Time management
Time management is a great skill to have when it comes to organising and planning your tasks as a Depop seller. There are often a variety of things on your seller to-do list, so it makes sense to prioritize each job in order of importance to help tick them off efficiently. For some people, this is easy to achieve. For others, it may be more of a struggle. So we’ve put together the following article for you to learn or improve on some time management skills and strategies. Put this advice to use and hopefully it’ll help you manage your time well throughout your seller journey with us. Read on to discover more…
Introducing Time Management
First things first, what is time management? It’s the process of organizing and controlling a number of different activities in order to get more done in less time. If this doesn’t sound like something you’d be able to do easily, that’s okay. It’s not a skill you have to be born with – you can learn how to manage your time more efficiently with some simple and effective techniques. As you can imagine, Depop sellers could have a few tasks to complete at any one time. From taking photos and writing descriptions for new listings, to getting back to an inquiry or shipping something to a buyer, there are all sorts of jobs that might need to be completed. And it’s important that you get them done in a specific order and a certain amount of time, particularly if there’s a buyer waiting.
Why is time management important
Developing your time management skills is important because ultimately it’ll help you to achieve more in less time. You’re also likely to have a better sense of control over the tasks at hand, as well as your ability to complete them quickly and to a good standard. But it will take a bit of effort to get there if you’re not already. This all pays off in the end though, as there are lots of benefits to having this skill. We’ve listed some of the advantages below that you might experience when managing your time more efficiently:
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A boost in productivity, efficiency and confidence
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Reduced levels of stress.
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A better seller reputation.
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Increased chances of advancement and success.
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More opportunities to set and achieve clear goals
How to improve time management
We’re providing our sellers with a number of useful time management tools and strategies to help them become more productive and successful in the end. There are 5 main steps to follow and we’ve detailed them below. Use this information as guidance and you might become a better seller because of it.
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SET GOALS
Goal-setting is an important part of growing any business and it will help you take your Depop to the next level. Goals provide direction, motivation and a clear way to measure your progress. When planning your goals, remember to be realistic. Set goals that motivate you to do better, not ones that stress you out.
Example goal: List 15 items a week for the next 4 weeks.
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PLANNING IS KEY
Once your goals are set, figure out what steps you’ll take to achieve them. Then plan your time around those steps. Make a daily plan that revolves around working on small tasks to bring you to your end goal. You’ll start to build momentum and confidence in yourself and before you know it you will reach your overall goal.
For example
Monday
AM: Source 15 items
PM: Pack and ship sold items
@ELLRICHIE, UK seller
Depop sellers all have different circumstances. So make sure your goals and your weekly plans are set around your personal circumstances. If Depop is a side hustle, try to dedicate a couple of evenings a week. If Depop is your full-time business, think more strategically when planning your goals and time.
@vintage_stories, Australian seller
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STREAMLINING
Standardizing and streamlining processes is essential to scaling your shop. Look at your current processes: is something you’re doing taking up unnecessary time? Getting organized can help you move processes along. Work in blocks and focus on one thing at a time. Always stick to your schedule.
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ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
Distractions are the enemy when it comes to keeping your focus. They can stop you from more productive tasks. To eliminate distractions and reduce procrastination, find a dedicated space for working. When you are in that space you know it's time to be productive. Stick to your weekly schedule. Try turning off notifications on social media.
@vintage_stories, Australian seller
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TAKE A BREAK
Remember to take the time to look after yourself. Sometimes you can work endlessly and before you know it, you haven’t prioritized yourself. Take the time to appreciate that you’re self-employed, independent and have the freedom to manage your own time.
@ELLRICHIE, UK Seller
Time Management Strategy RECAP
Don’t be overwhelmed by what it takes to find success as a Depop seller. With a little thought and some careful planning, anyone can learn to manage their time effectively. Follow our advice and watch your shop reap the benefits.