Depop is one of the most unique marketplaces. As a diverse platform for fashion and decor, Depop reports over 35 million active users in over 150 countries.
Shipping is a crucial part of reselling on Depop. Done right, it ensures satisfied buyers, smooth transactions, and fewer issues like delays or unexpected costs.
This guide will walk you through Depop's shipping options and offer tips to streamline your process and keep your customers happy. A solid shipping strategy is key to your reselling success—let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Depop offers two shipping options: prepaid labels for convenience or self-shipping for more flexibility and potential cost savings.
- Accurate weight and dimensions are crucial for smooth shipping and avoiding errors.
- Depop’s prepaid labels include tracking and protection, simplifying the process for sellers and buyers.
- Self-shipping allows control over carriers and rates but requires more time and effort.
- Listing with Vendoo streamlines your Depop process, saving time and helping you manage shipping efficiently.
- Free shipping can increase sales but may impact profit margins, so consider your strategy carefully.
You might also be interested in the article How to Get Started Selling on Depop.
How Does Depop Shipping Work?
Depop’s shipping system is a built-in feature designed to simplify the logistics of getting your items from you to your buyer. It allows sellers to choose between using prepaid shipping labels provided by Depop or handling shipping independently.
💡Tip: For global sales, Depop prepaid labels are not available and you must ship independently.
Depop’s shipping system streamlines the process by integrating shipping options directly into the platform. This gives sellers the flexibility to manage costs, ensure timely deliveries, and provide buyers with a hassle-free shopping experience. By using Depop's shipping tools, sellers can focus more on curating and selling while reducing the complexities of shipping.
How Do I Ship on Depop?
Depop shipping is straightforward, though the variety of options can sometimes make it feel more complicated than it really is.
On Depop, there are many shipping selections available to sellers. When listing, you must decide whether to:
- Ship with Depop or ship on your own;
- Offer free shipping or charge shipping; and
- Use USPS, FedEx, or UPS.
Each Depop listing has a shipping section for this information.
If you select to ship with Depop, Depop will email you a USPS label upon sale. However, when you list, you must enter the item’s approximate weight (including packaging) to select the label tier.
How to Ship with Pre-paid Depop Shipping Labels
When you ship with Depop, you must know the approximate weight of your item prior to listing. You select the parcel size on the Depop app or website and will receive the label once your item sells.
Upon sale, you can download a prepaid shipping label issued by Depop. Tracking will automatically start once the package is en route. Depop uses USPS Ground Advantage for qualifying packages and USPS Priority Mail for all heavier orders.
The benefits of shipping with Depop labels include convenience and protection.
💡Tip: When you ship with Depop, you and your buyer both receive Depop protection. If you ship on your own, you’re responsible for insuring the parcel and handling any disputes if there are issues with delivery.
Note that you must ship on your own for orders outside of the United States.
Independent Shipping: How to Ship On Your Own with Depop
Electing to ship on your own requires purchasing your shipping label and providing Depop with the tracking information for the package. When you ship on your own, you can purchase through any carrier.
The benefits of independent shipping include the selection of carriers are affordability.
💡Tip: For the best rates on shipping on your own, I recommend using Pirate Ship. Note that you must ship on your own for international shipping on Depop.
Expand your exposure by offering international shipping. Depop exists in over 150 countries worldwide, and buyers love American Vintage!
Depop Shipping Options
Depop offers sellers two main shipping options: Ship with Depop and Self-Shipping.. Each option is tailored to fit different needs, providing flexibility for resellers at every level.
- Ship with Depop: Depop provides a prepaid shipping label, making the process quick and convenient. This option is ideal for sellers who want a streamlined shipping experience without the need to calculate rates or purchase labels elsewhere.
- Self-Shipping: Sellers handle shipping independently, giving them complete control over carriers, costs, and delivery methods. This option works well for those looking for more customization or lower costs by using alternative shipping solutions.
Choosing the right option depends on your preferences, items, and budget. Both approaches have their advantages, and understanding them is key to a smooth reselling process.
Ship with Depop
When you ship with Depop, Depop provides a prepaid shipping label upon sale. This option is ideal for sellers who want a streamlined shipping experience without the need to calculate rates, weigh and measure, upload tracking information, or purchase labels elsewhere.
- Pros: Discounted labels, occasional promotions, convenience, and tracking included.
- Cons: Requires weighing items, limited shipping carriers, and may not be cheapest.
💡Tip: Shipping with Depop labels is not available for items over 10 lbs or international orders
Self-shipping on Depop
When you ship independently, sellers handle shipping on their own, giving them complete control over carriers, costs, and delivery methods. This option works well for those looking for more customization or lower costs by using alternative shipping solutions.
- Pros: More flexibility in carriers & services, potentially cheaper rates.
- Cons: More time & effort, requires purchasing postage and insurance and providing tracking information.
List, manage, and grow - all in one place. Crosslist to Depop and 10 other popular marketplaces!
Depop Shipping Costs
Several key factors determine shipping costs on Depop:
- Package Weight: Heavier packages generally incur higher shipping fees. Depop categorizes shipping labels based on weight, with rates increasing as the package weight rises.
- Package Dimensions: The size of your package affects shipping costs, especially for larger items. Carriers often use dimensional weight pricing, which considers both size and weight to calculate fees.
- Shipping Zones: The distance between your location and the buyer's address influences costs. Shipping domestically is typically less expensive than international shipping, which may also involve customs fees and longer delivery times.
- Carrier Rates: Different carriers offer varying rates and services. Depop partners with USPS for its prepaid labels, but if you choose to self-ship, comparing rates from carriers like UPS or FedEx can help you find the most cost-effective option.
Understanding these factors enables you to select the most suitable shipping method for your items, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery for your buyers.
You might be interested in watching our video on Depop shipping!
How Much Does Shipping Cost on Depop?
The current shipping rates with Depop range from $4.49 for extra small packages (under 4oz) to $13.49 for extra large packages (up to 10 lbs). That is an incredible rate to ship to any United States territory, especially for heavier items!
How much do Depop shipping labels cost?
Here are the Depop shipping rates as of December 2024. Note that they change often.
When you ship with Depop, you can download a prepaid shipping label issued by Depop. Tracking will automatically start once the package is en route. Depop uses USPS Ground Advantage for qualifying packages and USPS Priority Mail for all heavier orders.
Note that you can choose to offer free shipping (paying it yourself) or charge shipping.
What does self-shipping on Depop cost?
Electing to ship on your own requires purchasing your own shipping label and providing Depop with the tracking information for the package. When you ship on your own, you can purchase through any carrier, which means you can use any shipping service. We suggest using PirateShip for the best rates.
PirateShip will compare rates and carriers to provide the best rate possible.
💡Tip: PirateShip Simple Export offers the most affordable rates for international orders. Learn more about PirateShip Simple export here.
How to Choose the Right Shipping Method
When deciding on the best shipping method for your Depop business, it ultimately comes down to what works best for you. Many top Depop sellers opt for Depop labels due to their convenience and built-in protections. However, choosing the right method depends on your priorities.
Depop Shipping Labels
Shipping with Depop is quick and hassle-free, offering decent rates and seamless integration with the platform. The downside? You’re limited to USPS labels, and the rates may not always be as competitive as what you could find with other carriers.
Self-Shipping on Depop
Self-shipping offers more flexibility and control. You can choose your preferred carrier and potentially find more affordable rates. However, it comes with extra effort. You'll need to weigh and measure your parcels, purchase labels separately, and manually upload tracking information for every order.
Choosing the Best Shipping Option for You on Depop
To determine the right shipping method, weigh the pros and cons:
- Convenience: Depop labels save time and reduce hassle.
- Cost: Self-shipping might save money but requires more effort.
- Control: If you need options beyond USPS, self-shipping is a better fit.
💡 Tip: Depop occasionally runs free shipping promotions where they cover the shipping cost for your buyers. To participate, you must use Depop shipping labels—an excellent reason to give them a try!
Evaluate what aligns with your business goals, and choose the method that works best for you and your customers.
Deciding Whether to Offer Free Shipping or Charge for Shipping on Depop
When selling on Depop, you’ll need to decide whether to offer free shipping (covering the cost yourself) or charge your buyers for it.
According to Depop, sellers who offer free shipping are 10% more likely to make a sale. It’s no surprise—buyers love the convenience, especially in today’s Amazon Prime era. Many sellers use a pricing strategy where they raise item prices slightly to offset the shipping cost.
That said, offering free shipping isn’t always feasible. For lower-priced items, shipping costs can eat up your profit margin. For example, shipping a 1 lb pair of jeans sold for $20 could cost $5–$8, leaving little room for profit. For higher-value items, absorbing the shipping cost may be more manageable. Ultimately, it’s a balance between appealing to buyers and maintaining profitability.
So, offer free shipping if you can. If you cannot, do not worry. Many sellers have successful Depop shops charging regular shipping rates.
International Shipping with Depop
Expanding your shop to international buyers can significantly boost your exposure. With Depop active in over 150 countries, many international buyers actively seek out unique finds, especially American vintage pieces.
💡Tip: Only 19% of Depop users are in the United States. That means that if you don’t opt into international shipping, you’re missing out on 81% of the global Depop audience.
How Do I Ship Internationally on Depop?
On each listing, you can enter a shipping cost in the international field to opt-in to international shipping.
💡Tip: If you’re not sure what to charge, I use the rates from PirateShip Simple Export. Learn more here.
Does Depop Provide Labels for International Shipping?
No, Depop doesn’t offer international shipping labels. Sellers who ship internationally must use the Self-Ship option.
International shipping can be costly, ranging significantly, depending on the weight and destination. Using a service like Pirate Ship’s Simple Export feature is a great way to find competitive rates while simplifying customs requirements.
Be strategic when offering international shipping and clearly communicate the additional cost in your listings.
How To Ship on Depop Step-by-Step
To ensure smooth shipping, follow these key steps:
1. Prepare the Item for Shipping
Use secure, protective packaging to prevent damage during transit. A well-packaged item also enhances buyer satisfaction.
2. Weigh and Measure the Package
Accurate weight and dimensions are essential to calculate shipping costs and generate proper labels.
3. Generate and Print the Shipping Label
Use Depop to purchase and print a prepaid label, or create your own label if you’re self-shipping.
4. Drop Off the Package or Schedule a Pickup
Deliver the package to your nearest post office, or schedule a pickup with your chosen carrier for added convenience.
5. Provide Tracking Information
Depop automatically provides tracking details with its labels, but self-shippers must manually enter the tracking number into the platform.
6. Communicate with the Buyer
Keep buyers updated with shipping and tracking information. Good communication builds trust and leads to positive reviews.
7. Monitor Delivery and Resolve Issues
Track the package to ensure delivery and quickly address any shipping issues or disputes that may arise.
💡Tip: Remember, if you ship with Depop labels you are protected. If you ship on your own, you might consider adding insurance to your parcel.
Additional Depop Shipping Tips
Boost efficiency and buyer satisfaction with these extra strategies:
- Set Clear Shipping Policies
Include clear details on shipping timelines and costs in your listings to avoid confusion. - Choose Tracked Shipping
Always opt for tracked shipping to provide transparency and protect against delivery disputes. - Use Automation Tools
Streamline label creation and tracking updates with automation tools to save time and reduce errors. - Send a Thank-You Message
Add a personal touch with a thank-you message to encourage repeat buyers and positive feedback. Most Depop users are eco-conscious, so I don’t recommend a physical note; instead, you can send a nice message
💡 Tip: Be cautious when offering free shipping on bundles. While it’s a popular feature on Depop, it can quickly eat into your profits. For example, I once had a buyer purchase a bulky coat that would have cost $13 to ship. However, because I offered free shipping on bundles, they added a $10 top to their order. In the end, they got two items with free shipping for less than they would have paid for just one, and I ended up paying $21 to ship the order—barely breaking even.
Streamline Your Depop Shipping Process with Vendoo
Efficient shipping is vital for a successful Depop business. By optimizing your shipping practices, you can improve buyer satisfaction and drive more sales. Vendoo helps Depop sellers save time and effort with powerful cross-listing and automation tools, letting you focus on scaling your business.
Try Vendoo today and see how it can transform your workflow.
Ready to start crosslisting? Sign up for Vendoo for FREE today!
FAQs
What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship on Depop?
The cheapest way to ship depends on the size and weight of your item. For most domestic orders, using Depop’s prepaid USPS labels is the simplest and most affordable option. If you prefer self-shipping, services like Pirate Ship or Shippo can help you find the lowest rates across multiple carriers. Compare prices and choose what works best for your business.
Are Depop Shipping Labels Prepaid?
Yes, Depop shipping labels are prepaid. When you sell an item, the buyer’s payment covers the shipping cost. Depop deducts the amount for the label from your earnings and provides the label instantly, so all you need to do is print it. If you prefer, you can ship independently.
Do Depop Sellers Get Paid Before Shipping?
Funds are held in your Depop balance until the item is marked as delivered or the buyer confirms receipt. This ensures accountability for both buyers and sellers.
When Should I Ship on Depop?
Ship items within three days of receiving an order to meet Depop’s guidelines and keep buyers satisfied. Prompt shipping reduces the chances of order cancellations and builds trust with your customers.
Does Depop Automatically Mark as Shipped?
If you use a Depop prepaid label, the platform automatically marks the item as shipped and updates the buyer with tracking information. If you’re self-shipping, you’ll need to manually input the tracking number to mark the item as shipped.
