Depop Shipping: A Guide to Prices, Options, and Best Practices

Depop Shipping Explained: A Complete Guide for Sellers

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Selling on Depop is an exciting way to clear out your closet, embrace circular fashion, and make some extra cash. But once you’ve made a sale, one crucial step stands between you and a happy customer: shipping. Getting your shipping process right is key to earning great reviews and building a successful shop.

Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just listing your first item, navigating the world of postage can seem daunting. From choosing the right method to understanding costs and printing labels, there’s a lot to consider. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Depop shipping, making the process simple, clear, and stress-free.

Table of Contents

How Does Depop Shipping Work?: The Two Main Options

When you list an item, Depop gives you two primary ways to handle postage. Understanding the difference is the first step to mastering your shipping strategy.

  1. Ship with Depop: This is Depop’s integrated shipping solution. When you make a sale, Depop provides you with a prepaid and pre-addressed shipping label through one of its partners. This option is designed to be as hassle-free as possible.
  2. Arrange Your Own Shipping: This method gives you the flexibility to choose your own courier and service. You are responsible for buying postage, adding tracking information to the app, and managing the entire process yourself.

The choice between them often comes down to a balance of convenience versus control. We’ll explore should i use depop shipping or my own in more detail below.

Option 1: Using ‘Ship with Depop’ for Ultimate Convenience

For most sellers, especially those in the US, UK, and Australia, using the integrated depop shipping option is the simplest and most secure choice. It streamlines the process and offers valuable protections.

Here’s how does depop shipping label work: when you sell an item, the buyer pays for shipping at checkout, and Depop emails you a label (or a QR code) to send the package. It’s that easy.

Benefits of Using ‘Ship with Depop’:

  • Seller Protection: Sales shipped with an official Depop label are eligible for Depop Protection. If an item is lost or damaged in transit, you can be compensated (up to certain limits) as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Automatic Tracking: The tracking information is automatically updated in the app for you and the buyer, so there’s no need to manually enter numbers.
  • Convenience: Does depop provide shipping labels? Yes, it does. You don’t need to weigh items precisely beforehand or calculate postage. Just select a parcel size when listing, and you’ll get a depop prepaid shipping label ready to go.
  • No Printer Needed (in most cases): Depop provides a QR code that you can have scanned at the drop-off location, where they will print the depop shipping label for you.

What Shipping Service Does Depop Use?

The courier Depop partners with depends on your location:

  • In the United States: Depop uses USPS.
  • In the United Kingdom: Depop uses Evri.
  • In Australia: Depop uses Sendle.

If you choose to use the "Ship with Depop" option, you must use the label provided. Using a different shipping method after selecting this option will void your seller protection and could lead to the order being canceled.

Option 2: Arranging Your Own Shipping

While "Ship with Depop" is convenient, some sellers prefer to manage their own postage. This might be because they have access to cheaper rates through other services or want to use a specific courier. If you’re wondering how to ship on depop with your own shipping, the process is straightforward but requires more hands-on management.

Key Responsibilities When Arranging Your Own Shipping:

  • You Must Use Tracked Shipping: To protect yourself in case of a dispute (e.g., a buyer claiming an item never arrived), you must use a depop tracked shipping service. Keep your proof of postage receipt until the transaction is complete.
  • Manually Update the Order: After you ship the item, you must go into your sales receipt in the app and mark the item as shipped, adding the valid tracking number. Forgetting this step can lead to the order being automatically canceled and the buyer refunded.
  • Calculate Your Own Costs: You are responsible for setting the correct shipping price on your listings. This means you’ll need to estimate the cost based on the item’s weight, size, and potential destination.

Many sellers who arrange their own shipping use services that can offer competitive rates. For instance, using pirate ship depop is a popular third-party choice for US sellers to purchase USPS labels, often at a lower cost than buying directly at the post office. This falls under the "arrange your own shipping" category, so you’re still responsible for adding the tracking info to Depop.

So, ship with depop or own shipping? If you value convenience and the built-in protection, "Ship with Depop" is the clear winner. If you’re confident you can find better rates and are diligent about tracking, arranging your own may save you money.

A Breakdown of Depop Shipping Prices and Costs

One of the most common questions from sellers is, how much is shipping on depop? The cost depends on your location, the shipping method you choose, and the size and weight of your item.

When using "Ship with Depop," you select a parcel size when creating your listing. These sizes correspond to different weight brackets and fixed prices.

Here’s a general overview of the depop shipping options and pricing structure. (Note: Prices are subject to change, so always check the latest rates in the app).

  • United States (USPS):

    • Extra Small: For items under 4 oz.
    • Small: For items under 8 oz.
    • Medium: For items under 1 lb.
    • Large: For items under 2 lbs.
    • Extra Large: For items up to 10 lbs.

  • United Kingdom (Evri):

    • Small: For items under 1 kg.
    • Medium: For items under 2 kg.
    • Large: For items under 5 kg.

  • Australia (Sendle):

    • Extra Small: 250g
    • Small: 500g
    • Medium: <1kg
    • Large: <3kg
    • Extra Large: <5kg

These depop shipping sizes and their corresponding depop shipping prices are displayed when you create a listing, making it easy to select the right one. For example, the depop small shipping price is a set rate for items within that weight class. The buyer pays this amount at checkout.

How to Handle Depop International Shipping

Selling to buyers worldwide is a fantastic way to expand your customer base. When listing an item, you can enable worldwide shipping and set a price.

Key things to know about international shipping:

  • Seller Responsibility: It is always the seller’s responsibility to handle customs and ensure the package complies with the destination country’s laws. The buyer is generally responsible for paying any customs duties or import taxes upon delivery.
  • Tax Numbers (IOSS/VAT): For sales to the EU and UK below a certain value (€150 and £135, respectively), Depop collects VAT at checkout. As a seller, you must include Depop’s tax number (like the IOSS number for the EU) on your package or provide it electronically to your courier. This number is found in your sales receipt and prevents the buyer from being charged tax twice.
  • Calculating Costs: The depop international shipping cost can vary significantly. You’ll need to estimate this cost when listing, factoring in weight, size, and destination. Always use a tracked international service.

Packaging Your Depop Orders Like a Pro

How you package your items says a lot about your shop. Good depop packaging ensures your item arrives safely and leaves a great impression.

  • Reuse and Recycle: You don’t need to buy fancy new mailers. Reusing packaging from your own online orders is eco-friendly and saves money. Just make sure to remove or cover any old labels.
  • Eco-Friendly Options: For US sellers, Depop has partnered with EcoEnclose to offer sustainable, Depop-branded packaging made from recycled materials.
  • Secure Your Items: Use an appropriately sized package to prevent the item from moving around too much. For fragile items, add extra padding.
  • Personal Touches: While not required, adding a small thank-you note can be a nice touch that encourages buyers to leave a positive review.

Shipping Special Orders: Bundles and Free Shipping

As your shop grows, you’ll encounter special shipping scenarios like bundles and free shipping promotions.

Depop Bundle Shipping

Bundles are when a buyer purchases multiple items from your shop in a single transaction. If you use "Ship with Depop" in the US or UK, the system handles this automatically.

  • Automatic Label Sizing: Depop will generate a single shipping label for the entire bundle and automatically calculate the correct size based on the combined weight of the items. For example, if a buyer bundles two "small" items, you might receive one "medium" label.
  • Ship Together: Remember to ship all items in one package using the single label provided.

Depop Free Shipping

Offering depop free shipping can be a great way to attract buyers. You can enable this on individual listings or offer depop free shipping on bundles. When you offer free shipping, you are responsible for covering the postage cost. The price of your item should be set to account for this expense.

You can manage your bundle settings in your shop’s shipping preferences to automatically apply free shipping when a buyer adds multiple items to their bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to ship on Depop?
First, choose your shipping method in your shop settings: "Ship with Depop" or arrange your own. After a sale, package the item securely. If using Depop’s service, download the provided label or QR code. If shipping on your own, purchase a tracked label from your chosen courier. Drop the package off and, if you arranged your own shipping, be sure to add the tracking number to the in-app receipt.

Who pays for shipping on Depop?
Typically, does the buyer pay for shipping on depop is a yes. The shipping cost you set in the listing is added to the item price at checkout, and the buyer pays the total amount. However, you can choose to offer free shipping, in which case you, the seller, cover the cost.

How to get shipping label from Depop?
If you use "Ship with Depop," the label is automatically generated after a sale. You can find it in your email confirmation, or within the app by going to your "Sold Items" receipt and tapping the option to view the shipping label. This will give you both a printable label and a QR code for in-store printing.

How much does Depop charge for shipping?
Depop itself doesn’t charge for shipping; the cost is determined by the carrier (USPS, Evri, Sendle) and the size/weight of the package. As a seller, you select a parcel size from the options provided in the listing, and the buyer pays that fixed price. These depop shipping rates are designed to be competitive.

How to ship with Depop?
"How to ship with Depop" refers to using their integrated service. Simply select "Ship with Depop" in your shipping settings. When you make a sale, you’ll receive a prepaid label. Package your item, attach the label (or use the QR code at a drop-off point), and send it off. Tracking updates automatically.

How long does Depop shipping take?
The depop shipping time depends on the carrier and the distance the package is traveling. Most sellers are encouraged to ship within a few days of a sale. Once shipped, domestic deliveries typically take 2-5 business days. International shipping will take longer.

What to ship Depop orders in?
You can ship orders in any suitable packaging, such as poly mailers, padded envelopes, or cardboard boxes. Reusing old packaging is a great, sustainable option. For US sellers, Depop also partners with EcoEnclose for eco-friendly mailers. The most important thing is that the packaging is secure and protects the item during transit.

Why is Depop shipping so expensive?
While some users may perceive the costs as high, depop shipping costs for their integrated service include the convenience of a prepaid label, automatic tracking, and eligibility for Seller Protection. These features provide security and ease of use that may not be reflected in the base price of other shipping options.

Cheapest way to ship on Depop?
The cheapest way to ship on depop can vary. For very light items, "Ship with Depop" often offers competitive rates (e.g., the Extra Small category in the US). For heavier items, arranging your own shipping through a third-party service like Pirate Ship might be cheaper. It’s best to compare the "Ship with Depop" rates with what you can find on your own to determine the most cost-effective method for each item.