Depop 101: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

Depop 101: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

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Welcome to the ultimate guide to launching your Depop shop! Whether you’re looking to declutter your closet, make extra cash, or build a full-fledged fashion reselling business, Depop offers a unique platform to connect with a thriving community of buyers passionate about unique, sustainable fashion.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, providing insider tips and tricks learned from successful Depop sellers. Ready to turn your pre-loved clothes into profit and build a following of fashion enthusiasts? Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

Depop is a social shopping app where you can buy and sell unique fashion. It’s like a blend of Instagram and eBay, with a focus on individual style and sustainable consumption. Depop has exploded in popularity, especially among Gen Z and millennials, becoming a hub for vintage, streetwear, Y2K, and one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

The beauty of Depop is that it empowers anyone to become a fashion entrepreneur. You don’t need prior experience or a huge inventory to get started. With a bit of effort and the right approach, you can turn your passion for fashion into a profitable side hustle, or even a full-time business.

II. Building Your Depop Shop

Step 1: Download the app and create an account.

The first step is simple: download the Depop app from the App Store or Google Play and create an account. You’ll need to choose a username, password, and upload a shop photo that reflects your style. Get familiar with both the app and desktop versions of Depop. The app is great for browsing, liking items, and making purchases, while the desktop version offers more comprehensive features for creating detailed listings and efficiently managing your shop.

Step 2: Craft a killer bio and clear shop policies.

Your bio is your first impression, so make it count! Use this space to showcase your shop’s unique style, target audience, and what makes you stand out. Briefly describe the types of clothes you sell, your style inspiration, and highlight any special offers, like bundle discounts or free shipping.

Equally important are clear shop policies, which establish trust and avoid misunderstandings with buyers. Clearly outline your:

  • Shipping details: Domestic/International shipping options and associated costs.
  • Processing time: The time it takes to package and ship an order.
  • Return/exchange policy: Do you accept returns or exchanges? If so, under what conditions?
  • Bundle discounts and offers: Do you offer discounts for purchasing multiple items or free shipping on bundles?

Step 3: Source your inventory.

The good news is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to stock your Depop shop. Start by selling items from your own closet that you no longer wear. You can then expand your inventory by:

  • Thrifting: Visit local thrift stores, consignment shops, and flea markets to find hidden gems.
  • Sourcing from friends/family: Ask friends and family if they have any unwanted clothes they’d be willing to part with.
  • Wholesale: Once your shop gains traction, you can consider sourcing inventory in bulk from wholesale suppliers.

Remember to thoroughly inspect each item for any damage or flaws. Honesty and transparency are crucial on Depop, so always disclose any imperfections in your listings.

Step 4: Master the art of Depop photography.

Forget fancy equipment – your phone camera is your best friend! Newer smartphone models have excellent cameras capable of capturing high-quality photos. Here’s how to get the best shots:

  • Lighting: Shoot in good lighting, preferably indirect sunlight, to ensure accurate colors and flattering images. Avoid using artificial lighting unless it’s a professional studio setup.
  • Background: Choose a clean and simple background, such as a white sheet, a plain wall, or an uncluttered outdoor space. This keeps the focus on the item and creates a visually appealing image.
  • Photo Types:
    • Flat Lay: Lay the item flat on the background and capture it from a bird’s-eye view.
    • Try-on Shots: If comfortable, model the item yourself or ask a friend to model for you. This helps buyers visualize how the item fits and looks on a real person.
    • Detail Shots: Capture close-ups of interesting details, tags, brand logos, and any unique features or flaws. This provides buyers with a comprehensive understanding of the item’s condition and features.

III. Creating High-Converting Listings

Step 5: Write detailed and descriptive listings.

Think like a buyer – what information would you want to know before purchasing? Craft clear, concise, and keyword-rich titles that help buyers find your items through search. In your descriptions, be detailed and specific, including:

  • Item specifics: Type of item, brand, size, color, fabric composition, any vintage or era information (e.g., Y2K, 90s), and its condition.
  • Measurements: Provide accurate measurements for the garment: pit-to-pit, length, waist, inseam, etc.
  • Model measurements: Include the measurements of the person modeling the item for reference.
  • Disclose any flaws: Be completely transparent about any damage, no matter how minor. This builds trust and avoids negative reviews later.
  • Encourage communication: Let buyers know that you’re open to reasonable offers and encourage them to message you with any questions.

Step 6: Utilize hashtags strategically.

Hashtags are essential for getting your listings discovered! Depop allows you to use up to five hashtags per item, so make the most of them. Research popular and relevant hashtags within your niche and for the specific types of items you’re selling. This will greatly enhance your items’ visibility in search results.

Step 7: Price competitively and strategically.

Research is key when pricing your items. Check the prices of similar items on Depop to get a sense of the going rate. You want to strike a balance between being competitive and making a profit.

  • Pricing Strategies: Consider different pricing approaches:
    • Firm pricing: Set a fixed price that you’re comfortable with.
    • Open to offers: Encourage buyers to make offers, which can lead to quicker sales and the opportunity to negotiate.
  • Incentives:
    • Bundle discounts: Offer a discount when buyers purchase multiple items. This encourages larger orders and helps you clear out inventory faster.
    • Free shipping: Consider offering free shipping on orders over a certain amount to incentivize buyers.

IV. Posting Strategies for Maximum Visibility

Step 8: Embrace the power of batch posting.

Batching your Depop tasks will save you time and energy while ensuring consistent posting. Take a large number of photos at once, then use the desktop version to create drafts for multiple listings. This way, you can schedule posts for future dates and avoid the pressure of creating listings on the fly.

Step 9: Develop a consistent posting schedule.

Posting regularly is crucial for keeping your shop fresh, attracting new followers, and showing up in search results more frequently. Experiment with different posting schedules to find what works best for you:

  • Daily: Ideal if you have a large inventory and time to dedicate to Depop.
  • Weekly: A good option for maintaining a steady stream of new listings.
  • Bi-weekly or Monthly: Suitable if you have a smaller inventory or less time to devote to Depop.

Aim to post at least five items per drop to give buyers a good selection and make your shop look more appealing.

V. Building a Loyal Depop Following

Step 10: Engage with the Depop community.

Depop is a social platform, so active engagement is key to growing your following.

  • Like other users’ listings: Liking items, especially from profiles with a similar follower count or aesthetic to yours, can attract attention to your shop and encourage reciprocal likes and follows.
  • Respond to messages promptly: Show excellent customer service by replying to messages quickly and professionally. Answer any questions, address concerns, and be helpful to create a positive experience for potential buyers.

Step 11: Utilize Depop’s features to gain visibility.

Depop offers several features to help sellers gain visibility:

  • Depop Edit: Depop’s homepage features curated selections of items called the “Depop Edit.” Stay informed about current trends and aim to post items that align with these themes to increase your chances of being featured, which can lead to a significant boost in views and sales.
  • Sellers to Watch: Depop’s “Sellers to Watch” highlights shops that the platform believes are doing exceptionally well. Follow these sellers for inspiration on photography, styling, listing descriptions, and trending items.

Step 12: Promote your Depop shop on other platforms.

Cross-promote your Depop shop on your other social media channels, including Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and even YouTube. Create engaging content related to your shop and the items you sell. This could include outfit inspiration videos, thrift hauls, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your shop, or even tutorials on styling or upcycling clothing. Include a link to your Depop shop in your social media bios and direct followers to your shop through your posts and stories.

VI. Packaging and Shipping Like a Pro

Step 13: Choose cost-effective and appealing packaging.

Sourcing affordable and attractive packaging is easy. You can find a wide selection of poly mailers and bubble mailers on Amazon, Etsy, or eBay.

  • Poly mailers: Flexible and lightweight, perfect for most clothing items.
  • Bubble mailers: Provide extra protection for delicate items.

When choosing packaging, consider your brand aesthetic. Many suppliers offer poly mailers in various colors and designs to add a touch of personality to your shipments.

Step 14: Elevate the unboxing experience.

Take the extra step to create a memorable and positive unboxing experience for your buyers:

  • Thank-you notes: A handwritten note expressing your gratitude for their purchase can go a long way in making a good impression.
  • Business cards: Include a business card with your shop name and social media handles to encourage repeat business and social media follows.
  • Small gifts: Surprise your buyers with a small, thoughtful gift, such as a sticker, a sample of a product you use, or even a piece of candy.

These small touches enhance customer satisfaction, encourage positive reviews, and can even lead to repeat business.

Step 15: Master the art of shipping.

Shipping can seem intimidating at first, but once you understand the basics, it’s quite manageable.

  • Depop Shipping: Depop offers a shipping service with pre-negotiated rates and integrated label printing. Explore this option, as it can simplify the shipping process.
  • Personal Shipping Options: Research other shipping providers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, or your country’s postal service to compare rates and find the most cost-effective solutions.
  • Tracking: Always use tracked shipping! This protects both you and the buyer, as you can both track the package’s progress and have proof of delivery.

VII. Depop Fees and Taxes

Understanding Depop’s fees and your tax obligations is essential for running your shop effectively:

  • Depop Fees:
    • Depop charges a 10% fee on the total transaction amount, including shipping costs. This fee is automatically deducted from your earnings.
    • You’ll also pay a transaction fee to your payment processor, either PayPal or Depop Payments. These fees vary but are generally around 2.9% + £/€0.30 (or 3.49% + $0.49 in the US).
  • Taxes:
    • Buyers are responsible for paying sales tax on Depop purchases, not sellers.
    • As a seller, you’re responsible for paying income tax on your Depop earnings. Consult a tax professional or resources like TurboTax to understand your tax obligations.

VIII. The Power of Patience and Persistence

Building a successful Depop shop takes time, effort, and a dash of patience. It’s rare to experience overnight success, so focus on providing excellent customer service, creating high-quality listings, engaging with the community, and consistently posting new items. Don’t get discouraged if sales are slow at first; with persistence and dedication, you can grow your shop and achieve your Depop goals.

IX. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What if I’m not sure about the authenticity of a designer item?
    • If you have any doubts about an item’s authenticity, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Either avoid listing the item or clearly disclose your uncertainty in the description. Transparency is always the best policy.
  • How do I handle returns or exchanges?
    • It’s crucial to have a clear return/exchange policy outlined in your shop policies and reiterated in your individual listings. Clearly state whether you accept returns or exchanges, under what conditions, and who pays for return shipping.
  • What if I receive a negative review?
    • Respond to negative reviews calmly and professionally. Address the buyer’s concerns, apologize if necessary, and offer a solution whenever possible.
  • What are the best times to post on Depop?
    • There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best posting times will vary depending on your target audience and their location. Experiment with posting at different times and analyze your shop stats to see when you get the most engagement.

X. Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve now learned the essential steps to launching a successful Depop shop. Embrace your creativity, stay informed about trends, experiment with different strategies, and most importantly – have fun!