Depop is one of the most unique marketplaces. As a diverse platform for funky fashion, Depop reports over 30 million active users in over 150 countries.
On Depop, there are many shipping options available to sellers. These might be confusing, but provide many tools and options. So how does Depop shipping work? Let’s explore them:
You might also be interested in the article How to Get Started Selling on Depop.
How to Ship on Depop: Key Points for Resellers (with Pros & Cons)
Shipping Options:
- Ship with Depop:
- Pros: Discounted labels, convenient printing & drop-off, tracking included.
- Cons: Limited weight & size options, may not be cheapest for all items.
- Self-ship:
- Pros: More flexibility in carriers & services, potentially cheaper for heavier items.
- Cons: More time & effort, requires purchasing postage, tracking responsibility.
Pricing:
- Offer free shipping:
- Pros: Increases sales conversion, builds trust with buyers.
- Cons: Cuts into profit margin, requires accurate pricing strategy.
- Charge shipping:
- Pros: Maintains profit margin, allows transparency in costs.
- Cons: May deter price-sensitive buyers, requires clear communication.
Additional Depop Shipping Tips:
- Weigh items accurately: Avoid under/overpaying for shipping.
- Package securely: Protect item and avoid damage claims.
- Ship promptly: Maintain good buyer experience.
- Offer multiple shipping options: Cater to different buyer needs.
- Consider insurance for valuable items: Protect yourself from loss.
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- Compare rates: Research both Depop and other shipping options.
How To Ship on Depop Step-by-Step
When listing on Depop, you must select whether to:
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Ship with Depop or ship on your own; and
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Offer free shipping or charge shipping.
1. Shipping with Depop Labels vs. Self-Shipping
First, you will decide if you are going to ship with Depop or Ship on your own.
Shipping with Depop means that you will use a label provided by Depop, whereas shipping on your own requires you to purchase your own postage.
Depop Shipping Labels
Each Depop listing form has a shipping section for this information. If you elect to ship with Depop, you will need to enter the item’s approximate weight when you list it for sale.
Based upon weight, you will select a label tier.
How much is Depop Shipping?
The current rates for shipping with Depop are great, ranging from $4.45 for extra small packages (under 4oz) to $16.40 for extra large packages (up to 10lbs). That is an incredible rate to ship to any United States territory, especially for heavier items!
When you ship with Depop, you can download a prepaid shipping label issued by Depop and tracking will automatically start once the package is in route. Depop uses USPS First Class Mail for parcels under one pound, and USPS Priority Mail for all orders that are one pound or heavier.
Self-Shipping on Depop
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. I suggest using Pirate Ship for the best rates.
To learn more about shipping services for heavy parcels, check out this video.
What is The Best Way to Ship on Depop?
There are pros and cons associated with both options. Shipping with Depop is quick, easy, and provides excellent rates, especially for larger parcels. However, you can only use USPS labels, and the rates for tiny items are not as impressive. Alternatively, self-shipping provides you with the choice of carrier and perhaps more affordable options. Self-shipping also requires a lot more work as you will be required to weigh and measure parcels, purchase shipping labels, and manually provide the tracking information for each order.
You might be interested in watching our video on Depop shipping!
2. Offering Free Shipping on Depop vs. Charging Shipping
Next, you must decide whether you will offer free shipping (paying it yourself) or charge your buyers for shipping.
According to Depop, sellers are 10% more likely to make sales when they offer free shipping. People hate paying for shipping, and we’re living in Amazon Prime Days, so this makes sense. Many sellers choose to offer free shipping but to raise their prices a bit more to allow for the same.
If you choose to charge a shipping fee, you can either charge the exact amount for the Depop label, or any flat rate that you choose.
Depop Tip: Depop offers frequent free shipping promotions where Depop covers all shipping costs for items shipped with Depop labels.
My Depop Shipping Strategy
I have modified my current strategy many times over the last 2 years. Currently, I am shipping with Depop labels and I am charging for shipping.
Shipping with Depop labels is so much easier than self-shipping, and the cost has not seemed to deter buyers or lead to a decrease in my sales.
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International Shipping with Depop
Expand your exposure by offering international shipping. Depop exists in over 150 countries worldwide, and buyers love American Vintage!
Does Depop Give You a Shipping Label?
You must ship on your own when you offer international shipping (you cannot use Depop labels).
International shipping can be very expensive, so be mindful when offering this on a listing. In the listing field, I generally put $100 for international shipping, and when a buyer sends me a message inquiring as to a rate, I request their address (or a nearby address) to calculate a more accurate rate using Pirate Ship.
You might also like: 10 Great Marketplaces Every Reseller Should Consider
Depop is a great place to sell trendy fashion, streetwear, vintage, Y2k, and designer clothing and accessories. Start listing your items on Depop quickly with Vendoo!
