How to Sell Internationally from the US on Depop

How to Sell Internationally from the US on Depop

Expanding your Depop shop to a global audience is one of the most effective ways to grow your resale business. By selling internationally, you open your closet to millions of potential buyers, moving beyond the limitations of a single market. However, for many US-based sellers, the idea of international shipping can feel overwhelming.

Concerns about high costs, complex customs forms, and the potential for lost packages are valid. But with the right strategy and tools, selling internationally on Depop can be a straightforward and highly profitable part of your business.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from setting up your listings for worldwide sales to navigating the logistics of shipping from the US. We'll cover best practices, Depop's official requirements, and how to use tools to simplify the entire workflow.

How to Set Up International Shipping on Depop

The first step to reaching a global market is enabling worldwide shipping on your listings. Depop makes this initial setup process simple.

To enable international shipping, you first need to create a listing for your item. As you fill out the details, scroll down to the shipping section where you will find an option for “worldwide” shipping.

Simply toggle this option to “on.” This signals to buyers across the globe that you’re willing to ship to them.

Estimating Your Worldwide Shipping Price

Once you’ve enabled worldwide shipping, you’ll need to input a shipping price. This can be tricky since you don't know the item's final destination yet. International shipping costs can be significant and vary greatly depending on the package weight and destination country.

At this stage, Depop advises sellers to make an estimate. This estimate should be based on the size and weight of the item. You also need to factor in the potential distance the item will travel.

It’s important to find a balance. If you set the price too high, you might deter potential buyers. If you set it too low, you could end up losing money on the sale. A common strategy, which we'll explore next, involves asking buyers to message you for a precise quote before they purchase.

Depop International Shipping from US: A Practical Guide

Once you have your listings set up for worldwide sales, you need a reliable process for calculating costs and shipping orders. Relying on the post office for every quote is time-consuming and often more expensive.

Many successful US sellers use third-party shipping services to save time and money. Based on a popular guide from Depop seller sweetkittybby, here is a step-by-step method using the service Pirateship.com.

Step 1: Ask Buyers to Message You for a Quote

To avoid undercharging for shipping, it’s a smart practice to ask international buyers to contact you before hitting the "buy" button. You can add a note to your item descriptions like, "International buyers, please message me for a shipping estimate!"

This simple step ensures you can calculate the exact postage required for their specific location. It allows you to weigh the exact items the buyer wishes to purchase, leading to a much more accurate shipping price for both you and your customer.

Step 2: Weigh and Prepare the Package

When a potential international buyer messages you, your first task is to get an accurate weight for the shipment. Gather all the items the buyer wants to purchase.

Next, place them in the packaging you will use to ship them. Using poly mailers or bubble mailers is almost always cheaper than using a box for international shipping. Once packaged, weigh the parcel.

A crucial tip is to always round up the weight to the next ounce or pound. This provides a small buffer to avoid any unexpected charges for being slightly overweight.

Step 3: Use Pirateship.com to Get Shipping Rates

Pirateship.com is a free-to-join service that offers significant discounts on USPS international shipping. It's a go-to tool for many US-based resellers.

To get a quote, navigate to the "rate" tab on the Pirateship.com website. Here, you will input the necessary details:

• Destination Country: Enter the country the package is going to.
• Package Type: Select the type of packaging, such as a poly mailer.
• Package Weight: Input the rounded-up weight you measured in the previous step.

After you enter the information, Pirateship.com will display multiple international shipping options and their corresponding rates. The service provides a good range of international shipping services, allowing you to choose what works best.

Most sellers, including sweetkittybby, recommend choosing the cheapest available option to make the purchase more attractive for the buyer.

Step 4: Communicate with the Buyer and Update the Listing

With the shipping rate in hand, message the buyer back with the estimate. Ask them if the quoted shipping price works for them.

If they agree, you can proceed to update the item listing on Depop. Edit the listing to include the correct international shipping price you just calculated. Once updated, let the buyer know they can now purchase the item.

Step 5: Purchase Postage and Ship the Item

After the buyer has purchased the item, return to Pirateship.com to buy the postage. The platform makes this easy by allowing you to copy and paste the buyer’s address directly from the Depop receipt for autofill.

For international shipments, Pirateship.com will ask a few extra questions for the customs declaration, similar to what you’d be asked at the post office. Answer these questions honestly.

Once you purchase the postage, you can print the label. You can use a thermal printer like a Rollo printer or a regular desktop printer. Affix the label to your package and it's ready to be shipped.

Why Use a Tool Like Pirateship.com?

Using a dedicated shipping platform comes with numerous benefits that simplify the process of selling internationally on Depop:

• Free to Join: There is no subscription fee to use the service.
• Discounts: It offers good discounts on USPS shipping for international shipments.
• Easy Payment: You can attach a credit card and buy postage easily online, skipping trips to the post office.
• Error Correction: If you accidentally underestimate the weight, Pirateship.com will auto-charge your card for the difference instead of returning the package.
• Simple Refunds: If you need to cancel a shipment, you can easily refund the postage directly on the website, as long as the item has not been mailed. The refund goes back to your credit card.
• Easy Tracking Integration: The platform allows you to easily copy the international tracking number to add back into the "mark shipped" section on your Depop sales receipt.
• Data and Analytics: It shows you all your data related to international shipping, including how many packages you've sent and to how many different places.
• Shipment Dashboard: It displays all your international packages in order and marks their status as 'Purchased', 'Printed', 'Ready to Ship', 'In Transit', or 'Delivered'.
• Dispute Protection: The platform provides proof of international postage, which is invaluable if you ever get into a dispute with a buyer.

Managing logistics efficiently is key to growth. For resellers looking to not just manage but scale their business across Depop, Poshmark, and more, a comprehensive solution is necessary. Our platform is designed to streamline these tedious tasks, giving you back time to focus on sourcing and selling. Ready to see how? Start your free trial today.

Best Practices for Selling Internationally on Depop

Beyond the technical steps of calculating costs and printing labels, succeeding with international sales requires excellent customer service and adherence to best practices. Following these tips will help ensure a smooth transaction and a happy customer.

Package Securely

Your item is about to go on a long journey. Always package your items securely in an appropriate box or shipping envelope for international shipments. Proper packaging protects the item from damage and ensures it arrives in the condition the buyer expects.

Communicate Proactively

Good communication is vital. After a sale, send the buyer a message to thank them and let them know when you plan to ship their order. This builds trust and manages their expectations.

Be sure to pass on any updates you receive regarding the item's planned delivery. This proactive approach reduces the need for the buyer to chase you for information on their order's status.

Ship Promptly with Tracking

Always ship international items as soon as possible using tracked shipping. Tracking is non-negotiable for international sales; it protects both you and the buyer. Depop requires sellers to send items tracked to maintain seller protection.

After shipping, add the tracking number to the sales receipt in Depop by tapping 'Mark as shipped' and entering the shipping details. Let the buyer know that their item is on its way.

Keep Proof of Shipping

Always keep your proof of shipping until the item has been safely delivered to the buyer. This documentation is your evidence that you fulfilled your end of the transaction and is essential for resolving any potential disputes.

Handle Parcel Information Correctly

Fill in any required parcel information for customs. This includes adding any necessary tax codes, such as an IOSS number for shipments to the EU. If a phone number or email is required for the parcel, Depop recommends using your own details to avoid asking the buyer for personal information, which could lead to account suspension.

Manage Problems Professionally

If something goes wrong with an international shipment, the first step is to reach out to your shipping provider for an update. If needed, open a claim with the shipping provider directly.

Throughout this process, keep the buyer in the loop. Let them know what's happening and what steps you're taking. If the item is held at customs or a local depot, make sure the buyer is aware that it may need to be collected.

If you need further help, you can always contact Depop Support for advice.

Understanding Depop's International Shipping Requirements for Sellers

When you sell on Depop, you agree to follow their rules, which are designed to protect both buyers and sellers. It's crucial to understand your responsibilities as a seller, especially when dealing with international orders.

Fulfilling the Order

When you make a sale, it is always your responsibility to fulfil the order and ship it on time. This includes securely packaging the item in an appropriate box or shipping envelope.

Sellers located outside the UK or US can use their preferred method to ship items to buyers anywhere in the world, but the core responsibilities remain the same.

The Importance of Tracking and Proof of Postage

Depop is clear on this: it is always the seller's responsibility to send items tracked and to keep proof of postage. This is the primary way to protect yourself in case of a dispute. Without tracking, you cannot prove the item was delivered, which will void your Depop Protection.

Handling Incorrect Addresses

Occasionally, a buyer may realize they entered the wrong shipping address. If a buyer provides an incorrect address or asks you to send the item to a different address than the one on the sales receipt, you must handle it correctly to stay protected.

Do not send the item to the different address. Doing so will void your Depop Protection. The correct procedure is to refund the buyer in full. Then, ask them to update their address within the Depop app. Once their address is corrected, you can re-list the item so they can purchase it again with the right information.

How to Scale Your International Depop Business with Reeva

Following the steps above will get you started with selling internationally on Depop. But as your business grows, the time spent on manual tasks—calculating shipping for every inquiry, updating individual listings, and managing sales across different platforms—adds up quickly.

This is where our platform comes in. We designed Reeva to simplify and automate the entire resale process, giving you back valuable time to focus on growth. For sellers looking to scale on Depop, Poshmark, eBay, and more, our tools are a game-changer.

Sell Smarter and Faster, Not Harder

The single biggest drain on a reseller's time is creating listings. We help you turn photos into complete listings instantly. Just upload your photos, and our AI will help create optimized titles, detailed descriptions, and suggested prices.

As FabFam, a reseller from Washington, notes, "Reeva has cut my listing time by more than half. I can take photos, voice-to-text my details, and let Reeva handle the rest." By the time you've put an item away, the listing is nearly ready to go live.

Our platform also lets you list everywhere with one click. You can publish your items to all your marketplaces, including Depop, Poshmark, Mercari, and eBay, without endlessly switching between tabs. This multi-store support helps you reach more buyers effortlessly.

Automate to Accelerate Growth

Automation is the key to scaling efficiently. Our platform offers powerful automation tools designed for resellers. A critical feature for anyone selling on multiple sites is the ability to instantly delist sold items to prevent overselling.

Imagine you sell an item on eBay while an international Depop buyer is waiting for a shipping quote. Our system automatically removes that item from your other stores, preventing a potential sale of an item you no longer have. AlistairBP from Georgia says, "The feature I use 100% the most—and couldn't live without—is the AUTO-DELIST feature."

You can also automatically share products on Poshmark, send personalized offers to buyers, and relist stale products to keep them fresh in search results, all without lifting a finger.

Are you ready to stop worrying about overselling and start automating your success? See how our platform works with a free demo.

Manage Your Business Like a Pro

Growth brings complexity. Managing hundreds of listings, tracking sales, and understanding your profitability become significant challenges. We provide the management tools you need to scale with ease.

You can update and manage hundreds of listings in bulk. This is especially useful for international sellers who may need to adjust shipping policies or prices across their entire inventory. Track your sales and profits with our powerful business analytics to see which platforms and products are performing best.

As your business expands, you can even give team members access with multi-user account options. TUFFNY, a reseller from New York, explains the impact: "I've cut down my admin time by at least 30%, which has allowed me to source more products and expand my offerings."

Full-Service Accounting for Global Sales

Bookkeeping for a resale business can be a headache, especially with the added complexity of international fees and currency conversions. Our platform includes full-service accounting tools to make it easy.

Connect your bank accounts to automatically record transactions, expenses, and marketplace fees. You can upload photos of receipts for seamless record-keeping and generate clear profit and loss reports to make smarter business decisions. As PCT Vintage Finds from Florida puts it, "No more spreadsheets. My bookkeeping is now all automated thanks to Reeva accounting."

Conclusion: Your Gateway to Global Sales

Selling internationally on Depop is an incredible opportunity for US resellers to grow their brand and increase sales. While it may seem complex at first, the process is manageable with the right approach.

By enabling worldwide shipping, using tools like Pirateship.com to accurately calculate costs, and following Depop's best practices for communication and fulfillment, you can confidently serve a global customer base. Remember to always ship with tracking, keep proof of postage, and handle any issues professionally to protect your business.

As you grow, manual processes will hold you back. To truly scale your resale business, you need to work smarter, not harder. Our all-in-one platform is built to help you do just that, automating tedious tasks like listing creation, cross-platform management, and accounting, so you can focus on what you do best: sourcing and selling.

Ready to take your resale business to the next level? Start your free 7-day trial of Reeva today and see how easy it is to grow.