Maybe you have a pile of items you no longer wear, some vintage pieces you found at a thrift store, or even an entire closet you are ready to clear out. And someone informed you Depop is the place to sell it at. So now you’re sitting there wondering — okay but How Do I Sell on Depop, exactly?
That’s a good question. The app might look a little daunting at first glance but it’s actually one of the more beginner-friendly resale platforms out there once you get the hang of it. The instructions are basic and simple, guiding you through everything from setting up your account to making your first sale.
How to Sell on Depop: Setting Up Your Account the Right Way
Before you can sell anything you need a profile that helps the purchasers trust you. It takes around 10 minutes to set up but if you do it right from the beginning it makes a big impact.
The Depop app is available for iOS and Android for free. Sign up for an account and then focus on these three things:
Username: “Something clean and memorable. For example, if you’re selling antique clothing, “vintagevaultshop” is much better than “user48291.” Your username is an element of your brand.
Profile picture: Get a clear, welcoming picture. Doesn’t need to look professional, a well-lit selfie is ok. Buyers are more likely to buy from accounts that look like genuine persons.
Bio: Keep it short and sweet. Tell people what it is you sell. ““Selling things I don’t need anymore” is so much less helpful than “vintage 90s clothes, Y2K items, and thrifted gems.”
Example: A university student has set up a Depop business to sell her previous collection of streetwear. Twenty minutes she spent on her profile before she listed anything. Good username, clean bio, honest photo. Three products sold within a week. Part of that was because purchasers felt comfortable clicking into a profile that appeared credible.
How to Sell on Depop: Tips for Taking Photos That Sell
That’s where most novices screw it. Your photo is your shopfront on Depop. They can’t touch it, they can’t try it on, all they have is what they see on screen.
No camera or background needed for photography. A phone with a little light and some good habits will work.
Here’s what works:
- Natural light is crucial. Stand beside a window, shoot during the day, and don’t use your phone’s flash (it flattens everything and makes colours appear odd)
- Use a clean, uncomplicated background. White walls, neutral bedsheets, or bare floors look excellent
- Show various angles. Front, back, close-up any details and definitely close-up any defects or wear
- Show the item on body if possible. Listings with on-body images always do better than flat lays on Depop Example: One vendor posted the identical jacket twice, first with an image of it in a dark, untidy bedroom, then a retake in natural light against a white wall. The second listing took three days. Same jacket, same price, totally different return.
How to sell on Depop: Writing listings that sell
The listing itself should be pulling its weight when your photographs are all set. Depop consumers generally search by keyword, so make sure your title and description has the terms people are actually typing.
Title page:
“Vintage Levi’s 501 jeans blue wash W30 L32” is better than “nice jeans”
- Provide brand, style, colour, size and era if applicable
- Consider what you would seek for if you were searching for this item
Tips for descriptions:
- List full measurements (chest, length, waist – not just tag size, as vintage sizes may differ)
- Don’t conceal any defects. If a buyer feels they have been deceived they will leave a nasty review. Your reputation is important on this site
- Add tags that fit: Y2K, vintage, streetwear, cottagecore–whatever
Pricing is an art in itself. Search the item and then filter by “sold” to see what similar goods actually sold for, not just what they were listed for. That gives you real market data, not pie-in-the-sky.
Selling On Depop: How To Get Your First Sale
The first sale is the hardest sale, because you have no reviews. Here’s how to get momentum going:
- Price slightly lower than comparable listings initially — you’re creating your reputation, and a review is worth more than a few extra dollars in the beginning
- Frequently post your listings. Depop features a “share” feature that boosts your item in feeds. Use it every day, especially during busy browsing times (evenings and weekends)
- Follow relevant buyers. The people that buy things like yours are your most potential clients. Find them by looking at who is shopping from shops like yours
- Reply to messages promptly. Depop buyers are likely to message before purchasing. A quick, courteous response establishes trust and closes the deal
Depop Selling Fees & Getting Paid
Depop takes a selling fee from every transaction. It’s presently roughly 10% of the selling price in most marketplaces, but this varies by location and may change so always check the current cost schedule in the app.
Payments are processed by Depop Payments (powered by Stripe) or PayPal, depending on your country. Have your payment account set up properly before you post anything, so there are no delays when a sale comes through.
Shipping is something you’ll need to decide up front, will you give free shipping (and build it into your price), or will you charge separately? Either way is okay. Just be consistent and explicit with your listings so shoppers don’t get surprised at checkout.
FAQ: How to Sell On Depop
Q: Can I sell as an individual or do I need a company account to sell on Depop?
A: Most people start out as an individual salesperson. If you become a full-time reselling business, Depop may treat you as a business seller depending on your volume and local laws. A standard account is good enough to start for casual selling.
Q: Most people make their first sale within the first couple of days or a week of listing their item. I’ve seen people make sales within hours of listing! If you price reasonably and use good quality photos your item will sell quickly.
A: It varies quite a lot. Some merchants get their first sale within days if their photographs and pricing are good. Some take a few weeks. Consistency is key – posting your items often and being engaged on the app really helps to speed things up.
Q: What sells well on Depop?
A: Vintage apparel (particularly from the 80s, 90s and Y2K era), designer streetwear, band tees, Levi’s denim and one-of-a-kind thrifted items tend to do well. Trendy and unusual things do better than generic fast fashion, as depop has a young, fashion-forward audience.
Q: Is selling on Depop safe? What if the customer says they never got the item?
A: Depop offers a buyer & seller protection policy. Always ship with tracking – this is your best defence if there is a dispute. Keep proof of postage, take a photo of the item before you send it packaged If something does go wrong, you can get help from Depop’s support team, but tracking makes resolving issues much easier.
Conclusion
So – how do I sell on Depop? Build a great profile, take nice lit photographs, write honest keyword rich listings, price based on actual sales data, and be active on the platform.
It’s not complicated. But the details matter. The best sellers on Depop aren’t always the ones with the best inventory, but they’re the ones who can market it properly and show up frequently.
Declutter your closet. Prepare your store. List your first item tonight. That’s all it really takes to get going.
Also Read: Digital Product Ideas That Sell (for Real) in 2026
