Selling on Depop can be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time business. There is intense competition due to the millions of people globally; therefore, more than displaying a few products is needed to make an impression. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Depop selling hacks that can help you optimize your shop, attract more buyers, and boost your sales. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, these tips will give you the needed edge.

Optimize Your Profile for Maximum Visibility

Your Depop profile is more than just a space to showcase your items—it’s the first impression potential buyers get of you as a seller. With a well-optimized profile, you can draw more customers to your shop and increase your visibility on the platform.

1. Craft a Compelling Bio

Your bio should be clear, concise, and reflective of what you’re selling. Think of it as your elevator pitch to potential buyers. Mention the items you specialize in, such as vintage clothing, streetwear, or handmade accessories. Including keywords relevant to your niche can help your profile appear in search results. For instance, if you sell vintage clothing, terms like “vintage,” “retro,” “80s fashion,” or “sustainable fashion” can make your profile more discoverable.

2. Use a Professional Profile Picture

Your profile picture is one of the first things users notice. A professional-looking photo can establish credibility, whether a logo or a well-taken picture of one of your best items. If you’re building a brand, consider using a consistent logo across all platforms to create a strong brand identity. Avoid blurry or low-quality images, which can deter potential buyers from trusting your shop.

3. Showcase Your Top Items

Depop allows you to pin up to four items at the top of your profile. Use this space wisely by featuring your best or most popular items. These could be bestsellers, new arrivals, or items representing your inventory’s core. This feature highlights what’s hot in your shop and helps make a great first impression when users visit your profile.

4. Regularly Update Your Profile and Listings

An active and updated profile signals to buyers that you’re a committed and reliable seller. Regularly refreshing your bio, profile picture, and pinned items can help keep your shop looking fresh and relevant. Additionally, frequently updating your listings—whether by adding new items or revising old ones—keeps your shop active in Depop’s algorithm, increasing your visibility in search results.

5. Add Links and Contact Information

Include links in your bio if you have a social media presence or another online store. This helps buyers see more of what you have to offer and establish the credibility of your brand. Additionally, providing an email address or Instagram handle gives buyers an alternative way to contact you, especially if they have specific questions or requests.

Master the Art of Product Photography

Product photography is crucial in online selling, especially on visually-driven platforms like Depop. High-quality images distinguish between a quick sale and an unsold item for weeks. By becoming an expert in product photography, you can present your products in the best possible way and entice potential customers.

1. Invest in Proper Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important aspects of product photography. The greatest option is usually natural light because it gives your products a truer color and texture with a gentle, uniform shine. Try to take daytime pictures next to a window to maximize the natural light. If natural light isn’t available, consider using softbox or ring lights to replicate daylight. Avoid harsh overhead lighting or direct flash, which create unflattering shadows and distort colors.

2. Choose the Right Background

The background you choose for your photos should complement your items without distracting them. A simple, neutral background—such as a white wall, a wooden surface, or a plain sheet—works well for most products. If you’re selling clothing, consider using a dummy or a clean, flat surface to lay out the items. For smaller items, like jewelry or accessories, a textured background (like marble or wood) can add a touch of sophistication. Always ensure that the background is clean and clutter-free, as this keeps the focus on your item.

3. Capture Multiple Angles

Potential buyers want to see as much of the item as possible before purchasing. You should take photos from multiple angles to give them a full product view. For clothing, this might include front, back, and side views and close-ups of any unique details, such as buttons, stitching, or patterns. Show the top, sides, bottom, and any notable features for shoes or accessories. Providing a 360-degree perspective of your product can boost customer confidence and lower the chance of returns.

4. Highlight Details and Flaws

Transparency is key when selling online. If your item has flaws—such as a small stain, tear, or scuff—capture these in your photos. Highlighting flaws builds trust with buyers and reduces the chances of misunderstandings or disputes. Conversely, if your item has unique or valuable details, such as intricate embroidery, high-quality materials, or designer labels, zoom in on these features to showcase the item’s quality and craftsmanship.

5. Edit with Care

Editing can enhance your photos, but it should be done with care. Use editing tools to adjust your images’ brightness, contrast, and sharpness, ensuring they accurately represent the item. Avoid over-editing or using filters that alter the true color of your product, as this can lead to buyer dissatisfaction. Many user-friendly editing apps, such as Adobe Lightroom or Snapseed, allow you to make subtle adjustments to improve your photos while keeping them true to life.

6. Consistency is Key

Maintaining a consistent style in your product photos helps create a cohesive look for your shop. This includes using similar backgrounds, lighting, and angles across all your listings. Consistency makes your shop appear more professional and helps establish your brand identity. Buyers will start recognizing your style, which can lead to repeat business as they become familiar with your shop’s aesthetic.

Price Your Items Competitively and Fairly

Pricing your items on Depop is crucial to ensuring consistent sales while maximizing your profits. Achieving the ideal price demands striking a balance between being reasonable enough to guarantee that you are paid for the value of your goods and competitive enough to draw in customers. Taking a calculated approach to pricing will help you stand out from the competition and develop a devoted clientele.

1. Research the Market

Before setting a price, it’s essential to research similar items on Depop and other platforms like eBay or Poshmark. Look for items that closely match what you’re selling in terms of brand, condition, and rarity. Please pay attention to what these items are listed for and, more importantly, what they sell for. This research will give you a realistic understanding of what buyers are willing to pay. You can set a higher price if your item is in high demand or unavailable. Conversely, if the market is saturated, you may need to price more competitively to make a sale.

2. Consider the Condition and Rarity

The pricing of your item is mostly determined by its condition. Items in like-new or excellent condition can be priced higher, while those with noticeable wear or minor flaws should be priced accordingly. Be honest about the condition—overpricing worn or damaged items can leave unsold or dissatisfied buyers. Rarity also impacts pricing. If you’re selling a limited edition or hard-to-find item, you have more flexibility to price higher, as collectors or enthusiasts may be willing to pay a premium.

3. Factor in Costs and Fees

When setting your price, it’s important to factor in all associated costs to ensure you’re making a profit. Depop takes a 10% fee on each sale, and PayPal (the payment method used by Depop) also charges a transaction fee. Additionally, consider the shipping cost if you offer buyers free or subsidized shipping. For example, if you’re selling an item for $50, after Depop’s 10% fee ($5) and PayPal’s transaction fee (roughly $1.50), you’d be left with $43.50 before shipping costs. Ensure your pricing accounts for these deductions so you’re not losing money on each sale.

4. Use Psychological Pricing

Psychological pricing is a tactic in which an item is priced slightly less than a round number, for example, $49.99 rather than $50. This small difference makes the price seem more attractive to buyers, as $49.99 feels cheaper than $50, even though the difference is only a cent. This technique is widely used in retail and can be just as effective in online marketplaces like Depop. Additionally, consider offering bundle discounts or tiered pricing (e.g., “Buy two, get 10% off”) to persuade customers to make many purchases simultaneously.

5. Be Flexible and Open to Offers

While having a clear idea of your desired price is important, flexibility can help close sales. Depop buyers often expect to negotiate, so consider pricing your items slightly higher than your bottom line to allow room for haggling. This way, you can accept lower offers than your asking price while achieving your target profit. However, consider lowball offers—buyers offering far below your asking price. It’s okay to decline such offers or counter with a price that works for you.

6. Adjust Prices Based on Performance

Keep an eye on how your items are performing. If something has been listed without generating interest, it might be time to lower the price. Conversely, if an item receives much attention, you should increase the price slightly, especially if similar items sell for more. Depop’s algorithm also favors active sellers, so periodically adjusting your prices (even a small amount) can help boost your items’ visibility in search results. Offering occasional sales or discounts can drive interest and clear out old stock.

7. Highlight the Value of Your Item

When setting a higher price for an item, highlight its value in the listing description. Emphasize any unique features, such as being a rare find, high-quality material, or coming from a popular brand. Providing context about why the item is priced and how it helps buyers understand its worth and justifies the cost. Including information about the original retail price can also be effective, as it shows the discount buyers are getting by purchasing from you.

Leverage Depop’s Social Features to Engage Buyers.

Depop is more than just an online marketplace—it’s a social platform where building relationships with buyers and creating a community around your shop can significantly boost your sales. By effectively leveraging Depop’s social features, you can enhance your visibility, foster trust with potential buyers, and cultivate a loyal customer base that returns to your shop repeatedly.

1. Build and Engage with Your Followers

Followers on Depop are like your built-in audience. The more followers you have, your eyes will see your new listings and shop updates. To grow your following, interact with other users by responding to their postings with likes and comments, following shops that sell similar products, and participating in community activities. When someone follows you, it’s a good practice to follow them back and interact with their listings, which can encourage reciprocity. Regularly answering messages and comments from your followers can foster loyalty and a sense of community that will attract new customers.

2. Use Depop Stories to Showcase Your Shop

Depop’s Stories feature allows you to share updates, showcase new items, and connect with your audience more casually and authentically. Like Instagram Stories, this program lets you post pictures and videos that disappear after a day. Use Stories to highlight new arrivals, share behind-the-scenes content, or announce sales and promotions. You can also use it to share styling tips, show how an item can be worn, or provide more context about your products. Regularly updating your Stories keeps your shop at the top of your followers’ feeds, increasing visibility and engagement.

3. Engage Directly Through Messaging

Depop’s messaging feature is a powerful tool for building relationships with buyers. Being courteous and helpful, as well as promptly answering questions, helps create a good first impression. Use messaging to answer questions, offer additional information, suggest similar items, or negotiate prices. Making customers feel appreciated through personalized communication might mean the difference between a one-time purchase and a devoted following. Remember to stay professional and courteous, even if you receive challenging questions or low offers.

4. Create Compelling Captions and Descriptions

While high-quality photos are essential, your captions and descriptions can also significantly engage buyers. Write engaging and informative descriptions that detail the item’s features and tell a story. For example, if you’re selling a vintage dress, describe its era, unique features, and how it could be styled. Captions should be concise but engaging, prompting potential buyers to click on the item for more details. Including calls to action, like “Swipe to see more” or “DM me for bundle deals,” encourages further interaction.

5. Participate in Depop Parties and Events

Depop occasionally hosts virtual parties or themed events where sellers can list items under specific categories. Participating in these events can boost your shop’s visibility, as these items are often featured more prominently on the platform during the event. Prepare by listing items that fit the theme and promoting them in your shop. Engaging with other sellers during these events, such as through likes and comments, can also help you build connections within the Depop community.

6. Collaborate with Other Sellers

Working together with other sellers can help you expand your customer base and enhance your store’s reputation. You can collaborate by cross-promoting each other’s items, hosting joint giveaways, or even curating themed collections together. These collaborations increase your visibility and enhance your credibility within the Depop community. Choose sellers whose style and audience align with yours to ensure that the collaboration is mutually beneficial.

7. Leverage User-Generated Content

Encouraging your buyers to share photos of themselves using or wearing your products can create powerful word-of-mouth marketing. Ask satisfied customers to tag your shop in their posts or use a hashtag you’ve created for your brand. You can then feature these posts in your Potential customers can see how other people use your items by visiting Depop Stories or social media pages. As a result, your brand gains credibility, and a feeling of community is developed.

8. Respond to Reviews and Feedback

After each sale, buyers can leave reviews that other potential customers can see. Reacting to favorable or unfavorable evaluations demonstrates your appreciation for input and dedication to delivering top-notch customer service. A simple thank you for positive reviews can go a long way in building goodwill. For negative reviews, addressing the issue politely and offering a solution, such as a partial refund or exchange, can demonstrate your professionalism and willingness to resolve problems. How you handle feedback can influence future buyers’ decisions to shop with you.

Utilize Depop Promos and Hashtags for Increased Reach

Promotions and hashtags are powerful tools for expanding your reach on Depop. Invest in paid promotions for high-value items or slow-moving stock to boost visibility. Use relevant hashtags in your listings to ensure they appear in search results. To reach the right customers, look up popular hashtags in your industry and use them in your product descriptions.

Conclusion

Boosting your sales on Depop doesn’t have to be a mystery. By optimizing your profile, perfecting your photography, pricing your items fairly, engaging with the community, and utilizing promotions and hashtags, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Keep experimenting with these strategies, and your Depop shop will soon thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I update my Depop shop?

It’s a good idea to update your shop regularly, at least once a week, to keep your inventory fresh and engage your followers.

What are the best times to post on Depop?

Posting during peak times, such as evenings and weekends, can increase visibility and chances of a sale, as more users are active then.

Can I sell internationally on Depop?

Yes, Depop allows international shipping. Just be sure to set the correct shipping rates and clearly state it in your listings.

How can I handle lowball offers on Depop?

Politely decline lowball offers or counter with a reasonable price. You can also set firm prices to discourage haggling.

Is it worth paying for Depop promotions?

If you have high-value or unique items, investing in promotions can be worth it to reach a larger audience and boost sales.

Additional Resources

• Depop Seller Handbook
• How to Take Better Photos for Depop
• Depop Hashtags Guide
• Depop Promotions Explained