Depop

We're going to keep this sweet and simple. Depop: What is it? How does it work (selling/buying, shipping, fees)?

What is Depop?

Depop is a "peer-to-peer social shopping mobile app" for individuals to sell or buy second-hand items. Founded in 2011, Depop has become one of the most well-known and used platforms for marketing and reselling trending goods. Whether it be buying or selling items to friends, family, users of interest, or even the stars you idolize (Ex: Devon Lee Carlson, Luke Sabbat, Kali Uchis), Depop enhances the shopping experience and range of closets for purchasing and selling.

How Does Depop Work (United States selling/purchasing)?

First step before purchasing any app is to learn how the app works and read its reviews. Once completing that step, setting up an account is next. To sign up, you may either use Facebook, email, or Apple to create an account on Depop. The following step will ask for your general information (First and Last name, Phone Number) and then for you to create a username, password, and PayPal if you do not have one already. Because Depop does not currently have their own payment system, all purchases must go through PayPal. PayPal is an online payment system used to "support online money transfers" which "serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods" when buying or selling items. Therefore you must link a PayPal account or create an account if one does not already exist in order to buy or sell. Once doing so, you are all ready to set up shop and/or purchase from Depop users!

Depop + PayPal

When creating your PayPal, you are given three options for payment linkage: Bank, Debit Card, and Credit Card. Personally, I believe linking a bank is one of the most dangerous payments to link under any kind of online payment system because any of your accounts and account information that may be accessed by individuals with your Pay Pal information. And while linking a Credit Card is a source of payment when purchasing from other users, the money you make for the items you sell cannot be transferred to Credit Cards due to the "balance due". Therefore, there is only one option left: Debit Card. You should always be cautious when given the option to link a Debit Card under any account as a form of payment because doing so could allow for any/all money stored in your Savings and/or Checking accounts to be drained. However, the great thing about linking a Debit Card is you are given the choice on which account to link PayPal to (Ex: Savings, Checkings, etc.). I would NOT suggest linking your Savings account to PayPal for obvious reasons, but do believe linking your Checking Account to be a safer option ONLY if you keep the total amount of money in your Checking Account relatively low (Ex: $150 MAX). Once linking your PayPal account to your Depop, any/all money you receive when selling products will go directly to the account.

Selling on Depop

There are two ways to list on Depop: the Depop app and/or the Depop website. I personally like and feel more comfortable using the app to sell items as opposed to the website because I get a better perspective of how my account is being viewed by phone users.

Step 1: To 'Set up your shop' click the camera icon below at the bottom center of the home screen (iPhone users).

Step 2: Add pictures of the items you are selling. Make sure the pictures are clear and of good quality to better attract buyers.

Step 3: Write a bio about your shop and the item you are selling.

Step 4: List your social media account.

Step 5: Enter your First, Last name, and billing address.

Step 6: List your first item.

Step 7: Click the camera icon again.

Step 8: Add four images and one video (video is optional) of the item you are selling. Next add a description of that item, hashtags (5 maximum), your location, relevant category, shipping information, the price of the product, and then click 'Post listing'.

Depop and Listing Fees

When an item sells, Depop will automatically charge a 10% fee on the sale price (including the shipping costs). The fee will be taken from your connected PayPal account or the card you are using for payments on your Depop account. Listing items on Depop are free and the 10% selling fee is charged ONLY when an item is sold. As for PayPal, PayPal will take a fee of 2.9% +$0.30 in the USA.

Shipping on Depop

Because Depop is primarily used by U.S. shoppers, shipping options range from USPS shipping or alternative shipping established by the seller.

Depop Shipping (USPS): Shipping with Depop via USPS does not require manual shipping and allows sellers to select if shipping is either payed by the seller or paid by the buyer.

Alternative Shipping: Using alternative shipping methods allows sellers to establish custom prices and ship the item nationally or worldwide to the buyer by purchasing a shipping label through a third-party service or ship via your local post office.