Depop rules and policies explained in plain English

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 42m ago

Why the rules matter

Depop has become one of the UK's most popular places to buy and sell second-hand and vintage clothing, accessories and lifestyle items. It is easy to start, but every seller and buyer agrees to Depop's terms of service and community rules, and many new users only discover them when something goes wrong. This guide explains the main rules in plain English. It is a summary rather than a legal reading of the terms, and Depop updates its policies and fees from time to time, so always check the current versions in the app and help centre.

Who can use Depop

You need to meet the minimum age in Depop's terms to use the app, and younger users may need permission from a parent or guardian to sell. You can have one account per person unless the terms allow otherwise. Your profile and username must not impersonate others or include offensive content.

Fees

In 2024 Depop changed its UK fee structure, removing the standard selling fee for UK sellers and introducing a buyer-paid protection fee. Payment processing fees on each sale can still apply, and sellers who choose to boost listings pay an extra fee when a boosted item sells. Fees have changed before and may change again, so check the fee page in the app before you set prices.

Worked example: what a seller keeps

Mia sells a jacket for 40 pounds plus 4 pounds of postage the buyer pays. If the payment processing fee is around 3.3 percent of the total plus 45p, she pays about 1.45 pounds plus 0.45, roughly 1.90 pounds. She keeps about 42.10 pounds, from which she pays the postage cost. If she had boosted the listing with an 8 percent boosting fee on the item price, she would pay another 3.20 pounds. The percentage calculator on this site helps her check fees quickly.

Payments must stay on the app

All payments must go through Depop's checkout. Asking a buyer to pay through a bank transfer or another payment app, or agreeing to meet up and pay in cash for a listed item, breaks the rules and removes buyer and seller protection. Requests to pay off the app are a common scam tactic. If someone asks, decline and report them.

Listing rules

Listings must show the actual item, with your own photos, and describe it honestly: brand, size, condition, materials and any flaws such as stains, holes or fading. Do not use stock images or photos taken from other sellers. Keyword stuffing, such as listing unrelated brand names to appear in searches, is not allowed. Prices must be genuine, and listings should be for items you have and can ship.

Prohibited items

Depop prohibits counterfeit or replica items, weapons, drugs and drug paraphernalia, alcohol and tobacco, hazardous materials, used underwear and certain cosmetics, live animals and some animal products, and other items listed in its policy. Selling counterfeits can lead to permanent removal and legal consequences. If you are not sure whether an item is allowed, check the prohibited items policy before listing.

Shipping rules

Sellers must ship items within the expected time after a sale, using a tracked method or Depop's shipping options where available. Pack items securely and keep proof of postage. Late shipping or failing to ship can lead to cancellations, refunds and account action.

Buyer protection

Buyers who pay through the app are protected if an item does not arrive or is significantly not as described. Buyers should raise issues with the seller first and then through Depop's process if they cannot agree. Sellers who described items accurately and shipped with tracking are better placed if a dispute is opened.

Returns and refunds

Sellers can set their own returns policy for change of mind, such as accepting returns within a set number of days or not accepting them. However, items that are not as described or never arrive are covered by buyer protection regardless of the seller's policy. If you agree to a return, agree who pays postage and refund promptly once the item is back. Business sellers selling to consumers also have legal duties under UK consumer law, including the right to cancel most distance purchases within 14 days.

Communication and conduct

Keep messages polite and focused on the sale. Harassment, discrimination, threats and spam break the rules. Do not share personal contact details to move conversations off the app. Respond to buyers within a reasonable time.

Reviews

After a sale, buyers can leave a review. Reviews must be genuine; arranging fake reviews, swapping reviews with friends or pressuring buyers to change reviews is not allowed. Respond professionally to negative feedback.

Account standards and suspension

Depop can restrict, suspend or remove accounts that break its rules, such as selling prohibited items, scamming, repeated late shipping, misleading listings or abusive behaviour. Payouts may be held during investigations. Following the rules protects your account and income.

Tax and platform reporting

If you sell your own unwanted belongings, you usually do not need to pay tax. If you buy items to resell or make items to sell regularly, you are likely trading, and income above the 1,000 pound trading allowance must be reported through Self Assessment. Digital platforms now report sellers' information to HMRC once they pass reporting thresholds, which are based on the number of sales and the amount received in a year.

Worked example: hobby or trading

Sam clears out his wardrobe and sells 20 items for 300 pounds in total, all less than he paid. This is not trading and he owes no tax. His friend Zoe buys vintage jeans at car boot sales and resells them, earning 4,000 pounds in sales and 2,500 pounds profit. She is trading, her income is above the trading allowance and she should register for Self Assessment.

Safety tips

Never share verification codes or passwords. Be wary of emails pretending to be Depop. If a buyer asks you to ship to a different address from the one on the order, decline. Report suspicious accounts.

Offers and price changes

Buyers can make offers and sellers can accept, decline or counter. Once you accept an offer and the buyer pays, you are expected to complete the sale at that price. Avoid raising a price after agreeing a deal, or cancelling because someone else offered more, since frequent cancellations can affect your account. If you want to change a price, edit the listing before anyone buys.

Cancelling orders

Sometimes a sale has to be cancelled, for example if an item is damaged before shipping. Tell the buyer quickly, cancel through the app so they receive a refund and explain politely. Cancelling often, or cancelling because you no longer want to sell, can lead to restrictions. Only list items you are ready to post.

Business sellers

If you sell as a business, such as a vintage shop or a small brand, you have extra legal responsibilities under UK consumer law. These include giving your business name and contact details, honouring the 14-day cancellation right for most distance sales, and making sure items are as described and of satisfactory quality. Depop may ask business sellers to identify themselves in their profile.

Keeping your records

Keep a simple record of what you paid for items, what you sold them for, fees and postage. This helps you understand your profit and is essential if you are trading.

When policies change

Depop updates its terms, fees and policies from time to time and usually tells users in the app or by email. Read these notices, because continuing to use the app generally means accepting the new rules.

Reader questions

Have a question about selling online in the UK? Send it through the Ask page on this site.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Fees and policies change; check the official help centre and HMRC guidance for current details.

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