Introduction

Dropshipping on Depop can feel like a mismatch at first: Depop is known for vintage, unique, and preowned fashion while dropshipping is usually associated with fast-turnaround new products. That contrast is also an opportunity. With the right product selection, supplier setup, and transparent listing strategy you can use dropshipping to scale a Depop storefront without inventory costs.

This article covers what dropshipping on Depop looks like, when it makes sense, how to source suppliers that match buyer expectations, concrete setup steps, pricing examples, and a 60-day action timeline.

Key takeaways include a supplier checklist, pricing templates that factor in Depop fees and payment processing, exact tools to evaluate shipping speed, and common mistakes that sink dropshipping-first Depop shops.

Overview:

What dropshipping on Depop is and when to use it

Dropshipping on Depop means you list products on your Depop shop that you do not physically own; when a buyer purchases, the order is routed to a supplier who ships directly to the buyer. Unlike platforms such as Shopify where customers expect new items and branded stores, Depop buyers expect authenticity, honest descriptions, and reasonable shipping times.

When to use dropshipping on Depop:

You want to expand a small vintage or curated shop with new complementary items (accessories, basics, small apparel).
You are testing product-market fit without inventory risk.
You target buyers who value quick style fills rather than strict vintage provenance.

When not to use dropshipping on Depop:

You plan to sell high-value or collectible vintage where provenance matters.
You cannot guarantee shipping within Depop buyer expectations (usually under 7-10 business days in-market).
You want to build a luxury brand where packaging and unboxing control matter.

Example use case: A seller specializing in 90s streetwear adds a curated capsule of new graphic tees produced via a UK print-on-demand (POD) provider. Cost per tee is $8, shipping $3, and the seller lists at $30 to cover Depop 10% fee and payment processing. First month they test 50 listings and reach a 4% conversion, validating demand before ordering physical stock.

Core considerations:

Transparency is critical: mark condition, origin, and expected delivery times.
Shipping speed is a competitive metric; prioritize suppliers with fulfillment centers near your buyer base.
Margins must account for Depop fees, payment processing, and returns.

Principles:

Rules, buyer expectations, and platform constraints

Depop sellers succeed when they match buyer psychology: authenticity, curated taste, quick communication, and reliable shipping. Dropshipping adds risk to those signals, so your operating principles should prioritize transparency, speed, and quality control.

Transparency

Always disclose that items are new and not preowned if relevant.
Include accurate measurements, fabric details, and high-quality product photos or mockups.
State estimated dispatch and delivery windows in the first line of the listing.

Shipping and fulfillment speed

Depop buyers often expect faster delivery than standard international dropshipping. Aim for domestic or regional suppliers.
Target fulfillment times under 3 business days and delivery within 7-10 days for core markets (US, UK, EU).
Use tracked shipping and include tracking numbers for every order.

Quality control and returns

Order samples before listing to check fit, print quality, and packaging.
Define a returns policy in line with Depop terms and communicate it in listings.
Plan for a 2-5% return rate on apparel; budget for refund and restocking costs or supplier-managed returns.

Platform constraints and fees

Depop charges a 10% transaction fee on the item price. Payment processors (PayPal, Stripe) add roughly 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction in the US, and similar rates elsewhere.
Example fee calculation: Item listed at $30. Depop fee = $3. Payment processor = $0.87 (2.9% of 30) + $0.30 = $1.17. Total fees = $4.17. If product cost plus shipping is $13, profit = $30 - $13 - $4.17 = $12.83 (~43% margin).

Brand fit

Keep product assortment consistent with your shop identity. If you sell vintage denim, dropship vintage-style reproductions or denim care accessories rather than unrelated consumer electronics.
Use branded packaging when possible. Some print-on-demand and white-label suppliers offer custom packing inserts for $0.50-$1.50 per order.

Regulatory and platform policies

Read Depop terms of service for accurate listing practices. Do not misrepresent item condition or country of origin.
For cross-border sales, declare customs duties and VAT rules fairly to avoid buyer disputes.
If using print-on-demand, check intellectual property rules and avoid copyrighted designs without rights.

Steps:

How to set up a dropshipping operation for Depop (60-day timeline)

This step-by-step timeline focuses on creating a viable dropshipping setup that fits Depop buyers. The timeline assumes you already have a Depop account in good standing.

Days 1-7: Research and niche validation

Select 2-3 complementary product lines (e.g., graphic tees, patches, jewelry, phone charms).
Use Depop search and hashtags to estimate demand. Note typical asking prices and listing photos.
Identify target buyer location (US, UK, EU) and shipping expectations.

Days 8-14: Supplier sourcing and vetting

Contact 3 suppliers per product type (local POD, regional dropshipper, marketplace like Alibaba/AliExpress for wholesale).
Order samples from the top 2 suppliers for each product. Expect $10-$30 per sample shipped.
Ask about fulfillment times, tracking, custom packing, returns handling, and minimum order requirements.

Days 15-21: Set up operational systems

Create order workflow: Depop order -> supplier order entry -> tracking upload to Depop.
Use a simple spreadsheet or automation with Zapier or ShipStation to record orders and tracking numbers.
Set up payment processor accounts (PayPal, Stripe) and link them to Depop.

Days 22-30: Create listings and test photos

Use sample items to photograph true, honest images. For POD or supplier images, include clear captions indicating origin.
Create 20-40 initial listings with varied price points and descriptive titles.
Set realistic dispatch windows based on supplier promises, e.g., “Ships in 3 business days. Delivery 5-10 days.”

Days 31-45: Launch marketing and fulfillment testing

Promote listings with Depop boosts and cross-post to Instagram and TikTok with clear checkout instructions.
Fulfill first 20 orders manually, tracking processing time and supplier responsiveness.
Measure KPIs: conversion rate, average order value (AOV), fulfillment time, customer satisfaction.

Days 46-60: Iterate and scale

Replace underperforming suppliers, update listings, adjust prices based on fees and conversion.
Add automation: templated messages, order batching, supplier API or integrations where possible.
Plan inventory buy-in for top sellers if margins improve (hybrid model).

Operational checklist before first sale:

Samples received and approved.
Fulfillment SLA written and supplier confirmed.
Pricing spreadsheet with fees and profit per SKU.
Returns process defined and buyer-facing policy posted.

Example numbers for a test SKU

Supplier cost: $8
Supplier shipping: $3
Depop fee (10% of $30): $3
Payment processing: $1.17
Total costs: $15.17
Selling price: $30
Gross profit: $14.83 (49%)

Best Practices:

Pricing, customer service, and scaling

Pricing strategy

Use a cost-plus model plus platform fees and marketing: Price = cost + shipping + Depop fee + payment fee + target profit.
Target a minimum net margin of 30% after fees for sustainable dropshipping; for small-ticket fashion aim for 30-50% net.
Offer bundle discounts to increase average order value (AOV): “Buy 2 tees get $5 off” increases AOV and can offset fixed fees.

Customer service and returns

Respond to messages within 24 hours; Depop buyers expect quick, friendly replies.
Provide tracking and proactively message buyers when tracking updates indicate delays.
Handle returns per your policy; negotiate with suppliers for partial refunds or replacements for quality issues.

Photos and listings that convert

Use a mix of lifestyle photos, flat lays, and close-ups for material/print details.
For dropshipped items, include a clear note like “New, shipped from supplier. See size and fabric details” to set expectations.
Use hashtags and keywords that Depop buyers use: include size, era inspiration (e.g., “90s inspired”), brand style descriptors.

Scaling tactics

Once a SKU hits steady conversion, consider buying a small inventory lot to reduce per-item cost and improve shipping speed.
Test paid traffic sparingly: Depop promotes are useful for visibility; Instagram Reels ads can drive off-platform traffic if you link to a landing page or email capture.
Monitor supplier lead times weekly; add backup suppliers for high-volume SKUs.

Metrics to track weekly

Conversion rate per listing
Average order value (AOV)
Fulfillment time from order to shipped
Net margin per SKU
Return rate and reason categories

Supplier relationship management

Negotiate for faster dispatch SLAs as volume grows (e.g., 24-48 hour fulfillment).
Request branded packing slips or custom inserts as an upsell for your buyers.
Keep a 30-day buffer in cash flow for supplier minimums or chargebacks.

Tools and Resources

Suppliers and marketplaces

Printful (print-on-demand). Pricing: base tee $8-$12, shipping $3-$7. Integrations: Shopify, Etsy but no native Depop integration; order manually. Global fulfillment centers: US, EU, UK.
Printify (print-on-demand). Pricing: base tee $7-$11, shipping similar. Multiple print providers with variable fulfillment times.
Spocket. Pricing: free plan with paid tiers $24/month for premium access. Focus on US/EU suppliers for faster shipping.
DSers. Pricing: free to $19.90/month. AliExpress order management optimized for dropshipping.
Modalyst. Pricing: free plan with marketplace products; paid plans for scale. Features curated suppliers and faster shipping options.
Alibaba/AliExpress. Supplier marketplace with low unit costs but variable shipping time.

Shipping and order automation

ShipStation. Pricing: starts at $9/month for light volume. Useful for label creation and tracking across carriers.
Easyship. Pricing: free starter, then per-label fees. Good for international shipping optimization.
AfterShip or Route. Pricing: free plan limited; add shipment tracking and insurance.

Image and listing tools

Canva. Pricing: free and Pro at $12.99/month. Use for mockups, size guides, and social posts.
Lightroom mobile. Pricing: subscription $4.99/month. Use for consistent photo editing.

Financial and accounting tools

QuickBooks Self-Employed or Wave. Pricing: Wave free; QuickBooks from $10/month. Track costs, fees, and profit by SKU.

Communication and automation

Zapier. Pricing: free tier with limited zaps; paid plans from $19.99/month. Use to connect Depop email notifications to spreadsheets or Slack.
Google Sheets. Free. Simple order and supplier tracker template recommended.

Sample pricing worksheet (use as template)

SKU name
Supplier cost
Supplier shipping
Depop listing price
Depop fee (10%)
Payment processing fee estimate
Marketing/ad spend per sale
Net profit and net margin

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Choosing far-away suppliers with slow shipping

Consequence: buyer cancellations, negative reviews, and refunds.
Avoid by prioritizing suppliers with domestic or regional warehouses and verified 2-5 day fulfillment.

Not ordering samples

Consequence: unexpected quality issues, returns, and hostile reviews.
Avoid by ordering at least one sample per SKU; test wash, fit, printing, packaging.

Misrepresenting product condition or origin

Consequence: disputes and policy violations.
Avoid by clearly labeling items as “new,” “POD,” or “ships from supplier” and listing full material info.

Ignoring fees in pricing

Consequence: selling at a loss or very slim margins.
Avoid by calculating Depop 10% fee and payment processing fees into every price. Target net margin >=30%.

Relying on a single supplier without backups

Consequence: supply disruption or sudden price increase.
Avoid by vetting 2-3 suppliers per product and documenting backup ordering procedures.

FAQ

Is Dropshipping Allowed on Depop?

Depop does not ban dropshipping outright but requires accurate item descriptions and compliance with platform rules. Always disclose product condition and shipping expectations; misrepresentation can lead to disputes or account action.

What Fees Should I Include When Pricing a Dropshipped Item on Depop?

Include Depop 10% transaction fee, payment processing fees (about 2.9% + $0.30 in the US), supplier cost, shipping, and any marketing spend. Aim for at least a 30% net margin.

How Do I Handle Returns for Dropshipped Items on Depop?

Define a clear return policy and coordinate with your supplier. For quality issues, ask the supplier for replacement or refund and offer the customer a resolution quickly. Keep documentation of all communications and return labels.

Should I Automate Orders or Enter Them Manually?

Start with manual order entry to verify supplier reliability and product quality. Automate via tools like DSers, ShipStation, or Zapier once you have consistent volume and confirmed SLAs.

Can I Sell Print-on-Demand Products on Depop?

Yes. Print-on-demand is a common dropshipping model for Depop if you disclose production origin, provide accurate sizing, and manage fulfillment times to meet buyer expectations.

How Much Should I Budget to Start Dropshipping on Depop?

Initial budget for testing: $300-$800. This covers samples ($50-$200), listing photography and editing tools ($0-$50), initial advertising boosts ($50-$200), and a small buffer for the first 20-50 orders.

Next Steps

Validate 2 product ideas using Depop search and hashtag research within 7 days.
Order samples from 2 suppliers per product and complete quality checks within 14 days.
Create 20 honest, photo-driven listings with clear shipping windows and pricing that includes all fees within 30 days.
Run a 60-day test: fulfill first 50 orders manually, track KPIs weekly, and decide whether to scale, hybridize with inventory, or pivot.

Checklist summary

Samples received and approved
Supplier SLAs documented
Price worksheet with net margin
Returns policy and buyer-facing shipping times
Tracking and communication workflow in place

Final operational reminder: be realistic with shipping time promises, protect your shop reputation with transparency, and reinvest early profits into faster fulfillment or inventory for your top sellers.

Dropshipping on Depop Guide for Sellers