The Ultimate Guide to Shipping on Depop

The Ultimate Guide to Shipping on Depop

Efficient shipping is the backbone of any successful Depop business. A streamlined process not only improves buyer satisfaction and earns you those coveted 5-star reviews but also frees up your time to source, list, and grow. This guide will walk you through every aspect of Depop shipping, from choosing the right method to packaging your items like a pro.

We’ll cover Depop’s shipping options, provide tips to simplify your workflow, and explain how to manage shipping effectively to drive more sales. For resellers looking to scale their business across multiple platforms, a seamless shipping strategy is vital, and we'll show you how to master it.

Understanding Your Depop Shipping Options

Depop’s shipping system is designed to be straightforward, giving sellers control over how they ship their items. When you create a listing, you'll find a dedicated shipping section where you make several key decisions. The platform offers two primary methods: using Depop's prepaid labels for convenience or arranging your own shipping for greater flexibility.

This choice gives you the power to manage costs, select your preferred carrier, and ensure timely deliveries, all contributing to a hassle-free shopping experience for your buyers.

Ship with Depop: The Convenient Choice

The "Ship with Depop" option is ideal for sellers who want a streamlined, integrated experience. When you choose this method, Depop provides a prepaid shipping label or a QR code, making the process quick and simple without the need to calculate rates or purchase postage elsewhere.

Depop partners with USPS for its prepaid labels, using USPS Ground Advantage for qualifying packages and USPS Priority Mail for heavier orders. This integration is perfect for sellers who value convenience and protection.

Pros of Ship with Depop

• Convenience: Depop sends you a prepaid label or QR code as soon as an item sells. There’s no need to weigh and measure precisely or purchase postage separately. This saves time and reduces hassle.
• Tracking Included: Tracking is automatically included and updated within the app. You don't have to manually enter tracking numbers, and both you and the buyer can easily follow the package's journey.
• Depop Protection: When you use a Depop shipping label, you receive Depop Seller Protection. If there are issues with tracking or delivery, Depop can assist with disputes.
• Discounted Labels: Depop offers discounted rates with USPS, which can be competitive, especially for certain weights and destinations.
• Promotions: Depop occasionally runs free shipping promotions, but to participate, you must use Depop shipping labels.

Cons of Ship with Depop

• Limited Carriers: You are limited to using USPS labels provided by Depop. You cannot choose other carriers like UPS or FedEx.
• Weight Estimation Required: You must estimate the item's weight (including packaging) when listing to select the correct shipping tier. Underestimating can lead to delivery issues or extra charges.
• Potentially Higher Costs: While the rates are discounted, they may not always be the most competitive option, especially compared to what you might find using a third-party service.
• Shipping Limitations: This option is not available for items over 10 lbs or for any international orders.

Self-Shipping: The Flexible Approach

Self-shipping, also known as "shipping on your own," means you handle the entire process independently. You are responsible for choosing a carrier, purchasing a label, and providing the tracking information to Depop. This method gives you complete control over carriers, costs, and delivery methods.

This option is well-suited for sellers looking for more customization, aiming for lower costs by using alternative shipping solutions, or needing to ship items that don't qualify for Depop's labels, such as heavy items or international sales.

If you're selling on multiple platforms like Poshmark, eBay, and Mercari, managing different shipping methods can become complex. We designed our platform to simplify this process, allowing you to manage listings and sales from one central hub. See how our automation tools can give you back hours of your week by starting a free trial.

Pros of Self-Shipping

• Carrier Flexibility: You can choose any carrier you prefer, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, or others. This allows you to select the best service based on cost, speed, or package type.
• Potentially Cheaper Rates: By using third-party shipping services like Pirate Ship, you can often find more affordable rates than those offered through Depop, especially for certain package sizes and destinations.
• Full Control: You have complete control over every aspect of shipping, from the service level (e.g., Priority, First Class) to adding extra insurance.

Cons of Self-Shipping

• More Time and Effort: Self-shipping requires more work. You need to weigh and measure each parcel, purchase the label separately, and manually upload the tracking information for every single order.
• No Depop Protection: You are not covered by Depop Seller Protection. You are responsible for insuring the parcel and handling any disputes related to tracking or delivery issues yourself.
• Requires Tracking Input: You must remember to add the tracking number to the order on Depop. If you forget, the order won't show as delivered, and you will not get paid.

How to Ship on Depop: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're new to the platform or a seasoned seller, following a consistent process ensures a smooth transaction every time. Here is a breakdown of how to ship on Depop from sale to delivery.

Step 1: Prepare and Package Your Item

First, prepare your item for its journey. Use secure, protective packaging to prevent damage in transit. It’s crucial that your package is protected from both impact and the elements, so consider using water-resistant mailers. For tips on sustainable and effective packaging, see our dedicated `depop packaging` section below.

Step 2: Weigh and Measure the Package

Accurate weight and dimensions are crucial for a smooth shipping process. If you ship with Depop, you need the approximate weight to select the correct label tier when you list. If you self-ship, you need the exact weight and dimensions to purchase the correct postage. Don't guess; an inaccurate weight can lead to returned packages or additional fees.

Step 3: Generate the Shipping Label or QR Code

Your next step depends on your chosen shipping method.

If you Ship with Depop, the platform will email you a prepaid USPS label and a QR code upon sale. You can either print the label at home or take the QR code to the post office to have them print it for you. This is a great option for those without a printer.

If you Ship on Your Own, you must create and purchase your own label through your chosen carrier or a service like Pirate Ship, which is recommended for finding the best rates.

Step 4: Drop Off the Package or Schedule a Pickup

Deliver the package to your chosen carrier. You can drop it off at your nearest post office or carrier location. For added convenience, most carriers, including USPS, offer free package pickups from your home or office, which can be scheduled online.

Step 5: Provide Tracking Information

This is a critical step. If you use a `depop shipping label`, tracking is handled automatically. The platform marks the item as shipped and updates the buyer with tracking details once the package is scanned by USPS.

If you are self-shipping, you must manually enter the tracking number into the order details screen on Depop. Failing to do so means the item will not be marked as delivered, and your funds will not be released.

Step 6: Communicate with the Buyer

Good communication builds trust and encourages positive reviews. Keep your buyer updated with shipping and tracking information. A simple message to let them know their item is on the way goes a long way. Many top sellers also send a thank-you message after the sale.

Step 7: Monitor Delivery and Resolve Issues

Track the package to ensure it reaches its destination. Be prepared to quickly address any shipping issues or disputes that may arise. If you shipped with Depop, you will likely qualify for seller protection. If you shipped independently, you might consider adding insurance to your parcels for peace of mind.

Decoding Depop Shipping Costs

Depop shipping costs are influenced by several key factors. Understanding these will help you price your items and shipping accurately to maintain your profit margins.

• Package Weight: Heavier packages incur higher fees. Depop categorizes its prepaid labels based on weight tiers, with rates increasing as the package gets heavier.
• Package Dimensions: Size matters, especially for larger items. Carriers often use dimensional weight pricing, which considers both size and weight to calculate fees.
• Shipping Zones: The distance between your location and the buyer's address impacts the cost. Shipping across the country costs more than shipping locally.
• Domestic vs. International: Shipping within the United States is less expensive than international shipping, which can involve customs fees and longer delivery times.
• Carrier Choice: Different carriers offer varying rates. Depop partners with USPS for its labels. If you self-ship, comparing rates from UPS, FedEx, and USPS can help you find the most cost-effective option.

Depop Shipping Rates (as of March 2025)

When you choose to ship with Depop, you select a label tier based on your item's weight. These rates are for shipping to any United States territory.

Note: This information is sourced from the Depop Help Center. Rates are subject to change.

The Free Shipping Dilemma

One of the biggest strategic decisions a Depop seller faces is whether to offer free shipping. According to Depop, sellers who offer free shipping are 10% more likely to make a sale. It’s a powerful incentive for buyers.

Many sellers build the shipping cost into their item price, allowing them to offer "free" shipping without taking a major hit to their profits. This can make an item more appealing to buyers who dislike seeing an extra shipping charge at checkout.

However, offering free shipping isn’t always feasible. For lower-priced items, the shipping cost can completely erase your profit margin. It tends to be more manageable for higher-value items where the cost can be absorbed more easily. Ultimately, it’s a balance between appealing to buyers and maintaining your profitability. If you can make it work, it's a great sales tool. If not, plenty of sellers run successful shops with standard shipping rates.

For sellers managing inventory across platforms like Depop and Poshmark, offering different shipping promotions can be a headache. Our platform helps you manage your listings in bulk, so you can easily update pricing and shipping rules across all your stores at once. Try our free trial to see how much time you can save.

The Ultimate Guide to Depop Packaging

Your `depop packaging` is the first physical impression a buyer has of your shop. With a community of eco-conscious users, sustainable and thoughtful packaging can set you apart.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Tips

• Reuse and Recycle: Keep boxes and mailers from your own purchases. Just be sure to remove or completely cover old labels. You can add a personal touch with stamps or branded stickers.
• Choose Sustainable Materials: If you buy new packaging, opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable options. Use recycled cardboard for sturdy items like shoes and paper-based mailers that are easy to recycle.
• Eco-Friendly Filler: Ask friends and family to save bubble wrap for you, or choose biodegradable alternatives like paper-based fillers.
• Use Paper Tape: Switch from plastic to paper tape to make your entire package recyclable.
• Depop x EcoEnclose: In the US, Depop has partnered with EcoEnclose to offer branded, eco-friendly packaging made from 100% recycled and water-resistant materials.

What to Avoid

Most Depop users are not looking for wasteful "extras." Things like excessive tissue paper, bows, or freebie gifts that aren't useful can be seen as wasteful. A simple, personal thank-you message in the Depop app is often more appreciated and is much more sustainable. Also, avoid reusing flimsy or unsuitable packaging like supermarket bags; always use packaging intended for shipping.

Shipping Internationally on Depop

Expanding your shop to international buyers can significantly boost your exposure and sales. With Depop active in over 150 countries, there is a huge market for your items, especially American vintage pieces.

Only 19% of Depop users are in the United States. If you don't opt into international shipping, you are missing out on 81% of the global Depop audience. Global shipping on Depop is easy, but you must opt-in for each listing.

How to Offer International Shipping

On each listing form, you must toggle "on" international shipping and enter a shipping price in the international field. Putting "DM for international shipping" in your bio is not enough and will reduce your visibility, as many international buyers won't even see your listings.

Depop does not offer international shipping labels, so you must use the self-ship option for all global sales. International shipping can be costly, so it's important to be strategic. Using a service like Pirate Ship’s Simple Export feature is a great way to find competitive rates and simplify customs requirements. If you're unsure what price to enter, the rates from PirateShip Simple Export are a good starting point.

Depop vs. Poshmark Shipping: A Quick Comparison

Many resellers sell on both Depop and Poshmark. Understanding their different shipping models is key to maximizing your success on each.

Poshmark offers simple, flat-rate shipping. They provide a prepaid USPS Priority Mail label for all orders, with the cost typically paid by the buyer. This is incredibly simple for sellers but can be a deterrent for buyers of small, lightweight items due to the high flat fee. It's great for bulky items over one pound.

Depop, in contrast, offers flexible and international shipping options. This gives you, the seller, more control over carriers and pricing but also requires more management. This flexibility is a major advantage, especially for international sales and for sellers who want to find the most cost-effective shipping for each item.

Scale Your Resale Business with Reeva

Juggling shipping methods, managing inventory across multiple platforms, and finding time to grow your business can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Our platform is an all-in-one solution designed to help resale businesses simplify selling, automate tasks, and scale with ease.

Sellers using our platform have seen incredible results. Nuzzydeals experienced a 7x increase in sales, while Vintage Vault increased their items sold by 372% in just three weeks. This is possible because we help you get your time back.

How We Help You Sell Smarter and Faster

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Conclusion: Master Your Depop Shipping Strategy

Mastering `depop shipping` is a crucial step toward building a thriving resale business. By understanding the differences between shipping with Depop and self-shipping, you can choose the method that best fits your items, budget, and workflow.

Remember to package your items securely and sustainably, weigh them accurately, and always use tracked shipping. Don't be afraid to expand to international markets to reach a much larger audience. By optimizing your shipping practices, you’ll enhance buyer satisfaction, earn better reviews, and drive more sales.

As you scale your business, tools that automate and simplify your processes become invaluable. We are built to help resellers like you grow by saving you time on listing, inventory management, and administrative tasks. You can focus on sourcing great products while we handle the rest.

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