I love Depop. A fantastic alternative to charity shopping, if you haven’t heard of depop it’s an app that allows you to sift through and buy second hand clothes, makeup or even shoes therefore you can curate a second hand wardrobe that suits your personal style.
Recently, I’ve been a tad too obsessed with Depop – in fact I’m pretty sure I spend a good few hours trawling through the app each week. It’s so easy to use and it’s basically like shopping on asos just with preloved goods (some of them are even new). A recent purchase of mine that I’ve been wearing a little too often is this gorgeous blue shearling coat. Slightly oversized, a vivid light blue shade but totally wearable with most things in my wardrobe. I realise the coat isn’t as apt now as it probably was a month ago due to the weather warming up but I’m probably going to wear it till the height of summer I love it that much.
You can find some incredible bargains on the app although most pieces are a tad more expensive than you’d see in a charity shop or jumble sale (plus there’s shipping of course). The aspect of Depop that has me returning time and time again is the ability to find easily the garments that I like without searching the isles of jumble sales and charity shops. You can see the person who’s selling, it’s almost a personal shopping experience that you can cater to suit your style: if you’re a seller then you can earn some money selling old clothes whilst browsing as well. 
Where to start?
- Download the app, make an account and enter your PayPal details. Purchases are done through PayPal therefore if you don’t have an account I would recommend making one. A huge top tip when buying on the app is to never pay using Paypal Friends and Family money transfer. If anything goes wrong you’re not protected therefore insist on using Depop’s instant payment or Paypal payment of goods or services. With the latter you’re still protected and your money will be held by Paypal for 21 days to ensure there’s no issues.
- There’s a search bar that allows you to search for any users or sellers (perhaps even yours truly? My username is @eleanorpritchard) or alternatively you can directly search for the product you want to buy; typing in key words such as ‘green champion jumper’ – everything that will will be pieces in your country and are instant pay (this can be changed in the settings). So if you wanted a specific item on depop it’s super easy to search.
- Most of the time, sellers will have detailed the size, fit, condition and price of the garment or product they’re selling but that shouldn’t stop you from questioning more about the product. A few days ago I bought a lovely orange t-shirt but the seller didn’t show pictures of the length, I asked and she mentioned the fit etc. (I ended up not paying for the shipping as well so it pays to enquire further). I’m not saying you need to do this every time but most of the clothes sold on the app are non refundable or returnable so it pays to know what you’re going to receive.
- Remember that it has been worn. Despite some products being ‘brand new’ most of the clothes sold on the app have been worn before so take that into consideration when buying. Most sellers have pictures of them wearing the products so that gives you an idea of how the garment might fit on you but if they don’t be aware before buying about fit (sometimes the description doesn’t fit the image). I think it can be hit or miss with buying on depop however the experiences I’ve had so far have always been positive. If the buyer has been rated by other people I would totally recommend reading the reviews – most are fair and honest so it’s a really good insight into the person you’re buying from.
After a discussion on a recent #ethicalhour chat, the issue of how clean and used the clothes are was bought up. How do you know where they come from? What are the hygiene levels of this garment? Personally, I think Depop is one of the better alternatives for buying second hand. Alongside online vintage stores such as Beyond Retro and We Are Cow, you can see who is selling the clothes and it is incredibly visual. I would discuss the downsides to Depop however it is an incredibly personal experience, some buyers might not be quick to send their products or you may be overcharged for an item (so haggling may work in your favour)!
There’s a few Depop accounts that I absolutely adore and if you’re a newbie buyer or just need some Depop inspiration I would totally recommend you having a peak at these sellers:
Liberty is the seller I bought my coat from and her Depop is rife with amazing finds that I have seen nowhere else on Depop. They’re fun, bright and her style is just gorgeous. Having bought from her before I would totally recommend, she’s a really great seller and my parcel was delivered in fab condition.
Imogen is one of the coolest accounts I follow on instagram and her Depop reflects that so much! Her style is more laidback and just exudes cool,
Fiona sells a range of pieces on her Depop and I always have to check to see what she is selling next as they’re always so lovely and varied, I found her on instagram and she is definitely worth following (@weirdmodelface).
If you’re yet to delve into the world of Depop then I hope this post might’ve swayed you to downloading the app and giving second hand a go! Second hand shopping really can cater to your own style (there are so many accounts on Depop that sell a range of different things) and I’ve now got a few unique yet totally ‘me’ pieces in my wardrobe that I know will last a long time. What are your opinions on Depop? Let me know in the comments!
eleanor //
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