Yes, Depop is safe! It has exploded in popularity for vintage fashion, designer, streetwear, and unique finds.
The app, owned by Etsy, has millions of active users, and has been a trusted name in resale since 2011. It has become especially popular among Gen Z, who love it for its social shopping style, vintage fashion, and focus on sustainability.
Still, many people pause before making their first purchase or sale because they wonder if Depop is truly safe and trustworthy. In this post, we’ll explore how Depop works, what protections are available for buyers and sellers, what common scams to watch for, and whether Depop is worth using overall.
🧠 Fun Fact: Over $5 billion in goods have been sold by the Depop community.
Depop launched in 2011 as a new way to combine social networking with shopping. In 2021, Etsy acquired it, further legitimizing its role in the resale economy.
Depop is structured like a social media app. Sellers build storefronts that resemble Instagram feeds, complete with photos, videos, captions, likes, and followers. Shoppers browse through search results or curated feeds, and communication happens through in-app messaging.
The community-driven design is what makes Depop stand out. It appeals to thrifters, designer shoppers, vintage lovers, and anyone who wants something outside of the mass-market, fast-fashion retail space.
Sustainable shopping is also a big part of its appeal, since resale helps reduce waste and extend the life of clothing. With millions of users worldwide, Depop is a global secondhand marketplace where buyers and sellers meet for everything from Y2K jeans and designer streetwear to handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind finds.
👀 Did you know that Depop has approximately 43.5 million registered users?
For buyers, Depop is safe if you follow the rules. Communications must be made through Depop’s in-app messaging system. Purchases made through Depop’s in-app payment system. Transactions facilitated on the Depop app are protected by Depop Protection. This means that if your order never arrives, arrives damaged, or is not as described, you may qualify for a refund (30 days)
If you follow the rules and complete your transactions from the app, you will be covered. Depop is a resale marketplace where you are shopping from other Depop users, rather than from Depop directly.
As with any peer-to-peer marketplace, there is a small degree of risk associated with purchasing from others. However, the concern is mitigated, and buyers are protected when they follow the Depop terms of service.
The risks buyers face include:
In short, Depop is safe when you stick to the app’s systems and avoid deals that seem “too good to be true.”
💡Tip: When shopping on Depop, be sure to check out a seller’s ratings and reviews. These help build trust.
For sellers, Depop is safe and provides seller protection. Sellers who follow Depop’s rules, communicate with shoppers through Depop’s in-app messaging system, accept payments only from Depop, use Depop’s shipping labels (or upload tracking information) are eligible for seller protection. With Depop seller protection, sellers are covered if a buyer claims that an order never arrived. Depop Protection can help in disputes.
Selling anywhere comes with inherent risks of difficult, dishonest, or fraudulent buyers. Shipping anything also comes with potential risks, including loss or damage.
The risks sellers face include:
Selling safely often comes down to providing accurate listings, keeping proof of shipment, and avoiding risky behavior like off-app transactions or trades.
Learn more from Depop sellers in the article Real Depop Reviews From Resellers: Should You Sell on Depop?
Depop’s protections are designed to make the marketplace safer for both buyers and sellers. While Depop’s protections are vast, nothing is foolproof when it comes to bad-faith, fraudulent activity.
Depop Protection covers buyers who pay through Depop Payments in-app. Refunds are possible if the item never arrives, arrives damaged, is not as described, or is not authentic. Sellers are covered in cases where they can prove shipment with tracking, and all communications and payments are sanctioned through the app.
In the Depop Resolution Centre, buyers and sellers can escalate disputes. Depop mediates based on communication records, photos, and tracking details.
💡Tip: Turn on two-factor authentication for the Depop app to help prevent hacking and unauthorized transactions.
Depop does provide important protections, but users must follow the rules closely to benefit. The best tip is to simply use common sense and observe caution when buying and selling online.
Refunds on Depop depend on how the purchase was made. If you buy through the app and follow the steps, you are much more likely to be protected.
Depop will cover you if:
Depop will NOT cover you if:
⭐️ Important: In Depop disputes, the burden of proof is on the buyer. This means that the buyer is responsible for providing evidence to Depop to support their claim. Thus, the buyer must prove the item never arrived, is not as described, or is not authentic.
The Resolution Centre is where refund requests are handled. Depop reviews the case, asks both sides for evidence, and makes a decision. The process can take time, but it exists to protect both buyers and sellers.
Scams exist on every resale app, and Depop is no exception. Unfortunately, fraudulent activity is everywhere. Knowing the most Depop scams can help you avoid them:
Access the Depop help center from the website or the mobile app.
Buying safely on Depop is about following the rules, using common sense, and being proactive. Here are the most effective steps:
💡Tip: If a seller assures you that something is authentic but they do not have proof of authentication, you can always have the item authenticated yourself using the listing photos.
On any peer-to-peer marketplace, selling safely requires just as much caution:
👀 Did you know that there are over 49 million items for sale on Depop?
Like any resale app, Depop has its strengths and weaknesses. Here is a quick look at the main pros and cons to consider before deciding if it is the right place for you 👀
Depop is a great place to shop and sell if you follow the rules and exercise caution.
So, is Depop legit? Yes, it is. Depop has been operating for over a decade, is owned by Etsy, and has millions of users around the world. It is generally safe, as long as you use the app’s payment system, follow best practices, and understand what protections exist.
At the same time, no peer-to-peer resale app is risk-free. Scams happen, disputes can be frustrating, and customer service does not always respond quickly. Safety comes down to how carefully you use the app. For buyers and sellers who follow the rules, Depop is a fun, vibrant, and trustworthy place to shop and sell.
Yes, Depop is safe when you buy through the app’s payment system and avoid off-app messages and payments. Depop Protection covers purchases that do not arrive, arrive damaged, are inauthentic, or are not as described.
Check their reviews, ratings, and how long they have been active. A seller with consistent positive feedback, clear photos, and good communication is usually trustworthy.
Avoid off-app communications, off-app payments, vague listings, and sellers with poor feedback. Stay cautious of prices that seem too good to be true, as they often indicate scams.