Photo: MBH / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0, cropped

Depop FAQ: what new users ask most

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 6h ago

About this FAQ

Depop is popular with UK shoppers looking for vintage, streetwear and pre-loved fashion, and with people selling clothes they no longer wear. Whether you are buying or selling, the same questions come up early. These answers use Depop's UK help centre and UK government guidance. Fees and policies can change, so check the current pages before relying on any detail.

How does Depop work?

Sellers list items with photos, a description and a price. Buyers browse, search, like items, follow shops and buy using the Buy button. After payment, the seller posts the item and adds tracking. Both sides can leave reviews once the order is complete.

Does it cost anything to sell?

Depop's UK help centre states that UK sellers pay no selling fee. When an item sells through the Buy button, a payment processing fee of 2.9% plus £0.30 is deducted, calculated on the item price plus any postage the buyer paid.

Worked example: a pair of jeans sells for £18 with £3 postage. The fee is 2.9% of £21, about £0.61, plus £0.30, totalling £0.91. The seller receives £20.09 before paying for postage. Try other prices with the percentage calculator on this site.

What does the buyer pay?

Buyers pay the item price, postage and a buyer fee shown at checkout. The buyer fee is set by Depop and does not reduce what the seller receives.

How do payouts work?

Sales made with Depop Payments are paid out to the seller's linked bank account, after the processing fee is deducted. Sellers should make sure their bank details are correct and complete any identity checks Depop requests, because these can delay payouts.

How should I post items?

Sellers can use Depop's shipping options or their own carrier. Tracked postage is strongly recommended, as it provides proof of delivery. Pack items neatly and post promptly after the sale.

How do offers work?

Buyers can make offers below the listed price, and sellers can accept, decline or counter. Many buyers expect some negotiation, so pricing slightly above your minimum leaves room.

What is boosting?

Boosting is an optional paid feature that shows listings to more buyers. A fee applies when a boosted listing sells, reducing the seller's margin. It suits some categories more than others.

What if an item does not arrive?

Buyers should first check tracking and message the seller. If the problem is not resolved, they can report the issue through the app. Sellers with tracking and proof of postage are better placed to resolve claims.

What if an item is not as described?

Buyers should contact the seller with photos. Many issues are solved with a return or partial refund. If not, the buyer can escalate through Depop, which reviews the listing, messages and evidence.

Can I sell anything on Depop?

No. Depop bans counterfeit goods and a list of prohibited items, and some categories have extra rules. Check the prohibited items guidance before listing anything unusual. Breaking these rules can lead to listings being removed or accounts being suspended.

Will Depop tell HMRC about my sales?

Under UK rules for digital platforms, Depop must report sellers who make 30 or more sales, or about £1,700 or more, in a calendar year. The UK government says reporting does not mean you automatically owe tax. Selling personal items you no longer need is not usually trading. If you buy items to resell for profit, you may be trading, and the £1,000 trading allowance may apply.

How do I avoid scams?

Use the Buy button for every transaction. Be wary of requests to pay by bank transfer, gift cards or another app, links to unfamiliar payment pages and buyers asking for your email address to send money. Depop will not ask for your password in a message.

How do reviews work?

After an order, buyers can leave a review of the seller. Reviews build trust for new buyers, so fast posting, accurate descriptions and careful packing all pay off.

Can I buy and sell on one account?

Yes. One account can be used for both, and many users sell old items to fund new purchases.

What sells well on Depop?

Vintage clothing, streetwear, sportswear, denim, trainers, branded outerwear and accessories tend to attract attention, along with items that fit current trends. Demand shifts with seasons and fashion cycles, so look at what has recently sold in your category rather than relying on general lists.

How do I take good photos?

Use daylight, a plain background and the same setup for each item. Show the front, back, label, material close-up and any flaws. Photos of an item being worn help buyers judge fit and drape. Avoid heavy filters, because colours that look different in person cause disputes.

What details should a listing include?

Include the brand, item type, size, measurements, colour, material and an honest description of condition. Choose the correct category and use accurate style words buyers might search for. Clear listings save time answering repeated questions.

How quickly should sellers post?

As quickly as possible. Buyers expect prompt dispatch, and slow posting is one of the most common causes of poor reviews and cancellations. Many successful sellers post within one or two working days.

Can I cancel an order?

Sellers can cancel an order in some situations, such as when an item is no longer available, and the buyer is refunded. Frequent cancellations hurt your reputation, so remove items from sale as soon as they sell elsewhere.

Can I sell on Depop and other apps at the same time?

Yes, many sellers list the same item on several platforms. The risk is selling an item twice. Update or remove listings straight away when something sells.

How do I build followers?

Followers see your new listings in their feed. A clear style, consistent photos, regular new listings and good service help attract followers over time. Following and liking items from shops in a similar niche can also raise your visibility.

Is Depop only for young people?

Depop is popular with younger shoppers, but anyone who meets its age requirements can use it. Its audience is broad enough for many kinds of fashion and lifestyle items.

How do I choose a fair price?

Compare similar items that have sold recently, adjust for brand, condition and rarity, and remember the processing fee and postage. A fair price sells within a reasonable time without leaving money on the table.

Example: a buyer's first purchase

Leo finds a vintage jacket priced at £35. He asks the seller for the shoulder measurement, receives an answer and extra photo within an hour and pays using the Buy button, adding postage and the buyer fee shown at checkout. The seller posts it the next day with tracking. When it arrives, Leo leaves a five-star review. Because he paid through the app, he would have been able to raise an issue if the jacket had not matched the listing.

Example: a seller's first payout

Mia sells three tops over a week for a total of £45 plus £9 in postage paid by buyers across three orders. Each order carries its own fixed £0.30, so the fees total 2.9% of £54, about £1.57, plus £0.90, giving £2.47. Mia receives £51.53 before her own postage costs and checks that the payouts appear in her bank account.

Do I need a business account to sell?

Not to sell personal items. Many people sell occasionally from a standard account. If you begin sourcing and reselling regularly, you are more likely to be trading, which brings tax obligations and, in some cases, consumer law duties towards buyers. Read the UK government guidance on selling through digital platforms and keep records from the start.

Can I edit a listing after posting?

Yes. You can update photos, the price or the description before the item sells. Lowering a price can draw fresh attention from people who liked the item.

How do I keep my account secure?

Use a strong, unique password, turn on any extra login protection Depop offers and never share verification codes with anyone, even someone claiming to be from Depop support.

Where can I get more help?

Depop's help centre covers fees, payments, shipping and safety. For general questions about selling online in the UK, send a question through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This FAQ is general information based on Depop's UK help centre and UK government guidance at the time of writing. Fees and policies can change. It is not financial or tax advice.

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