Choosing the right online marketplace is one of the most critical decisions for any creative entrepreneur or reseller. Two of the biggest names in the game are Depop and Etsy, but they cater to vastly different audiences and product types. Making the right choice can mean the difference between crickets and a thriving business. So, in the ultimate showdown of depop vs etsy, which platform should you choose?

This comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know about selling on these two powerhouse platforms. We'll compare their audiences, fee structures, product categories, and overall vibe to help you decide is it better to sell on etsy or depop for your unique brand.

Table of Contents

An Introduction to Each Platform

Before we dive deep into the comparison, let's get a clear picture of what each platform stands for. While they might seem similar on the surface, their core missions are distinct.

What is Etsy?

Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. Its mission is to "Keep Commerce Human" by providing a platform for millions of independent sellers to sell their handmade items, vintage treasures (at least 20 years old), and craft supplies. When you shop on Etsy, you're not buying from a faceless corporation but directly from a creative entrepreneur who manages their own inventory and orders. The platform empowers artists, crafters, and curators to turn their creative passions into successful businesses with a suite of powerful tools and educational resources.

What is Depop?

Depop is a mobile-first, social marketplace primarily focused on fashion. It has a distinct streetwear, vintage, and Y2K aesthetic, making it incredibly popular with Gen Z and millennial audiences. The platform functions like a hybrid of a shopping app and a social media network, where users can follow shops, like items, and message sellers directly to negotiate prices. It’s a space for discovering unique styles, selling secondhand clothing, and showcasing original fashion designs.

Key Differences: At a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of etsy vs depop to highlight their main distinctions:

Feature Etsy Depop
Primary Audience Broad demographic (millennials, Gen X), craft lovers, gift shoppers Gen Z, millennials, fashion-forward, trend-focused
Core Vibe Curated, artisanal, creative, "maker" community Social, trendy, streetwear, Y2K, sustainable fashion
Main Products Handmade goods, vintage items (20+ years), craft supplies Secondhand & new clothing, shoes, accessories, vintage fashion
Fee Structure Listing, transaction, payment processing, offsite ads fees Transaction fee, payment processing fee (no listing fees)
Platform Interface Robust desktop & app experience, strong SEO focus Mobile-first, social media style (likes, follows, DMs)

Audience and Vibe: Who Are You Selling To?

The single biggest factor in the depop or etsy debate is the target audience.

Etsy's audience is incredibly diverse, spanning a wide range of ages and interests. These buyers are specifically seeking something special with a human touch—items that aren't mass-produced. They come to Etsy for unique gifts, custom wedding decor, handcrafted furniture, and rare vintage finds. The vibe is creative, wholesome, and focused on the quality and story behind the product.

Depop, on the other hand, is the epitome of cool for the younger generation. Its audience is hyper-aware of fashion trends, from 90s nostalgia and Y2K aesthetics to modern streetwear. They value sustainability and the circular economy, preferring to buy secondhand or from independent designers. The vibe is fast-paced and highly social, mirroring the experience of scrolling through Instagram or TikTok.

Product Categories: What Can You Actually Sell?

The question of what you can sell is central to deciding between the platforms. Depop what can you sell versus what's allowed on Etsy is a key differentiator.

Selling on Etsy

Etsy’s marketplace is built on three core pillars:

  • Handmade Items: Products made and/or designed by you, the seller. This is Etsy’s bread and butter.
  • Vintage Items: Anything that is at least 20 years old.
  • Craft Supplies: Tools, ingredients, or materials intended for use in the creation of a new handmade item.

Etsy is the go-to platform for personalized and custom-made items. Sellers can easily offer customizations, from engraved jewelry to bespoke furniture, directly through the listing page.

Selling Handmade Items on Depop

This is a common point of confusion for creators. So, can you sell handmade items on depop? The answer is a resounding yes. While it's known for resale, Depop has a thriving community of independent designers and crafters.

Many sellers are exploring selling handmade on depop. If you're a creator, here’s what you need to know:

  • Can you sell handmade clothes on depop? Absolutely. This is one of the most popular handmade categories on the platform. If you design and create your own apparel, Depop's fashion-focused audience is a perfect fit. The question do people sell handmade clothes on depop is easily answered by a quick browse of the platform.
  • Can you sell handmade jewelry on depop? Yes, handmade jewelry, especially pieces that align with current trends, can perform very well.
  • Can you sell handmade crochet on depop? Yes, crochet and other textile crafts are extremely popular, aligning with the "craftcore" and vintage-inspired trends.
  • Can you sell custom items on depop? Yes. While the platform doesn't have a built-in personalization tool like Etsy, sellers manage custom orders through direct messages with their buyers. This addresses the question of how to sell handmade items on depop for custom work. If you're wondering can i sell handmade things on depop more broadly, the answer is generally yes, as long as it fits the platform's fashion and accessory-centric vibe.

So, is it better to sell clothes on etsy or depop? For trendy, streetwear, or Y2K-inspired fashion, Depop often has the more engaged audience. For more timeless apparel, bespoke pieces, or children's clothing, Etsy might be a better fit. When considering what sells best on depop, think unique fashion, branded streetwear, and vintage gems.

The Fee Breakdown: Is Etsy or Depop Cheaper?

Seller fees can significantly impact your bottom line. Let's break down the costs to determine is etsy or depop cheaper for your business.

Etsy Fees

Etsy has a multi-faceted fee structure:

  • Listing Fee: $0.20 USD for each item you list, which must be renewed every four months.
  • Transaction Fee: 6.5% of the total order amount (including shipping and gift wrapping).
  • Payment Processing Fee: Varies by country. For sellers in the US, it's 3% + $0.25 USD per transaction.
  • Offsite Ads Fee: If you make a sale through one of Etsy’s offsite ads (on Google, Facebook, etc.), you’ll pay a 12-15% fee on the order total. This is mandatory for shops making over $10,000 USD per year.

Depop Fees

Depop's fee structure is simpler. The question of what depop fees are there is straightforward:

  • Listing Fee: $0 (it's free to list items).
  • Transaction Fee: A flat 10% of the total transaction amount (including shipping).
  • Payment Processing Fee: A variable fee depending on the payment method (Depop Payments or PayPal).

The verdict on fees: For lower-priced items, Etsy's listing fee can add up, potentially making Depop cheaper. For higher-priced items, Depop's flat 10% fee might be more than Etsy’s combined 6.5% transaction fee and payment processing fee. You'll need to calculate the costs based on your specific price points.

Features and Seller Experience

The day-to-day experience of managing your shop differs greatly between the two platforms. This is where we look at how depop selling works compared to Etsy's more traditional e-commerce setup.

Etsy provides a comprehensive Shop Manager dashboard with in-depth stats, marketing tools (like creating sales and promo codes), and a powerful search engine that sellers can optimize for (SEO). It's built for sellers who want to analyze their business performance and build a long-term brand presence.

Depop is designed for on-the-go selling via its mobile app. The experience is much more social. Success often depends on engagement—actively listing new items, liking other posts, following people, and being responsive in messages. It relies less on keyword optimization and more on community interaction and staying on top of trends.

Does Etsy Own Depop? The Acquisition Explained

A key question many sellers have is, does etsy own depop? Yes. In 2021, the news broke that etsy acquires depop. This move positioned Etsy to capture a younger, trend-driven demographic that was flocking to Depop.

So, are etsy and depop the same now? Not at all. Despite the fact that depop acquired by etsy is true, they operate as separate, standalone companies with their own distinct platforms, communities, fee structures, and rules. While they are part of the same parent company, for sellers and buyers, they remain two very different marketplaces. This helps clarify if is depop like etsy; while they share a parent company, their user experience and focus remain unique.

The Verdict: Should I Sell on Depop or Etsy?

After comparing all the factors, the choice in the etsy or depop debate comes down to your product and your target customer.

Choose Etsy if:

  • You create high-quality handmade goods, unique crafts, or personalized items.
  • You sell authentic vintage items (20+ years old) or curated craft supplies.
  • Your target audience is broader and values craftsmanship and unique stories.
  • You want to build a brand using powerful SEO tools and a robust e-commerce platform.

Choose Depop if:

  • You sell clothing (secondhand, vintage fashion, or your own designs), shoes, or accessories.
  • Your aesthetic aligns with streetwear, Y2K, or current youth trends.
  • Your target audience is primarily Gen Z and younger millennials.
  • You enjoy a fast-paced, social, mobile-first selling environment.

Ultimately, selling on etsy vs depop is about alignment. The best platform is the one where your ideal customers are already shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Depop or Etsy better for selling? It depends entirely on what you sell. Is etsy or depop better for selling handmade goods and unique crafts? Etsy. Is it better for selling trendy secondhand or vintage clothing? Depop. Analyze your products and target audience to make the best choice.

Can you sell handmade items on Depop? Yes, can i sell handmade items on depop is a common question, and the answer is yes. Depop has a large community of independent designers, especially for clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Many sellers wonder, can i sell handmade crochet on depop, and the answer is that it is a very popular category.

Is it better to sell clothes on Etsy or Depop? Generally, which is better depop or etsy for clothing depends on the style. Depop is superior for trendy, secondhand, and streetwear fashion aimed at a younger audience. Etsy can be a great place for more niche clothing, such as bespoke wedding dresses, children's clothing, or custom-printed t-shirts with original art.

Does Etsy own Depop? Yes, Etsy acquired Depop in 2021. However, they continue to operate as separate platforms with unique brands, audiences, and policies.

What is the main difference between Depop and Etsy? The main difference is their core focus. Etsy is a marketplace for handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. Depop is a social marketplace primarily for buying and selling unique fashion, with a heavy emphasis on secondhand and vintage clothing. Answering is etsy or depop better comes down to this fundamental distinction.

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