Depop stores seem to have an endless supply of amazing stock, but where are they getting it from? I’ve done the work for you and scoured the internet, Reddit forums, watched YouTube videos and interview my sister who is a professional reseller, to find out just exactly where Depop sellers find their stuff to sell!
If you’re keen to start selling on Deopop, then you’re probably going to want to start with either method one or three, but as you grow your side hustle then you can scale up and try other ways too!
Scroll down for my two bonus tips on Depop sourcing, they might be the best two tips!
Where Do Depop Sellers Buy Their Clothes?
There are a few main ways Depop entrepreneurs find stock, and we’re going to go over them here.
- Second-Hand Stores
- Estate Sales And Auctions
- Online Marketplaces
- Networking And Personal Connections
- Garage Sales, Car Boot Sales And Craft Markets
Ready to learn more? Let’s go.
1. Second-Hand Stores Or Charity Shops
Thrifting is a term used to describe the act of browsing through secondhand stores or flea markets to find vintage pieces. It’s probably going to be the best way to get started if you’re new to reselling and are looking for a way to find stock. It’s a popular method for Depop sellers to acquire their stock for a few reasons. First, second-hand stores often have a wide selection of items from different eras at affordable prices. Second, many thrift stores have a constantly rotating inventory, so there’s always something new to discover.
To effectively thrift for vintage pieces, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. Do some research on the different styles and trends from different eras to help narrow down your search. It’s also important to have patience and be willing to dig through racks and shelves to find hidden gems.
Now, a good tip for finding the best stock is to head to affluent neighbourhoods, the quality of clothing will be much higher.
Just a few weeks ago, I found a pair of Lululemon leggings for £8.00 and a pair of GRLFRND jeans for £5.00 worth about £150.00 in a fancy neighbourhood in London. How crazy is that!
If you’re based in the countryside (like my sister, who lives in Shropshire) then you might want to plan out days around sourcing. Head to your nearest big city with a preplanned list of all the charity shops you want to check out!
2. Estate Sales and Auctions
Estate sales and auctions are another popular way for more professional Depop sellers to get stock. Estate sales are typically held when someone passes away and their belongings are sold, while auctions involve bidding on items that are up for sale.
One advantage of estate sales and auctions is that they often offer a wider selection of high-quality vintage items compared to thrift stores. Additionally, vintage sellers can find hidden gems at these events that aren’t available elsewhere.
To navigate estate sales and auctions effectively, it’s important to arrive early and be prepared to negotiate prices. It’s also helpful to do some research on the items you’re interested in beforehand to ensure you’re getting a fair price.
As this method is a bit more complex, it might be best to steer clear until you’ve got more experience in the world of reselling.
Related: 10 Reselling Business Ideas & Opportunities
3. Online Marketplaces
The rise of online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy has revolutionized the way vintage sellers source their stock. These platforms offer a global marketplace for vintage items, making it easier for vintage sellers to find unique pieces from all over the world.
One advantage of online marketplaces is that vintage sellers can search for specific items or styles, making it easier to find exactly what they’re looking for. Additionally, many online marketplaces have a rating system, which can help buyers feel more confident in their purchases.
To effectively search for vintage items on online marketplaces, it’s important to use specific keywords and filters to narrow down your search. It’s also important to read reviews and check the seller’s ratings before making a purchase.
If you’re based rurally, then sourcing your stock online could be a real game-changer! You can find hidden gems or pieces that you could rework, repair and resell online without having to leave your home. Don’t limit yourself to Etsy or Ebay either, why not look at Depop itself, Vinted or Poshmark.
Reworked Vintage Depop stores are huge and a great way to carve out a niche for yourself.
4. Networking and Personal Connections
Networking and personal connections can be valuable resource for Depoppers. Building relationships with collectors, other vintage sellers, and even the families of estate sales can lead to unique sourcing opportunities and insider knowledge.
Attending vintage fairs and events is a great way to connect with other vintage enthusiasts and sellers. Joining vintage groups on social media platforms can also be helpful in building connections. A good way to grow your network is by focusing on gaining followers on Depop.
To effectively network and build connections in the vintage community, it’s important to be genuine and approachable. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with other vintage enthusiasts and sellers, and be open to sharing your own knowledge and experiences.
5. Carboot Sales, Garage Sales & Craft Markets
Finally, one of the most common ways Depop sellers find stock is through attending local car boot sales, garage sales, and craft markets.
Made famous by Gary Vee, this is a surefire way to source some decent stock for your Depop Store! Your best bet is to make sure you turn up early! Professional resellers often arrive early to these events in order to get the first pick of the available items. They may bring along a checklist of specific items they are seeking or simply browse each stall in search of hidden treasures.
Networking and building personal connections with other vendors at these events can also be beneficial for sourcing new stock. Sellers may share tips on upcoming sales or refer each other to sources where they have had success finding vintage goods.
Attending these types of events requires some flexibility and patience as not every sale will yield fruitful results. However, by consistently attending them over time, vintage sellers can establish relationships with regular vendors who may offer special deals or notify them when rare items become available.
Overall, car boot sales, garage sales, and craft markets remain popular among vintage sellers as a cost-effective way to acquire unique and interesting pieces for their inventory.
Bonus Tips
But hold up, I’m not done yet….ready for my bonus tips? You know that you don’t always have to sell second-hand on Depop right?
Can you sell handmade on Depop?
Yes. Depop’s marketplace welcomes all types of unique and creative items, including handmade clothing, art pieces, and more. In fact, selling handcrafted goods can be a great way to stand out in the crowded world of online marketplaces.
However, it’s important to note that there are some guidelines for selling handmade items on Depop. For example, sellers must clearly state in their listings that the item is handmade and disclose any relevant information about the materials used or construction techniques employed. Additionally, sellers should provide high-quality photos and accurate descriptions to help potential buyers understand exactly what they’re purchasing.
Ultimately, whether you choose to sell vintage finds or your own handmade creations on Depop (or both!) depends on your personal style and business goals. But rest assured that no matter what type of items you’re offering up for sale on this popular platform, there is sure to be an eager audience waiting to discover them.
Can you sell wholesale on Depop?
The answer is yes – Depop allows sellers to list and sell items in bulk at a discounted price. However, it’s important to note that selling wholesale on Depop does come with some limitations.
Firstly, sellers must have a verified account and be approved by the Depop team before they can start selling wholesale. This process involves submitting information about your business and providing proof of address and identification.
Once approved, you can list your items as “wholesale” under the category section of your item listing. It’s recommended to include details about minimum order quantities, pricing discounts, and any other relevant information in your item description.
However, there are some restrictions when it comes to shipping options for wholesale orders on Depop. Sellers cannot use the standard shipping label provided by the platform for these orders – instead, they will need to arrange their own shipping method or work out a custom rate with the buyer.
Overall, selling wholesale on Depop can be a great way to move large amounts of inventory quickly while offering buyers an attractive discount. As long as you follow the guidelines set forth by Depop and provide clear communication with your buyers regarding shipping expectations, this option could potentially boost sales for vintage sellers looking to expand their reach and boost their payments!
Final Tips
From thrifting to estate sales to online marketplaces to networking, each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so try them all and explore different options to discover the best sourcing method for YOU!
