How To Make Money on Depop
This side hustle at a glance
| Earning Potential | Time to Start | Set-Up Cost | Location | Time Commitment | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Moderate | Low | Home-Based | Moderate | Beginner |
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OUR guide on how to How To Make Money on Depop in the uk
In the bustling digital marketplace of Depop, the fashion-savvy and thrifty Brits have found their mecca. It’s where rare vintage finds, bespoke creations, and wardrobe clear-outs find new life, transcending the traditional retail experience. This platform isn't merely about selling; it's about becoming part of a community that values the distinctiveness of vintage and the allure of modern design, all while championing sustainable fashion.
With its intuitive interface and engaging social features, Depop appeals to a generation of shoppers and sellers who are steering away from the high street in search of something more personal and environmentally conscious. If you're toying with the idea of joining this fashion revolution, our guide is the perfect primer.
Using Depop: Basic Ideas and Getting Started
Depop is a UK-based resale app that was founded in 2011 by Simon Beckerman, and has since grown to have a global presence. Depop allows users to buy and sell their vintage clothing, second-hand garments, and even new designs of their own creation on its platform. It champions sustainable fashion by predominantly featuring secondhand items and supports the circular economy (keeping items in circulation).
This model not only facilitates a cost-saving and environmentally friendly shopping experience but also encourages a dynamic social marketplace.
Depop is an entire virtual storefront where users can seamlessly browse, select, and purchase items with the convenience of using credit cards, PayPal, and other digital methods. As a seller, once a purchase is made, you're in charge of fulfilling the order and sending off the item to its new owner.
Here’s how to get started selling on depop.
- Visit the Depop website and sign up.
- After the initial setup, link your PayPal account. This is how you’ll receive payments.
- Set up your own shop. Make sure to add the requested details and an image to make your website more engaging and credible.
- Begin listing your items.
- Wait for your first order. Depop will notify you on the app. That’s it!
Earning Potential With Depop
You may have heard that there is high earning potential on Depop. Some shops have even reported up to $300,000 (or around £246,000) annually. While this is certainly achievable, the amount you can earn depends on the effort you put into running and marketing your Depop shop.
If you simply want to sell or get rid of your old clothing, then a more realistic number could be a few hundred pounds in income each month. Of course, this value is still dependent on how many items you plan on selling. The more you sell, the higher the revenue. In fact, you can turn your shop into a main income source. How? We’re going to discuss further below.
Can You Use eBay Buying and Selling Strategies on Depop?
To answer the question — yes, you can use an array of strategies like eBay buying and selling to maximise your income on Depop.
eBay has a system called Best Offer where a buyer can essentially haggle with a seller. There is one comparable strategy you can use on Depop. Instead of haggling as a buyer, you will negotiate with other sellers. For example, Seller A listed a £25 item but has poor pictures and doesn’t have the correct hashtags. They aren’t able to sell the item.
Knowing that similar items are in demand, you negotiate with Seller A to sell you the item at £15. Once they agree, you can then list the item in your shop with better images and hashtags. You earn £10 once the item sells.
Turning Depop Into Your Full-Time Business
Turning your Depop shop into a main income source is viable. While it’s not easy to achieve the high figures that top shops rake in daily, you can gain a lot of value with the right strategies.
First, you have to understand that earning a livable wage on Depop means dedicating most of your hours to the shop. You need to have this mindset in order to become a full-time business. Here are some other steps you need to take.
- Stock Your Inventory: You won’t thrive with just a few second-hand items on hand. You need to have a steady supply of clothing to sell.
- Optimise Your Listings: Use the right descriptions and hashtags to make your items more searchable.
- Build a Loyal Customer Base: You can achieve this by having good customer support and a unique brand.
How To Boost Sales on Depop
Whether you’re just selling a few second-hand items or operating a large virtual shop, following these tips can help increase your engagement and sales. You can also check out Depop’s comprehensive tips for a successful shop.
- Good Photos: One of the best ways to catch customers’ attention is with good photos. Make sure your products stand out with the right images. You can hire models or use high-quality cameras for the best outputs.
- Stay Active on Depop: The social aspect of Depop applies to how you can follow shops and comment on or like items. Doing these may help you increase engagement from other shops and buyers.
- Don’t Neglect Fulfilment: Make sure that you’re able to fulfil orders on time. This helps you achieve good customer feedback, which will reflect on your shop.
Alternative Platforms to Depop
If you find that Depop doesn’t suit your needs, there are other platforms you can try. In fact, you can use these along with Depop to maximise profits. Some other examples are eBay and Vinted.
Some UK-based online fashion shops also have their own marketplace, like ASOS.
Just make sure that you can manage your inventory when operating shops on various platforms.
Platforms compared
| Feature | Depop | Vinted | eBay | ASOS Marketplace |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Fashion-forward, young audience interested in vintage and unique items. | Users looking for a community-based platform, with an emphasis on second-hand clothing. | Broad, diverse audience with various interests across numerous categories. | Fashion-savvy buyers looking for boutique, vintage, and independent label items. |
| Seller Fees | 10% fee on items sold plus PayPal fees. | No selling fees, but buyers pay a "Buyer Protection" fee. | Listing fees plus a final value fee; fees can vary based on item and category | £20 monthly fee plus a commission on items sold. |
| Listing Style | Social media-esque with emphasis on visuals and personal branding. | Straightforward listings with an easy-to-use interface. | Auction and fixed-price listings with a detailed and robust selling format. | Curated listings with an emphasis on fashion and trends, encouraging branding. |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly app with easy listing process. | Simple and straightforward listing and selling process. | Complex with more detailed listing options, policies, and seller tools. | Straightforward with an emphasis on branding and visual appeal. |
Tax Considerations
When you start selling on Depop, it's key to remember you're effectively setting up your own small business. This means you'll be taking on the role of managing your own taxes, since, as a self-employed individual, you won't have tax automatically deducted as you would in regular employment.
Keep a good record of what you earn and what you spend. When the time comes, you'll need to fill in a Self Assessment tax return for HMRC, and pay your due Income Tax and National Insurance. It's all part of making your Depop venture a proper, tax-compliant business.
It's advisable to set aside a percentage of your earnings to cover these tax obligations.
Consulting a
Chartered Accountant
can provide you with personalised advice and help you understand the tax implications more thoroughly.
FAQs
Is depop a Good Side Hustle?
Depop presents an excellent side hustle opportunity in the UK, especially if you have an eye for fashion and a zeal for e-commerce. By signing up, you're stepping into a vibrant community where unique styles and vintage gems are celebrated, and your personal brand can shine. I
Depop is perfect for fashion enthusiasts and independent designers looking to carve out their niche without the overhead of a traditional retail setup. With the flexibility to manage your store around your lifestyle and the potential to grow a dedicated customer base, Depop empowers you to turn a side hustle into a substantial source of income.
BEFORE YOU GO...
Venturing into the digital retail space on Depop is just the beginning. Think of it as selecting the perfect outfit – now it's time to accessorise! Expand your online selling savvy by exploring another sartorial hotspot. Our next piece is a must-read: 'Start Selling on the ASOS Marketplace'. It's your guide to debuting on a platform where style meets substance, and your fashion finds meet an eager audience. Don't let this opportunity be the one that got away – read on to discover how to make your mark on the ASOS Marketplace and keep your online business en vogue.
sidehustles.co.uk one-minute podcast
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How to Make Money on Depop.
Welcome to the Sidehustles.co.uk One Minute Podcast. In the next 60 seconds, we're sharing a real-world insight from our network of seasoned side hustlers. This quick tip is designed to offer you practical advice that you can apply immediately in your side hustle journey.
Today, we're talking about how to make money on Depop. If you're eyeing a quick win on Depop, take this tip straight from a seasoned side hustler in our network: the art of the flip is your golden ticket. They've mastered the craft of scouting for undervalued listings—those hidden gems buried under poor photographs and sparse descriptions. With a keen eye, they buy these items at a steal, then re-list them with vibrant photos and compelling descriptions. The result? Those once overlooked pieces become hot commodities, and their profit margins soar. It’s a simple, yet effective tactic that requires minimal investment for maximum return—a true side hustler’s dream.
That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!
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