How to Sell on Depop: Turning Your Closet Into Cash in the Digital Thrift Revolution

Fashion resale has exploded into a $77 billion global market, and right at the heart of this secondhand renaissance sits Depop—a platform that feels less like an e-commerce site and more like Instagram's cooler, thriftier cousin. Young entrepreneurs are quietly building five-figure businesses from their bedrooms, selling everything from vintage Levi's to Y2K butterfly clips. But here's the thing: success on Depop isn't just about having cool stuff. It's about understanding the peculiar alchemy of community, curation, and commerce that makes this platform tick.

I've watched sellers transform from casual closet-cleaners into full-time vintage dealers, and I've also seen plenty of hopefuls give up after a few weeks of crickets. The difference? Understanding that Depop operates on its own wavelength—one that rewards authenticity, aesthetic coherence, and genuine engagement over traditional retail tactics.

Setting Up Shop: Your Digital Storefront

Creating your Depop account feels deceptively simple. Download the app, snap a profile pic, write a bio. Done, right? Not quite. Your profile is essentially your brand's first impression, and on a platform where aesthetics reign supreme, that first impression carries serious weight.

Your username should be memorable but searchable. Skip the random numbers and excessive underscores—think more @vintagevault or @thriftedfits rather than @xx_sarah2003_xx. Your bio needs to communicate three things quickly: what you sell, your vibe, and any shop policies. I've seen sellers boost their follow count just by adding their clothing sizes and preferred eras to their bio. Buyers want to know if you're their people before they even scroll.

The profile photo matters more than you'd think. Successful sellers often use a photo that reflects their shop's aesthetic—maybe you in your favorite vintage piece, or a carefully styled flat lay that screams "this is my vibe." It's visual shorthand for what buyers can expect from your shop.

The Art of the Listing

Here's where things get interesting. Depop listings live or die by their photos, and I mean that literally. The platform's algorithm favors listings with high engagement, and nothing drives engagement like scroll-stopping imagery.

Natural lighting is your best friend—and I cannot stress this enough. That harsh overhead bedroom light? It's doing your vintage Dior bag zero favors. Find a window, wait for golden hour if you're feeling fancy, and watch how natural light transforms even the most basic pieces. I've seen identical items sell for wildly different prices based purely on photo quality.

But lighting is just the beginning. Styling matters immensely on Depop. The most successful sellers don't just photograph clothes; they create mini editorial shoots. Lay that band tee on rumpled bedsheets with some vintage jewelry scattered around. Hang that slip dress against exposed brick or a plant-filled corner. You're not just selling clothes—you're selling a lifestyle, an aesthetic, a vibe.

Modeling versus flat lays is an eternal debate in the Depop community. My take? Both have their place. Modeling shows fit and movement, crucial for items like jeans or dresses. But some buyers prefer the neutrality of flat lays, especially for more unique or statement pieces. The sweet spot might be including both—lead with a styled flat lay or hanger shot, then show the piece being worn.

Writing Descriptions That Convert

Depop descriptions need to walk a tightrope between informative and engaging. You've got limited space to convey crucial details while also capturing the item's essence. Start with the basics: brand, size, material, condition. But then—and this is where sellers often falter—you need to paint a picture.

Instead of "vintage floral dress," try "90s grunge fairy dream dress with tiny daisies and the perfect amount of witchy vibes." Yes, it's a bit much, but Depop buyers respond to personality. They want to know the story, the styling possibilities, the era it channels.

Keywords are your secret weapon for discoverability. Think beyond basic descriptors. That plaid skirt isn't just "plaid"—it's also "academia," "clueless inspired," "90s," "grunge," "schoolgirl." Cast a wide net with your hashtags, but keep them relevant. The algorithm can smell keyword stuffing from a mile away.

Measurements are non-negotiable. I don't care if it's labeled a medium—provide bust, waist, hip, and length measurements. It saves you from dealing with returns and builds trust with buyers who've been burned by inconsistent sizing before.

Pricing Psychology on Depop

Pricing on Depop is part art, part science, part reading the room. The platform's demographic skews young, which often means budget-conscious. But here's the paradox: they'll drop $80 on a vintage band tee if it hits right. Understanding this psychology is crucial.

Research is your starting point. Search for similar items—not just by brand, but by style, era, and condition. See what's actually selling, not just what people are asking. There's often a gap between ambitious pricing and market reality.

I've noticed successful sellers often price slightly higher than they'd accept, leaving room for negotiation. Depop's offer feature means buyers expect some wiggle room. Price at $45 if you'd happily take $35. But don't go crazy—overpricing just means your items sit there gathering digital dust.

Consider the Depop fee structure when pricing. The platform takes 10% of your sale price, plus payment processing fees. Factor this into your margins, especially on lower-priced items where fees can eat significantly into profits.

Building Your Following

Success on Depop is as much about community as commerce. The platform rewards engagement, and that means doing more than just posting listings and waiting. You need to be an active participant in the Depop ecosystem.

Following and engaging with other sellers isn't just polite—it's strategic. The platform's algorithm notices when you're active. Like items, leave genuine comments, share other sellers' pieces to your story. It feels a bit like Instagram because, well, it kind of is. The social element is baked into Depop's DNA.

Consistency matters more than perfection. Posting regularly keeps you visible in followers' feeds and signals to the algorithm that you're an active seller. I've seen sellers gain traction by committing to listing just three items a week, every week, rather than dumping 50 items at once then going silent.

Cross-platform promotion can supercharge your growth. Your Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest audience might not know you're selling on Depop. Create content around your finds, styling videos, or thrift hauls. Some sellers have built massive followings by documenting their sourcing adventures or sharing styling tips.

The Sourcing Game

Let's talk about where the magic happens: sourcing inventory. The most successful Depop sellers I know treat sourcing like both an art and a science. They develop an eye for what will sell, but they also understand their numbers—cost per item, average sale price, profit margins.

Thrift stores remain the holy grail for many sellers, but competition has gotten fierce. The early bird really does get the vintage Levi's. Estate sales, garage sales, and flea markets often yield better finds with less competition. Some sellers have luck with wholesale vintage suppliers, though this requires more upfront investment.

Your own closet is an obvious starting point, but don't overlook friends and family. I know sellers who've built thriving shops just by offering to clean out their friends' closets for a cut of the profits. It's a win-win—they get inventory, their friends get cash and closet space.

The key is developing a niche or aesthetic that guides your sourcing. Are you the go-to seller for 90s sportswear? Y2K accessories? Vintage band tees? Having a clear identity helps you source more efficiently and builds a loyal customer base who knows what to expect from your shop.

Shipping and Customer Service

The unsexy but crucial backend of selling: shipping and customer service. Depop buyers expect Amazon-level service from individual sellers, which isn't always realistic, but you need to meet them halfway.

Ship quickly. Like, within 1-2 business days quickly. Depop tracks shipping times and faster shippers get algorithmic benefits. Keep packaging supplies on hand—poly mailers, tissue paper, thank you cards if you're feeling fancy. Some sellers include little extras like stickers or candy, building brand loyalty one package at a time.

Communication can make or break your reputation. Respond to messages promptly, even if it's just to say you'll get back to them with measurements later. Be friendly but professional. Remember, your messages might end up in a review, so keep it clean even when dealing with difficult buyers.

When issues arise—and they will—handle them with grace. A missing package, a sizing complaint, a buyer's remorse situation. How you handle problems matters more than never having problems. I've seen sellers turn one-star review situations into loyal customers through thoughtful problem-solving.

Scaling Your Depop Business

Once you've found your rhythm, you might wonder about scaling up. Can you really make serious money on Depop? Absolutely. But scaling requires shifting from hobbyist to business owner mentality.

Track everything. Your sourcing costs, selling prices, fees, shipping expenses, time invested. You might be surprised to find that those $10 tees aren't actually profitable once you factor in all costs. Focus on items with better margins—it's easier to sell one $50 item than five $10 items.

Batch your processes. Dedicate specific days to sourcing, photographing, listing, and shipping rather than doing everything piecemeal. Efficiency is the difference between a fun side hustle and a sustainable business.

Some sellers expand beyond Depop, cross-listing on Poshmark, Mercari, or Vinted. Each platform has its own culture and customer base. What kills on Depop might flop on Poshmark, and vice versa. If you go this route, invest in cross-listing software to save your sanity.

The Unspoken Rules of Depop Culture

Every platform has its unwritten rules, and Depop's are particularly nuanced. Understanding these cultural norms can mean the difference between thriving and just surviving.

Drop shipping is technically allowed but culturally frowned upon. The Depop community values authenticity and curation. Buyers can usually spot AliExpress items masquerading as vintage, and they're not shy about calling it out.

Spam tagging—using irrelevant but popular tags—might seem like a visibility hack, but it often backfires. Buyers get annoyed when they search for "vintage Chanel" and find your Forever 21 top. Keep tags relevant and honest.

The platform has a strong sustainability ethos. Lean into this. Share the environmental impact of choosing secondhand. Highlight the unique history of vintage pieces. Buyers on Depop often care as much about the story and values behind their purchase as the item itself.

Final Thoughts on Depop Success

Selling on Depop successfully requires a unique blend of skills: an eye for style, business acumen, social media savvy, and genuine enthusiasm for the secondhand economy. It's not just about making money—though plenty of sellers do quite well. It's about participating in a cultural shift toward more sustainable, creative, and personal forms of commerce.

The sellers who thrive on Depop understand that they're not just moving inventory. They're curators, stylists, and community builders. They're part of a generation redefining retail, one vintage find at a time.

Whether you're looking to declutter your closet or build a full-time business, Depop offers a unique platform where creativity and commerce intersect. Success won't happen overnight, but with consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to engage with the community, you might just find yourself part of the next wave of digital entrepreneurs reshaping how we think about fashion, sustainability, and the very nature of retail itself.

Start small, stay consistent, and remember—every successful Depop seller started with just one listing. Your vintage empire awaits.

Authoritative Sources:

Guiot, Denis, and Dominique Roux. "A Second-Hand Shoppers' Motivation Scale: Antecedents, Consequences, and Implications for Retailers." Journal of Retailing, vol. 86, no. 4, 2010, pp. 383-399.

Hur, Eundeok. "Rebirth Fashion: Secondhand Clothing Consumption Values and Perceived Risks." Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 273, 2020, 122951.

ThredUp. "2023 Resale Report." ThredUp Inc., 2023, www.thredup.com/resale/2023

Cervellon, Marie-Cécile, et al. "Something Old, Something Used: Determinants of Women's Purchase of Vintage Fashion vs Second-Hand Fashion." International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 40, no. 12, 2012, pp. 956-974.

Depop Limited. "Community Guidelines." Depop, 2023, depophelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/articles/360001791067-Community-Guidelines

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