Should I Sell on Vinted or Depop?

Who Uses These Platforms? 

• Vinted operates in 15 countries with over 21 million users globally, primarily focused on the European market. 

• Depop, with a user base of over 26 million, operates in just 6 countries but is much more popular in the United States. 

Vinted attracts a more international, general audience, while Depop’s demographic is younger, especially in the fashion and influencer communities. 

 

Fees and Selling Experience on Vinted and Depop 

• Vinted is more transactional, with minimal emphasis on aesthetics. Listings don’t need to look professional, making it perfect for casual sellers aiming to clear out personal items. 

 

• Depop has a social media-style interface. The platform is ideal for small businesses and sellers who invest time in making their listings look professional. It’s more focused on the “boutique” shopping experience. 

Both platforms benefit from active seller engagement (liking, following, refreshing listings), but Depop has a more creative and organised feel, while Vinted is geared toward faster, straightforward transactions. 

Payments 

 

• On Depop, payments are processed through PayPal, and sellers receive funds immediately after a transaction. 

 

• Vinted holds payments in an escrow account until the buyer confirms receipt and approval of the item, ensuring both parties are satisfied before money changes hands. 

This makes Vinted a more secure option for both buyers and sellers, but Depop offers a quicker payout process.   

Shipping Costs 

• Vinted places shipping costs on the buyer, allowing sellers to avoid the hassle and offer items at lower prices. 

 

• Depop sellers have the flexibility to hide shipping costs by offering “free shipping” (factored into the item price) or using couriers to find cost-effective shipping solutions. 

 

Refund and Shop Policies 

• Depop allows sellers to set their own shop policies, including return rules and places the responsibility on sellers to communicate with buyers in case of issues. 

 

• Vinted has a standard buyer protection feature, which ensures buyers can return items if they arrive damaged or are not as described. Vinted also acts as an intermediary to help resolve disputes between buyers and sellers. 

 

Packaging on Vinted vs Depop

When selling on platforms like Vinted and Depop, how you package your items is critical to ensuring customer satisfaction and retention.  

Although both platforms require proper packaging to protect goods during shipping, the approach to packaging can differ based on the type of items sold and the platform’s style and audience. 

 

Platform	Best practices	Packaging suggestions
Vinted – simple and practical	– Use eco-friendly materials (recycled boxes/envelopes) – Securely wrap items in protective layers – Use lightweight packaging to keep costs low	– Recycled paper mailers for small to medium items – Cardboard boxes for bulkier shipments – Biodegradable packing peanuts or bubble wrap for fragile items
Depop – branded and aesthetic	– Incorporate branding elements (custom stickers, thank-you cards) – Reflect the shop’s style in packaging – Ensure protection while being visually appealing	– Custom poly mailers with shop branding – Eco-friendly padded mailers for delicate items – Personalised touches like handwritten notes or branded ribbon
General tips	Protect the item with appropriate padding – Choose the right size packaging – Opt for eco-friendly options – Clearly label the package	– Consider recycling materials and avoiding excessive plastic – Ensure recipient and return addresses are visible and accurate

 

By tailoring your packaging to each platform’s audience and balancing style and functionality, you can improve your selling game and leave a lasting impression on buyers. 

Vinted vs. Depop: Which Is Better for You? 

Now that you’ve reached the end of the blog, it’s time to decide which platform best suits your needs. Whether you prioritise ease of use or the ability to build your personal brand, your choice between Vinted and Depop depends on your selling style and target audience. 

And if you’re ready to start selling on either platform, Smith Packaging has you covered! We offer packaging solutions for all your items, including eco-friendly options to help you ship sustainably. 

SHOP OUR PRODUCTS  

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Is it easier to sell on Depop or Vinted? 

Both platforms have their strengths, but ease of use can depend on what you’re selling and who your target audience is. Vinted is generally easier for beginners or those looking to sell items quickly without paying fees. The platform is straightforward, and the process of listing and selling items is quick and simple. Depop may require more effort in creating appealing listings and engaging with a niche audience, but it offers more potential for branding and reaching a global market. 

Can you use PayPal on Vinted? 

No, Vinted does not support PayPal. Instead, Vinted uses its own integrated payment system where buyers pay directly through the platform. The funds are held securely by Vinted until the buyer confirms they have received the item, at which point the payment is released to the seller. This system is designed to protect both buyers and sellers, ensuring that transactions are safe and straightforward. 

How do I sell stuff on Vinted? 

To start selling on Vinted, create a free account on the app or website, then list your items with photos, descriptions, and prices. Choose your preferred shipping method, taking advantage of Vinted’s integrated shipping labels for convenience. Once your item sells, pack it securely and ship it to the buyer, considering eco-friendly packaging options like those from SmithPackaging  to enhance your sale’s sustainability. Finally, after the buyer receives and confirms the item, Vinted will release the payment to your account. It’s that simple! 

How do I get started on Depop? 

To get started selling on Depop, first download the app and sign up using your email or social media accounts. When listing items, ensure you use clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles and provide a detailed description including size, condition, and brand. Price your items competitively and select the appropriate categories. Manage your sales by processing payments through the app, packing items securely, and shipping promptly while providing tracking information if available. Make sure to familiarise yourself with Depop’s return and dispute policies and communicate professionally with buyers. Make sure to review feedback and sales data to refine your approach and enhance your selling strategy, which will help you track your performance effectively.