How to Sell on Depop: Building Your Vintage Empire One Thrifted Gem at a Time

I still remember the first time I sold something on Depop. It was a vintage Levi's jacket I'd found buried in the back of a charity shop in Manchester, and within three hours of listing it, someone in Tokyo had bought it for £45. That moment changed everything for me – suddenly, my weekend thrift store adventures weren't just about finding cool stuff for myself anymore.

Depop has this weird magic to it that other selling platforms just don't capture. Maybe it's because the whole thing feels less like a marketplace and more like scrolling through your coolest friend's wardrobe. After five years of selling (and occasionally buying way too much), I've learned that success on Depop isn't just about having good stuff – it's about understanding the culture, the community, and yes, the algorithm that nobody really talks about properly.

The Depop Ecosystem (Or Why This Isn't Your Mum's eBay)

First things first – Depop operates on an entirely different wavelength than traditional selling platforms. The average user is between 18-26, they're looking for unique pieces, and they care as much about the vibe of your shop as they do about what you're selling. This isn't the place to offload your old work clothes or that exercise bike gathering dust in your garage.

What sells? Vintage anything, Y2K pieces that make millennials nostalgic, designer items (authentic only, please), handmade jewelry, reworked clothing, and basically anything that would make someone stop mid-scroll and think "I need this in my life immediately." I once sold a pair of platform Sketchers from 1999 for £80 because someone was recreating Spice Girls outfits. You literally never know.

The platform itself is deceptively simple – it looks like Instagram had a baby with a marketplace app. But underneath that simplicity is a complex social commerce ecosystem where followers matter, engagement counts, and your aesthetic can make or break your shop.

Setting Up Shop (The Right Way)

Your username matters more than you think. Mine's @vintagevortex_uk, which tells potential buyers exactly what they're getting into. Avoid numbers unless they're meaningful, skip the underscores if possible, and for the love of sustainable fashion, don't use xX_username_Xx – this isn't MSN Messenger in 2003.

Your bio is prime real estate. You've got 150 characters to convince someone to follow you and browse your items. Include your location (buyers love knowing where items ship from), what you sell, your rough sizing, and maybe something that makes you human. Mine currently reads: "Manchester 📍 Vintage & Y2K treasures | Size 8-12 mostly | Ships worldwide | DM for bundles | Accidentally collecting too many bucket hats"

Profile photos should be clear and on-brand. I use a photo of me wearing one of my favorite vintage finds. Some sellers use logos, but I've found that showing your face builds trust. People want to buy from people, not faceless shops.

The Art of the Depop Photo

Listen, I cannot stress this enough – your photos will make or break your Depop game. This platform is visual first, everything else second. Natural lighting is your best friend. I mean it. I've reshot entire inventories because I tried to photograph at night with my bedroom light. The colors were off, the vibe was wrong, and nothing sold.

My setup is embarrassingly simple: a white wall in my flat near a window, my phone (iPhone 11, nothing fancy), and occasionally a friend to model. That's it. No ring lights, no professional camera, no elaborate backdrop. The key is consistency – all your photos should feel like they belong together.

Styling matters too. Don't just throw a shirt on a hanger and call it a day. Show how it can be worn. Layer it, tuck it in, style it with accessories. I sold a plain white t-shirt for £15 because I styled it with vintage Levi's and made it look like something out of a 90s music video.

Four photos minimum, always. First photo: the styled shot that makes people stop scrolling. Second: the item laid flat or on a hanger, showing the full piece. Third: close-up of any interesting details, labels, or flaws. Fourth: the brand/size tag. If there's damage, photograph it. Transparency builds trust and prevents returns.

Writing Descriptions That Actually Sell

Depop descriptions are where science meets art meets SEO meets storytelling. You need to be searchable but not robotic, detailed but not boring, honest but still hyping up your item.

Start with the basics: brand, size, condition, measurements. Always include measurements. I learned this the hard way when someone bought a "medium" vintage jacket that turned out to be a 1970s medium, which is basically a modern XS. Not a happy customer.

Then get into the details that make people fall in love. Instead of "Blue vintage jacket," try "Dreamy powder blue 80s cropped denim jacket with the most perfect faded wash – gives major Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink energy." See the difference? One is a jacket. The other is a whole vibe.

Use relevant hashtags, but don't spam. Depop allows five hashtags, and you should use all five strategically. Include the brand, the era or style, the type of item, and maybe a vibe or subculture it fits into. #vintage #levis #80s #denimjacket #cottagecore would work for that blue jacket.

Here's a controversial opinion: I don't negotiate prices in the comments. If someone comments "lowest?" I politely direct them to DM me. Public negotiations make your items look less desirable to other potential buyers. It's like watching someone haggle at a flea market – suddenly everyone thinks they should get a discount too.

Pricing Psychology and Strategy

Pricing on Depop is an art form that took me years to master. Price too high, and your items sit there gathering digital dust. Price too low, and people assume something's wrong with it. The sweet spot depends on so many factors: the brand, condition, current trends, and honestly, sometimes just the vibe of the week.

I use what I call the "three-check method": First, I check what similar items have SOLD for (not listed for) on Depop. Then I check eBay completed listings. Finally, I check what actual vintage stores are charging. My price usually lands somewhere in the middle, maybe slightly higher if the piece is really special.

Don't be afraid to price confidently. I used to undervalue everything because I felt guilty charging "too much" for something I thrifted for £3. But here's the thing – you're not just selling the item. You're selling the time you spent sourcing it, your eye for style, your photography, your customer service. That vintage band tee you found? Someone's been searching for it for months. Price accordingly.

Bundle deals are your secret weapon. Offer 10-20% off for multiple items. It increases your average sale value and saves on shipping. Plus, buyers love feeling like they're getting a deal. I once sold five items to one person because they couldn't decide between two skirts, and I offered a bundle discount that made buying both (plus three tops) seem like the obvious choice.

The Algorithm Nobody Talks About

Depop's algorithm is like that friend who never quite tells you what they want for their birthday – mysterious and slightly frustrating. But after years of observation and testing, I've cracked at least part of the code.

Refreshing your listings matters. A lot. Depop favors recently active sellers, so items that have been "refreshed" (edited and saved again) appear higher in search results. I refresh my top 20-30 items every day, usually while having my morning coffee. It takes five minutes and consistently increases my sales.

Engagement is currency on Depop. Like other sellers' items, follow shops with similar vibes, leave genuine comments. The algorithm notices when you're an active community member. But please, don't be that person who comments "cute! check out my shop!" on everything. We all hate that person.

Consistency in posting helps too. I aim for 3-5 new listings per week. The algorithm seems to favor shops that regularly add new inventory. Even during slow sourcing weeks, I'll photograph and list items from my personal wardrobe that I'm ready to part with.

Response time matters more than most sellers realize. Depop tracks how quickly you respond to messages and comments. Quick responses = higher search ranking. I have notifications on and try to respond within an hour during waking hours. It's annoying sometimes, but it works.

Shipping Without Losing Your Mind (Or Money)

Shipping used to be my absolute nightmare. I'd undercharge and eat the cost, or overcharge and lose sales. Now I've got it down to a science, and my local post office staff know me by name (shoutout to Janet who always asks about my "little vintage business").

In the UK, Royal Mail is usually your best bet for lightweight items. I use their Click & Drop service – print labels at home, get a discount, and tracking is included. For heavier items or international shipping, I compare prices between Royal Mail, Hermes, and DPD.

Always, always, always use tracked shipping. I learned this lesson when a buyer claimed they never received a £60 vintage Versace shirt. No tracking = no proof = full refund and lost item. Now I include tracked shipping in all my prices and sleep better at night.

Packaging is part of your brand. I'm not saying you need custom tissue paper and wax seals (though some sellers do and it's lovely), but presentation matters. I use biodegradable mailers, wrap items in tissue paper I buy in bulk, and include a handwritten thank you note. It costs pennies extra but generates amazing reviews and repeat customers.

Building Your Tribe

The most successful Depop sellers understand that they're not just building a shop – they're building a community. Your buyers want to feel connected to you and your curation style.

I started an Instagram for my shop (@vintagevortex_uk, shameless plug) where I share styling videos, thrift hauls, and behind-the-scenes content. It drives traffic to my Depop and helps buyers feel more connected to my shop. Plus, Instagram Reels of vintage finds are surprisingly addictive to make.

Collaborate with other sellers. Some of my best Depop friends started as competitors. Now we share sourcing spots, promote each other's shops, and even do joint photo shoots. The vintage community on Depop is genuinely supportive if you approach it with the right energy.

Customer service can set you apart. I once had a buyer message me at 11 PM panicking because she needed an outfit for a 90s party that weekend. I spent 30 minutes helping her put together a look from my shop, offered express shipping, and threw in a free scrunchie. She's now bought from me twelve times and recommends my shop to everyone.

The Dark Side (Because Honesty Matters)

Let's talk about the stuff Depop success stories don't usually mention. Sourcing burnout is real. There are weeks when every thrift store is picked clean, estate sales are overpriced, and you start wondering if all the good vintage has finally run out. It hasn't. Take a break, try new spots, or focus on photographing and listing what you already have.

Lowballers will test your patience. Someone will inevitably offer you £5 for something priced at £30. Deep breaths. Polite decline. Move on. Don't let it ruin your day or make you doubt your pricing.

The comparison trap is dangerous on Depop. You'll see sellers with 50K followers making sales every hour and wonder what you're doing wrong. Remember: they probably started where you are, and followers don't always equal sales. Focus on your own growth.

Scammers exist. If someone wants to pay outside the app, asks for your email "to send payment," or their message seems off – trust your gut. All transactions should stay on Depop. The fees are worth the protection.

Scaling Up (When You're Ready)

After about six months of consistent selling, I realized this could be more than beer money. That's when I started treating it like an actual business. I got serious about tracking expenses, set up a separate bank account, and started planning my sourcing trips strategically.

Inventory management becomes crucial as you grow. I use a simple spreadsheet tracking what I paid, what it sold for, and how long it took to sell. This data is gold for understanding what works for your shop. Turns out, 80s windbreakers sell within 48 hours for me, while 70s prairie dresses sit for weeks. Guess what I focus on finding now?

Consider diversifying your sourcing. While thrift stores are the classic option, I've had success with estate sales, wholesale vintage suppliers, and even buying lots on eBay to break down and sell individually. Each source has its pros and cons, but diversification helps during dry spells.

The Future of Selling

Depop is constantly evolving. They've added features like Depop Payments (no more PayPal-only transactions), improved search functions, and even live shopping events. Staying adaptable is key to long-term success.

Video content is becoming huge. I've started adding short videos to some listings showing the movement and fit of pieces. A 15-second video of a dress twirling sells it faster than four static photos ever could.

Sustainability messaging resonates more than ever. Buyers want to know they're making ethical choices. I include information about the environmental impact of buying vintage versus new fast fashion. It's not preachy – it's educational and helps justify the price point.

Final Thoughts (Or Why You Should Just Start)

Looking back at my Depop journey, the biggest lesson is that perfection is the enemy of progress. My first listings were terrible. Bathroom mirror selfies, descriptions with typos, prices all over the place. But I started, I learned, I improved.

The beauty of Depop is that there's room for everyone. Whether you're selling your own closet cleanout, curating vintage finds, or creating handmade pieces, there's an audience waiting. The platform rewards authenticity, creativity, and genuine connection with buyers.

Start small. List five things this week. Take photos by a window. Write descriptions that make you smile. Price fairly but confidently. Refresh your listings daily. Respond to messages quickly. Ship with care. Build slowly but consistently.

And remember – every massive Depop seller started with zero followers and one badly photographed item. The only difference between dreaming about it and doing it is hitting that "list item" button.

Welcome to the weird, wonderful world of Depop selling. May your notifications be plentiful and your vintage finds be endless.

Authoritative Sources:

Cassidy, Tracy Diane, and Hannah Rose Ewens. Vintage Fashion: Collecting and Wearing Designer Classics. Carlton Books, 2019.

Fletcher, Kate. Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys. Routledge, 2014.

Hethorn, Janet, and Connie Ulasewicz. Sustainable Fashion: Why Now?: A Conversation about Issues, Practices, and Possibilities. Fairchild Books, 2008.

McDowell, Colin. The Anatomy of Fashion: Why We Dress the Way We Do. Phaidon Press, 2013.

Paulicelli, Eugenia, and Hazel Clark. The Fabric of Cultures: Fashion, Identity, and Globalization. Routledge, 2009.

Thomas, Dana. Fashionopolis: The Price of Fast Fashion and the Future of Clothes. Penguin Press, 2019.

Winge, Therèsa M. Eco-Chic: The Fashion Paradox. Bloomsbury Academic, 2008.