Depop is a social media platform for buying and selling second-hand items. The company offers sellers the option to choose their own shipping costs. However, this can lead to many mistakes in pricing, which will hurt your business and discourage buyers from purchasing from you. This article will break down the basics of Depop's shipping costs for sellers, shipping and packaging fees, as well as how to set your price right!
You Sold an Item! What to Do Next?
Before we dive right into shipping and packaging costs, let's first discuss the basics of what to do after you sold an item on Depop. If you recently made a Depop account and is interested to start selling, it is vital to know and understand these basics to provide the right pricing for your items. With the right tone of voice, product description, and appealing photos- you can convert one to a hundred sales in no time!
Step 1: Contact Your Buyer
You can message the buyer to inform them that you have seen their orders, and you'll ship them as soon as possible. You can send them the photo of the actual item to ensure accuracy and let them know if there are flaws or damages on the items they just purchase.In this way, you are building a positive relationship between the buyer and you as the seller. They will also be able to trust you more after you make an engagement, potentially leading to another future sale!
Step 2: Start Shipping!
After reaching out to your customer, prepare your package by packing it securely and choose your preferred courier. For U.S. sellers, Depop offers an in-app courier (USPS). If you are a seller living outside the mainland USA, you can still send your package using your local postal service that offers proof of delivery.
Depop Shipping Guide for U.S. Sellers:If you are a Depop seller from the U.S., you have two shipping options to arrange the shipping of your sold items.
- Arrange it on your own: You can arrange your own shipping by going to your local post office or by purchasing a shipping label through a third party such as UPS.
- Arrange with Depop: You can arrange your shipping through the Depop in-app courier (USPS)
Remember to always use tracked shipping whenever possible. Untracked parcels give you no guarantee on the current status of the shipping plus they are not covered under Depop's or PayPal's Seller Protection policy. Always choose the best option where you and your buyer can be protected!
Step 3: Mark Your Listing as Shipped!
As soon as you shipped the item, contact your buyer with its tracking number. This helps build trust from your buyers and gives them assurance on when they can expect the item's arrival.
Step 4: Give Your Buyer a Review!
After the item arrives at your buyers' shipping address, and the transaction has been successfully completed, give your buyer a review and encourage them to do the same to your shop. Generating more positive reviews help build your shop's credibility and attract more buyers.
Domestic and International Shipping Fees
Depop is a free shopping app that allows people to buy and sell items in their area. The shopping app includes tools such as the shopping bag, which provides information on shipping costs. However, it does not always show precise cuts on the actual shipping prices.
Depop uses USPS as its in-app courier to ship within the shopping app. Keep in mind that domestic or international shipping prices are based on the size and weight of the item and how far its destination is from the place of origin. The prices vary, so sellers need to determine their pricing before posting a product on the app.
If you are unsure of how much the shipping cost will be, here is an estimated price that Depop provides:
- Dresses $7
- Tops $5
- T-Shirts $5
- Jeans $8
- Shoes $15
- Other Small Items (Jewelry, makeup, etc.) $5
Pro Tip: can choose whether you want your items to be sold domestically or internationally. Just remember that international shipping is expensive, but it increases your market and gives you a higher chance of selling fast.
Domestic Shipping with Depop In-App Courier
As a seller, you are always responsible for shipping the item once it's sold. You can also choose which courier you want to use or how you want the items to be delivered to your buyers. Here's the step-by-step guide on doing that:
- Tap "Delivery," then toggle the shipping "ON."
- Tap domestic then Select "Ship with Depop"
- Enter your shipping address, then confirm it
- Tap “Package Size”
- Choose the approximate size of your item.
- After inputting these details, it will set the shipping price for your item automatically.
- Tap "Who Pays?" You have two options. You can shoulder the shipping cost or let your buyers pay for the shipping fees.
- If you're going to offer free shipping, leave the price field at zero, then tap the right-hand corner of your screen.
- If the buyer pays for this shipping, enter the shipping price instead of leaving it at zero.
- Click "Save" and publish.
Things to Remember:
- Buyer Pays for Shipping - When a buyer purchases your item, the item price, and additional shipping cost will be deposited on your Paypal account.
- Seller Pays for Shipping - When you make a sale, the item price will be deposited on your PayPal account. The shipping cost and Depop fee will be deducted in one transaction.
Packaging and Shipping Label Costs
As a seller, you should also consider the packaging and shipping label costs. For starters, here is the step by step guide on how to generate your shipping labels:
Generate Shipping Labels on Depop:
- Go to your profile, then tap "Sold Items," then click the item sold
- Tap "Activate Shipping Label"
- A PDF file of the shipping label will prompt.
- Click "Print" to print it from your phone or email.
- Stick the shipping label to your package using clear packaging tape.
- Drop it off at the nearest post office or USPS collection box
Shipping Label Costs
The prices are subject to changes depending on the courier, but here are the estimated prices:
- Extra- Small: $3.75 (First class and is less than 4oz)
- Small - $4.75 (First class and is less than 8oz)
- Medium - $6.75 (First class and is less than 1lb)
- Large - $11 (Priority mail that is less than 2lb)
- Extra Large - $15 (Priority mail that is less than 10lb)
Other Depop Selling Fees
Before posting and pricing your items, you must also consider other Depop selling fees and PayPal transaction costs. Depop does not have subscription or listing fees but they charge a 10% flat rate on every item sold. It simply means that in a $100 item sold, $10 goes to Depop.
The 10% fee is not a listing fee nor a subscription fee from Depop. It actually consists of many things inside the Depop to help you sell and connect you with genuine buyers interested in your item.
- Marketing - Depop helps you connect with the right buyers interested and ready to buy your item. Simply input the right product title, production description, and other relevant attributes, and you're good to go.
- Fun and Productive Depop Community - Besides the shopping app, Depop also has physical spaces in Los Angeles and New York City. They also run regular workshops and events to learn how to use Depop to attract more buyers to your shop.
- Your Information Is Kept Confidential - Depop is all about privacy. They do not sell your data or offer any advertising. Your information is kept safe.
Paypal Transaction Fee
Aside from the 10% fee from Depop, PayPal also charges transaction fees to ensure the safety of both buyers and sellers. The Paypal fee varies depending on which country you are located in.
- For US Sellers they charge 2.9% + $0.20
- For UK and EU Sellers it is 3.4% + $0.25
PayPal transaction fees also include buyer and seller protection against fraud and scams. The transaction will go through Paypal first, and once the buyer received their item, the money will be credited to your account. This ensures that you will get paid for the item you ship, and the buyer will also have an assurance that she will receive the item she bought from you. Always remember to use tracked delivery because untracked parcels are unwarranted by Depop or PayPal's seller protection policy.
Pricing Your Items Right!
Check the Market Price
You can price your item based on the market price. Just remember that size, color, and condition can alter its value. You can browse the Depop app to see your competitor's price and then set your pricing.
Materials and Running Costs
If you are the maker, consider the materials used and other costs when making the item. Add the labor cost or the time it took to make the item.
Adjust it Accordingly
If you are receiving many "likes" but little to no buyers, you may want to adjust your pricing. You might have priced it too high for your buyers.
Let Buyers Make Offers
If you are not sure if you price it right for your customers, let your buyers make offers or negotiations until you find the price you are happy and satisfied with.
If You Are Not Satisfied With The Price, Don't Sell it
If you feel like you are pricing the item lower than its market price or feels like the price is not enough, then don't sell it.
Elevate Your Selling Tactics!
Every business has its ups and downs. There are times when you have no sale, then the next day you get ten. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't do anything about it. You can elevate your selling on various marketplaces and shopping platforms like Poshmark, Depop, Mercari, and more!
OneShop offers sellers the easiest and effective way to get more buyers, save time, and do other things you love doing the most! We provide easy guidelines on how to sell effectively and eventually make more sales! Plus, our all-in-one app saves you plenty of time while selling on multiple marketplaces like Poshmark and Mercari.
With OneShop, you can upload your product images and quickly draft your listings. You can cross-list it to multiple marketplaces integrated into our system (Poshmark, Depop, Mercari, etc.) Have you accidentally listed a single listing on two separate marketplaces? Worry no more! OneShop is the only app that delists your item once it's sold! Never worry about after-sales again.
To learn more about how OneShop help sellers win the marketplaces and helps you achieve your business goals, visit OneShop here and learn how to succeed in your business!