What is Depop? Here's what you need to know about the clothing marketplace platform (2024)

• Depop is an online marketplace platform designed to allow people to sell clothes and other items remotely.
• Depop allows users a lot of flexibility — you can set up shop for a new brand or sell a few items you have laying around.

Depop is an online marketplace used by more than 15 million registered users. It was originally started as a place to buy and sell clothes, like Poshmark or other online thrift stores — and while people still use it that way, it has also expanded into a place where people can set up online stores for their own brands, whether it's clothes or something else.

Depop describes its site as a place "where the next generation comes together to discover new items … transforming what fashion looks like." It's set up a lot like Instagram, with photos and profiles appearing in a feed so users can scroll through and see what they like.

How to buy things on Depop

To buy or sell anything on Depop, you'll need to make an account. This process is simple — it only requires your phone number. Once you've entered your number, simply follow the step-by-step instructions on the screen to complete your account registration.

Afterward, the site will ask for your name, email address, and location, and ask you to create a username and password.

Once your account is created, you can start browsing for items to buy. You can do this by entering search terms in the bar at the top. You can search for styles, like "vintage" or "trendy," by item or brand name like "Converse" or "Nike," or even by username or store name if you already know you like a particular user's items.

When you find an item you like, click on it. You can read the description to find out if it has any quirks or damage you need to be aware of, and flip through the pictures to make sure you like it from every angle. You can also use the buttons at the top to like the item, save it for later, or message the seller with any questions.

If you decide you want to buy the item, click "Buy Now" to make your purchase — you can do this with a credit card, or by connecting your PayPal to your Depop account.

Once you've liked enough items, you'll also be able to use the "My DNA" feature, which recommends new items based on your personal style. You can also follow users to add them to your feed.

How to sell things on Depop

Selling on Depop is a little more involved, but still pretty simple.

If you haven't done so already, the first thing you'll be prompted to do is connect your PayPal account. This isn't necessary for buyers because they can choose to use a credit card, but if you want to sell, the money always has to go through a PayPal account for security reasons.

The good news is, this makes it easier to get your money — all you need to do is cash out with PayPal as you normally would.

Once you connect your PayPal, you're ready to start selling. You can do this on the website, or on the app — but since you need to use the mobile app to connect to PayPal, the first time you do it, it's easier to use the app.

How to set up your Depop shop

On the app, click the camera button in the center of the bottom toolbar.

The first time you sell an item on Depop, you'll be prompted to set up your shop — this is essentially like setting up your profile. Think of it as the front-facing image of your business, like designing a shop window. You want your shop to reflect the kinds of things you'll be selling.

You'll be asked to add a photo or logo, a site description, and to connect to your social media if you want to. You can also skip these steps; if you're just looking to sell a few odd items, this isn't as important, but if you're looking to create your own brand, make sure it reflects the style of your brand.

Next, you'll be asked to connect to your PayPal account. If you don't have one, you'll be prompted to create one instead.

Once your PayPal is connected, you also need to enter your name and address — this is for billing purposes and won't be shared without your knowledge. You'll also need to specify if you are selling as a business or an individual.

Once you've set up your shop, you're ready to list your first item.

How to list an item on Depop

To list an item on the Depop app, tap the same camera button you used to set up your shop.

To do so on the desktop site, click "Sell" in the upper right corner.

The most important part of listing an item on Depop is the photos since this is how people browse the site and find things they like. It's good to show your product from all angles, or on a model if possible. You can also add a video, if you like, to show how the item looks in real life.

Another important aspect is the description. You'll want to include all relevant info including color, cut, shape, and material, as well as any damage or quirks it might have so that people know what to expect. The keywords you use in the description will help others find your item in searches. You can also include up to five hashtags for this purpose.

This is important because if the item is not as described, customers can ask for a refund.

You'll also need to add some basic information about the item: where it's coming from, so people know how long it'll take to ship and how much shipping may cost; what category it falls under, such as menswear, shoes, or art; its condition from brand new to used and fair; and, of course, the item's price.

The price is up to you but do some research first to make sure it's comparable to other similar items on the site — if it's too high, you might not get any interest. If it's too low, you could get less than it's worth.

If you want to rank higher in a search, you can also enhance your listing with extra tags for color and style.

How to add shipping info on Depop

If you choose to ship with Depop, they will ask you to select the size of your package based on weight, which affects shipping costs.

You'll also be asked if you want to include free shipping for your customer — free shipping makes them more likely to purchase, but it also deducts the cost of the shipping from your total profit, rather than factoring it into the final total.

If you choose to ship the item yourself, the only decision you need to make is whether you want to offer free shipping. If you don't, you'll be asked to specify a shipping cost for the customer to pay.

Drop shipping or selling without inventory

In some cases, Depop users want to sell items that they don't have in their possession yet, items that are made and fulfilled remotely as needed — when the item is sent directly from the manufacturer to the buyer, this is called drop shipping. Depop allows this, but it has specific rules users need to follow.

• All of these items need to be original designs by the seller.
• The photos posted of the item still need to be real — digital renderings, photos from suppliers, and stock photos are not allowed.
• Your description of the item must disclose that you are using a third-party manufacturer.

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