Explore Page" is the holy grail. Depop’s editorial team manually picks items to feature. To get noticed, use high-quality, clear photos with no "distracting" backgrounds. I once got featured on the Explore Page for a vintage "Space Jam" t-shirt. My shop views went from 50 a day to 5,000 in four hours. (It was terrifying and wonderful all at once).
Advanced Growth Strategies
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Drop Days: Announce a "Drop" on Instagram or TikTok for a specific time (e.g., "Friday at 6 PM").
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Bundle Discounts: Offer 10-15% off when someone buys two or more items.
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Fast Shipping: I aim for "Next Day" shipping. I use Compostable Polymailers to appeal to the eco-conscious audience.
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International Shipping: If you're brave enough, opening your shop to the world can double your sales volume. (Just use PirateShip to get better rates).
Common question I see: Is Depop better than Poshmark?
People always ask me this, and my answer is always: it depends on what you're selling. If you have "mall brands" like Ann Taylor or J. Crew, go to Poshmark. But if you have vintage, handmade, or "edgy" streetwear, Depop is the clear winner. The demographics are completely different. Poshmark feels like a suburban mall; Depop feels like a Brooklyn flea market.
I’ve found that my profit margins are generally higher on Depop because the buyers value "uniqueness" over "deals." On Poshmark, people are constantly "lowballing." On Depop, people are often willing to pay the asking price if the item is curated well. You can compare this with how to sell on Poshmark to see which vibe fits your inventory better.
How to Sell on Depop: Managing the Social Aspect
And then there's the "DM" culture. Unlike other apps where communication is formal, Depop is very "social." You’ll get messages like "Hey! Is this still available?" or "What’s the lowest you’ll go?"
But here’s a tip: be professional but friendly. I always include a small "Thank You" note and a sticker in my packages. It sounds "extra," but it’s how you get those 5-star reviews that build trust. I had one buyer who bought a $15 belt and left a glowing review because I wrapped it in tissue paper with a sprig of dried lavender. She ended up coming back and buying a $100 jacket three months later. Customer loyalty is real, even in the "fast fashion" resale world.
People always ask me: How do you handle returns?
This is the scary part of selling on depop. Technically, all sales are final unless the item is "not as described." If you forget to mention a hole in the armpit of a sweater, you will have to issue a refund.
I had a situation in October 2023 where a buyer claimed a pair of sneakers I sold were "fake." I knew they were real—I bought them at the Nike store—but I didn't have the original receipt anymore. I had to accept the return and pay for the shipping just to avoid a strike on my account. (Always keep your receipts for high-end items!). Now, I take "video evidence" of me packing the item to prove its condition before it leaves my house. It might be overkill, but it gives me peace of mind.
Conclusion: Is Selling on Depop Worth Your Time?
At the end of the day, my experience with selling on depop has been a journey of creative expression as much as financial gain. It’s a platform that rewards "effort" and "eye" over sheer volume. Is it perfect? No. The manual refreshing is tedious, and the "DM" culture can be exhausting for introverts. However, for the right type of inventory, there is no better place on the internet to find a dedicated, passionate audience.
I’ve personally found that the best results come when you treat your shop like a tiny boutique rather than a garage sale. Start small, focus on your lighting, and be consistent. You might just find that the old jacket in the back of your closet is exactly what someone halfway across the country has been searching for.
FAQ Schema (Integrated Content)
How do you start selling on Depop? To start selling, download the Depop app and create a profile. You’ll need to set up "Depop Payments" by providing your bank details and identity verification. Once set up, click the "Sell" icon to upload photos, write a description, and set your price and shipping options.
What are the fees for selling on Depop? Depop charges a 10% commission on the total transaction amount, including shipping costs. Additionally, there is a payment processing fee (typically around 2.9% + $0.30) for "Depop Payments" or PayPal. These fees are automatically deducted before the remaining funds are sent to your balance.
