People always seem surprised when I tell them that almost 50 percent of my wardrobe comes from Depop [1], but it's honestly the truth. I joined the app seven years ago, around the time that I was getting ready for my year 11 prom. I bought a red dress from Depop for £14, had it tailored, and the rest is history. Since then, my Depop finds have gotten more and more impressive, and I find myself using the app to shop more than I use any other ecommerce site.
Over the years, I've bought a Gucci [2] notebook, Vetements shirt, Saint Laurent slides, and a brand new Fiorucci T-shirt from the app that, altogether, retail at well over £2,000. I, however, spent a fraction of that price and now continue to use Depop as my go-to for finding affordable designer items. As a seasoned shopper, I must admit that there are a few ways to ensure that you get the best out of the app, and the time has come for me to share my pearls of wisdom.
So, now that you've mastered the art of selling on Depop [3], it's time to learn about the best way to buy. Read on to discover our tips and tricks for upping your preowned wardrobe game.
Follow Stylists and Creatives on Depop
If you follow any cool stylists, creative directors, or style influencers on Instagram, make sure to search for them on Depop, too. They're likely to sell designer items for a cheaper price — especially if they've just been used once on a shoot, or if they're a gifted item that the seller isn't particularly keen on.
Search For Sold-Out Items
If you're looking to buy an item on another retailer's site but it's sold out, search for it on Depop. It's pretty likely that someone else out there has managed to get it and may have missed their returns window, be open to swapping for a different size, or have worn it once and decided against keeping it. Check back regularly to make sure that you don't miss out!
Build a Relationship With Sellers
Transactions on Depop are basically business deals. Despite the app's digital-first approach, behind the profiles are real people, so treat them like it. Start a conversation with sellers by politely asking for additional details about the item, try to make the selling experience as pleasant and positive as you can, and you're more likely to get the best deal.
Try a Variation of Search Terms For One Item
When searching for an item that you've seen online or in a store, consider all the different ways that a seller may have listed it on the platform. How would they describe it? Not everyone uses an item's full name from the website, so think about other ways that you can search for the same thing. For example, if you're looking for a Fiorucci top, try searching phrases like Fiorucci top, Fiorucci T-shirt, and Fiorucci cherub top — and you're pretty much guaranteed to find what you're looking for.
Let Depop Get to Know You
The app will personalise your searches and show you items that it thinks you'll like, based on your previous searches and past shopping habits. Spend some time filling in your sizes, adding brands that you shop at (or want to shop at) regularly, and be sure to like and engage with items that catch your eye, even if you're not going to buy them right away. As with most things in life, the more you put in, the more you'll get out.