Shipping on Depop

Plenty of people around the world use Depop to buy and sell their used products on our platform. That’s why there’s no one way of explaining how to sell and ship on Depop. Every sale made in our global fashion marketplace has to be sent to the relevant customer. So – as you can imagine – there needs to be several methods of doing this. At Depop, we give our customers plenty of options to suit every kind of shipping scenario. This choice and flexibility helps to simplify the process for Depop sellers.  

How does Depop shipping work?

Let’s start by clarifying exactly how shipping works on Depop. There are 3 options to choose from. You could arrange shipping independently where you decide on the courier and service you feel most comfortable with using. Alternatively, you can choose to use ‘Ship with Depop’. If you use this method, you can either drop-off your item at the local depot or have a courier collect it from your address. Selecting the option that works best for you is based on a number of factors, including item destination and convenience. For more information, see our help centre article for full shipping procedures and details.

How to ship Depop items

We’ve touched on how to ship through Depop, so now let’s discuss the various items you can buy and sell through our platform. It’s a broad selection of products – as long as your item doesn't appear on our restricted or hazardous list, you should be good to upload it to your shop. Secondhand clothing, shoes and accessories are generally the most popular products on Depop. Every brand, style, color, size and texture are welcome. Got some unique designer dresses at the back of your closet? Or a few casual basics you’d rather swap for cash? Upload them on Depop today.

Top Depop shipping tips

Now that you understand the basics, you can follow our top tips for Depop shipping to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Review this advice before adding listings to your store and deciding on your shipping fees. 

1. USE TRACKED SHIPPING

Untracked parcels aren’t covered by PayPal or Depop’s seller protection. For high-value items, add insurance and ask for a signature too.This helps to build trust in your shop and gives buyers confidence.

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2. CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS

UK sellers have 3 options: arrange your own shipping with your local post office or through a third-party service. Or you can use Ship with Depop DropOff, where you ship through the app using MyHermes and leave your parcel at one of their drop-off points. Finally, you can use Ship with Depop Courier Collect, where MyHermes will collect your parcel from your address.

Parcel2Go and Parcel Force are ideal for larger parcels in the UK. Royal Mail is the UK national postal carrier and USPS is the US equivalent.

US sellers can also use Ship with Depop. These labels are for first-class shipping for sizes XS, S and M. For L and XL labels, and includes insurance coverage for items up to $100.

UPS is a good option for international shipping. In the US sellers should also look into ‘flat-rate’ shipping methods. This can help you save on shipping and can also save the buyer from spending more.

In Australia, Australia Post is the national postal carrier. Sendle is a courier company that can be useful for home-based collection and delivery.

Giving your buyers a choice of options can help them feel in control of the purchase so they can pay for the one they want and know what to expect.

When choosing a courier, consider: 

• Where your item is going: international/domestic 

• Convenience: some couriers will collect packages

• Usability: How easy is it to print shipping labels?

• Customs: check out the rules around importing goods in different countries. Some packages will be held until a tax is paid. If sending from the US, avoid marking packages as ‘gift’ instead of ‘merchandise’ – it’s illegal and can result in a fine.

3. BRAND YOUR PACKAGING

 Your packaging is the first time your buyer experiences your brand in real life. Use it as an opportunity to make a good first impression. Perhaps add a thank-you note or a fun freebie. You can also go one step further buying in bulk, getting a better price, using eco-friendly packaging and personalising packaging with stamps/stickers. 

 Putting some extra effort into the packaging and delivery of your item so you stand out from the crowd. For more packaging help, read our Depop packaging blog post.

Frequently Asked Questions on Shipping

Following the above advice should help to keep the shipping process straightforward and hassle-free. But if you have any questions about more unique shipping scenarios, from international shipping to doing shipping yourself, this section should help.

• How to do your own shipping: Depop sellers are free to arrange shipping independently. If you feel like this is the best way to ship on Depop for the items and customers that you have, then go ahead. Unsure how to ship on Depop with your own shipping? Most known couriers – like Royal Mail, USPS and Fedex – will have a guide on how to send a parcel with them. You should also be able to refer to their pricing list so you have an accurate idea of shipping costs too. When you’ve selected the courier you want to use, check two things before handing the package over. Ensure that it’s wrapped securely and labeled up correctly to reduce the chance of anything going wrong in transit.

• How to do International shipping: Depop’s international shipping works much in the same way as domestic shipping does. The cost of sending a package will depend on its size, weight and how far it has to travel. You’re unlikely to know where you'll need to send the item to when you first list something for sale. So include a shipping estimate in your listing, based on the size of the item (including packaging). Then add this estimate to the shipping price section of your product listing. You can do this by activating the “worldwide” option where you can enter the amount manually. It’s also extra important to use tracked shipping when shipping worldwide. This ensures that after you ship the item, you have proof that it gets where it’s supposed to. When shipping internationally, make sure you:

• Work out the cost by weight and destination

• Have a clear policy on international shipping 

• Remember, practice makes perfect

For some more detailed information on Depop shipping, check out the detailed shipping guide.

• How to get a shipping label from Depop

Want to ship with a Depop label? Just make sure you’ve selected the ‘Ship with Depop’ option in your listing before a buyer purchases the product. Printing a Depop shipping label is quick and easy. If your Paypal account is fully verified, you should be able to access the label as soon as you’ve made a sale. To find it, go to ‘All Sold Items’ and select the relevant transaction. You’ll then be able to see your sales receipt and the option to ‘View my Shipping Label’. All you need to do then is click print.

Depop shipping costs

Depop shipping fees will vary depending on what you’re selling and where the item is being sent to. Sending something to a local buyer is likely to be less expensive than sending it overseas. Similarly, something that's large and heavy will cost more to ship than something that's small and light. Bear your shipping costs in mind when setting the selling price of your item. And don’t forget to include an estimate for any packaging materials either. When you make a sale, the amount you’ve charged should cover shipping fees and materials so you’re not out of pocket. You’ll find a rough guideline to refer to in the Depop shipping guide.