What is Depop and why is everyone talking about it lately? If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram, chances are you’ve seen someone showing off a thrifted outfit or packing an order from their Depop shop. This social shopping app has become a go-to space for people who want to buy and sell secondhand fashion in a fun, community-driven way. In this guide, Hidemyacc will walk you through how Depop works and how to start using it quickly, whether you're looking to clean out your closet, find rare vintage pieces, or start a small resale business online.
1. What is Depop? A fashion resale marketplace
What is Depop? It’s a fashion marketplace built for both mobile and web, combining the fun of social media with the ease of online thrift shopping. If you’ve ever thought about clearing out your closet or finding one-of-a-kind pieces without spending too much, Depop is a place to do just that. Sellers post styled photos, buyers scroll through listings like they would on Instagram, and most items are secondhand or vintage. It’s part marketplace, part community, and designed for anyone who wants to buy or sell fashion in a more personal, creative way.
2. Where did Depop come from and why is it so popular?
Depop was founded in 2011 in Milan, Italy, originally as a platform for artists and creatives to sell their work directly to fans. As the idea evolved, the app shifted toward fashion and quickly gained traction among younger users who wanted more control over their personal style and how they shop. Today, Depop is headquartered in London and has grown into a global community with millions of users, particularly popular among Gen Z.
What makes Depop stand out is its unique blend of commerce and culture. Unlike traditional marketplaces, Depop feels like a social network. You can follow sellers, see what your friends are buying, and even chat directly with shop owners. That connection, combined with a strong focus on individuality and sustainability, is a big reason why the app has become so popular. From thrifted gems to bold streetwear, Depop offers a space where style is personal, not mass-produced.
3. How does Depop work? Quick setup in 5 steps
Getting started with Depop is surprisingly simple, even if you've never used a resale platform before. Here’s how the process works, from signing up to exploring the app.
Step 1: Create an account
You can sign up using your email, phone number, or by linking your Google or Apple account. You’ll also need to choose a username and add a profile photo to help others recognize your shop or personal style.
Step 2: Set up your profile
Depop functions like a mini social network, so it’s worth adding a short bio, your location, and a few links such as Instagram if you have a fashion-related account. This builds trust with buyers and makes your page easier to discover.
Step 3: Connect your payment method
To buy or sell, you’ll need to link a PayPal or Stripe account depending on your country. This allows Depop to process transactions securely and offer some protection for both buyers and sellers.
Step 4: Browse the app
You can search by brand, size, category, or hashtag. The homepage also shows personalized suggestions based on your activity, so it feels more like a fashion feed than a traditional store.
Step 5: Start interacting
Like, comment, follow, and message other users. Whether you’re browsing to shop or preparing to sell, spending time exploring the community helps you understand what performs well on the platform.
4. How to start buying fast on Depop?
Buying on Depop feels more personal than shopping on a typical e-commerce site. Instead of browsing a cold catalog, you're looking through real people's closets, each with its own style. Here’s how to make your first purchase quickly and with confidence.
- Search for what you want: Use the search bar to look for items by keyword, brand, size, or aesthetic style like vintage or Y2K. Filters help narrow results by price, condition, or location.
- Read the listing carefully: Tap on an item to open its full details. Look for sizing, condition, flaws, and return policy. Well-written descriptions often reflect a more trustworthy seller.
- Check the seller’s profile: Review their past ratings, number of sales, and how long they’ve been active. A seller with good reviews and clear listings is usually a safe choice.
- Ask questions if needed: You can message the seller directly within the app to ask about fit, materials, or anything else before buying.
- Complete your purchase: Tap the Buy button and pay using PayPal or your linked payment method. Depop will hold the payment securely until the item is shipped.
- Track and review: After purchasing, you can track the order through your account. Once it arrives, leave a review to help the seller and future buyers.
Once you get the hang of buying, you might realize it's just as easy to start selling too.
5. How to start selling fast on Depop?
Selling on Depop is a great way to turn your unused fashion items into extra income. If you're new to the platform, here’s a simple breakdown to help you list your first item with confidence.
5.1. Choose what to sell
Start with clothes, shoes, or accessories that are gently used and still in good condition. Vintage, trendy, and branded items usually attract more interest. Clean each piece and prepare it as if you were going to give it to a friend.
5.2. Take clear photos
Good photos are essential. Use natural light, shoot from multiple angles, and try to show the item being worn if possible. Avoid cluttered backgrounds and make sure the product is the focus of each image.
5.3. Write a helpful description
Include key details like size, brand, color, condition, and any flaws. Be honest and specific. The more accurate your listing, the more likely buyers will trust you. Don’t forget to add relevant hashtags so your item shows up in search.
5.4. Set your price and shipping
Check what similar items are selling for before choosing your price. You can enable the “Make Offer” option or keep it fixed. For shipping, you can use Depop's discounted labels or handle it yourself. Decide whether you want the buyer or yourself to cover the cost.
5.5. Ship quickly and communicate
Once you make a sale, ship the item within two working days to maintain a good reputation. Provide tracking information and be responsive to any questions. Positive reviews help you grow your shop and build trust with future buyers.
6. Manage multiple Depop accounts safely with Hidemyacc
While most casual users only need one Depop account, there are many situations where having more than one can be useful. For example, if you're running multiple product categories with different styles, you might want to separate them into distinct storefronts. Some users manage accounts for friends, clients, or even collaborative brands, which also requires operating more than one shop. In these cases, staying organized with multiple accounts can help improve branding and buyer trust.
However, managing several Depop accounts from the same device can lead to serious issues. Depop uses fingerprinting and tracking tools that detect when multiple accounts are accessed from the same browser, IP address, or device. Even if you log out and switch accounts, the system can still flag your activity as suspicious. This puts your accounts at risk of being limited or permanently suspended, even when you’re not breaking any content rules.
That’s where Hidemyacc becomes useful. It creates separate browser environments for each account, so every Depop login looks like it’s coming from a completely different device. Each profile has its own fingerprint and proxy, helping you avoid being linked or flagged. Whether you're scaling your resale business or managing shops for others, Hidemyacc gives you a safer, more professional way to work with multiple Depop accounts without getting penalized.
7. Is Depop safe? Essential tips to avoid scams
Yes, Depop is generally safe to use, especially if you stick to its in-app features and follow basic safety practices. The platform uses secure payment systems like PayPal and Stripe, both of which offer protection for buyers and sellers. When you complete a transaction through Depop, your money is held until the item is marked as shipped, which adds an extra layer of trust.
However, just like with any online marketplace, it is still possible to run into bad actors. Most scams happen when people move their communication or payment outside the app. To reduce the risk, here are a few simple but important tips:
- Always pay through the app: Never agree to complete a transaction outside of Depop. Off-platform deals often bypass buyer protection and are a common tactic used by scammers.
- Check the listing carefully: Look for detailed descriptions, clear photos, and transparent notes about condition or flaws. Vague or overly generic listings may be red flags.
- Review the seller’s profile: Choose sellers with a track record of positive reviews and multiple sales. A fully filled-out profile usually signals more reliability.
- Never ship without payment confirmation: If you're selling, wait until the payment appears in your connected account before sending the item.
- Avoid deals that seem too good to be true: Extreme discounts or pushy messages urging you to act quickly can be warning signs.
- Use the report feature: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to report the user or the listing. Depop’s support team actively monitors these flags.
Following these tips can help you shop and sell confidently while keeping your experience on Depop safe and enjoyable.
8. Depop fees, shipping and payments explained simply
Understanding how Depop handles fees, shipping, and payments can help you avoid surprises and manage your transactions more confidently. Here’s how each part works in practice.
8.1. Depop fees
Depop charges a standard 10 percent fee on each successful sale in most countries. This fee is based on the total amount the buyer pays, including any shipping charges if you add them to your price. In some regions like the United States and the United Kingdom, this selling fee may be waived for certain sellers depending on the payment method they use.
However, payment processors like PayPal or Stripe will still apply their own service fees. These typically range between 2.9 and 3.3 percent per transaction, plus a small flat fee that depends on your currency.
8.2. Shipping options
Depop allows sellers to choose how they want to ship items. You can either use Depop’s built-in shipping labels or handle the shipping on your own. If you choose to use Depop Shipping, you will get access to discounted rates through delivery partners like USPS in the US or Evri in the UK.
The buyer usually pays for this shipping label at checkout, and you simply print it and drop the package off. If you prefer to arrange your own shipping, you can manually set the cost and enter tracking details after the sale. Whichever method you choose, be clear in your listings about who pays for shipping.
8.3. Payments and payout
Depop uses two main systems for processing payments: PayPal and Depop Payments. In countries where Depop Payments is available, buyers can pay directly by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The money is then transferred to your connected bank account after the item is marked as shipped.
If you're using PayPal, the funds will be sent to your PayPal account once the order is completed. In some cases, especially for new sellers, payment providers may hold the funds for a short time until your account gains more history. You can keep track of all earnings and pending transfers in the "Selling Hub" section of your profile.
9. Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering what is Depop and whether it’s worth trying, the answer is simple: it’s one of the most accessible platforms for anyone who wants to buy or sell fashion online with personality. From setting up your profile to making your first sale, Depop is designed to be easy to use even if you’re just getting started. With clear photos, honest listings, and a little consistency, you can build trust, gain visibility, and turn unused clothes into real income.
And as you grow or manage multiple accounts, tools like Hidemyacc can help you stay organized and safe without risking account restrictions. Hopefully, the information in this guide has given you the clarity and confidence to take your first step on Depop today.
10. FAQ
1. How does Depop work?
Depop lets users buy and sell fashion items through a mobile app. Sellers post listings, buyers pay securely in-app, and both sides can chat or leave reviews.2. Is it safe to buy from Depop?
Yes, if you pay and communicate within the app. Use trusted sellers, check reviews, and avoid deals that ask you to pay outside Depop.3. Is Depop second hand?
Mostly yes. Depop is known for secondhand, vintage, and pre-loved items, though some sellers also offer new or handmade products.4. Why is Depop so popular?
It mixes resale with a social media vibe, making it popular with Gen Z and fashion lovers who want unique, sustainable pieces.5. Does Depop actually pay you?
Yes. Once your item is sold and marked as shipped, payment is sent to your PayPal or bank account.6. What are the rules on Depop?
Follow Depop’s guidelines: no fake items, no copied photos, no off-app deals. Ship on time and be honest in your listings.7. What should I avoid on Depop?
Avoid vague listings, fake brands, and users who push for fast off-app deals. Report anything suspicious.8. Who pays for shipping on Depop?
The seller chooses. Most listings charge the buyer at checkout, but some offer free shipping by including it in the price.
