Vinted and Depop are two popular places to buy and sell used clothes online, but which one should you use?
As online thrift shopping becomes increasingly more popular, Vinted and Depop have emerged as two of the most popular apps offering a place to offload unwanted items and thrift for new ones.
For anyone looking to declutter their wardrobe or thrift for new outfits, the burning question that needs to be answered is: Vinted or Depop—Which app is better?
Differences Between Vinted and Depop
At their core, both Vinted and Depop provide the same experience and services expected from a second-hand shopping app. Users can buy or sell pre-owned clothing and other items. Although the services of each app are almost identical, there are key differences worth knowing about depending on whether you're a seller or a buyer.
Target Audience
Vinted and Depop appeal to two difference audiences, which affects not only the availability of items but the prices too.
Vinted has a slightly older audience of people looking to shop for bargains or to sell unwanted clothes. The app doesn't allow commercial selling so Vinted is geared towards the average person rather than resellers.
Depop caters towards a younger audience of people looking for unique items, vintage pieces, and trending styles. The app has become popular with resellers and shoppers should expect higher prices as a result.
User Experience
On the surface, Vinted and Depop look very similar. Both apps are easy to navigate and have simple, user-friendly interfaces that allow users to browse, search, and filter items. But there are a few elements of the user experience that makes buying or selling on the apps quite different.
Vinted is sales-focused. Listings aren't expected to look professional, making it easy for casual sellers to list pre-owned items quickly. Buyers can search and save items, make offers, and purchase items but aren't encouraged to spend too long on the app. Prices on Vinted tend to be cheaper and haggling is to be expected as quick sales are the focus.
Depop started as a fashion-based social media network and encourages users to use it like a social app. Listings are expected to look professional with clear photography and in-depth product details. New items and handmade products are allowed to be sold alongside vintage and second-hand clothing, making Depop popular with resellers and small businesses.
Seller Fees
Fees are handled quite differently between Vinted and Depop.
Listing and selling items on Vinted is completely free as the buyer pays for everything, including a mandatory protection fee and postage costs. As a result, buyers expect lower prices and haggling is to be expected.
Depop, however, charges sellers 10% of each sale plus variable PayPal fees. While there is an option for sellers to offer free postage, it's usually added to the cost at the expense of buyers.
Pricing
The biggest difference between Vinted and Depop are the prices. While Depop is now predominantly used by resellers who have turned second-hand clothing into a small business. Vinted remains a place for the average person to sell their unwanted items quickly.
Prices on Vinted tend to be lower with sellers looking to clear up space in their homes by selling unwanted clothes. Haggling is encouraged and most sellers are open to lowering the price if it means they make a sale. As a result, items sell quickly for bargain prices.
Depop sellers are less likely to want to haggle or lower the price as many of them are operating as small businesses. Higher prices mean items can take longer to sell (unless it's highly sought after) as sellers prefer to wait rather than reduce prices.
Payment
Vinted and Depop have different payment polices.
Vinted transfer payments from sales into a 'Vinted wallet' until orders are marked as delivered by the buyer. These funds stay in the app until the user chooses to transfer their balance to their bank account.
Depop payments are transferred directly to the seller's PayPal account without any intermediary intervention. As a buyer, it's always advisable to pay using PayPal rather than directly through Depop for added protection.
Delivery
Shipping is handled very differently between Vinted and Depop.
Depop sellers are responsible for handling the delivery of items. There are 3 shipping options to choose from, including 'Ship with Depop' where items can be collected by a courier or dropped off at a local depot. Sellers can also use an independent courier of their own choosing.
Vinted sellers are not responsible for shipping costs but can control the delivery options available. Shipping providers include Evri, InPost, Yodel, DPD, and Royal Mail. Buyers can choose between the available delivery methods when purchasing an item.
Returns
Sellers on Vinted and Depop are not obliged to accept returns unless the item is significantly not as described or was not delivered. Depop users can set their own 'Shop Policies' including returns but Vinted users cannot.
On Vinted there is a 'buyer's protection feature' offering a standard return policy handled by Vinted. Buyers must raise any issues with an order within 2 days of the delivery date. If no issue is raised, the order will be complete and payment is released to the seller.
To return an item through Depop, buyers must open a dispute through the Depop app or via PayPal within 180 days of purchase. It's a very easy process with a large window of opportunity to raise any issues, especially if payment was made through PayPal.
Final Thoughts on Vinted vs Depop
Is it better to sell on Vinted or Depop?
Both apps are great for selling clothes online but Vinted is better for casual sellers looking to free up space and avoid selling fees. While Depop is the better choice for sellers operating as small businesses wanting to make profit reselling second-hand items.
The higher fees on Depop are worth it for sellers wanting to reach a younger audience willing to spend more money on vintage pieces and the latest trends. While the ease of use and zero selling fees make Vinted more suited to sellers wanting to make a little money back off their unwanted clothes.
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Is it better to buy on Vinted or Depop?
Since Depop is full of resellers marking items up in order to make a profit; Vinted is the better option for bargain hunters looking to buy second-hand clothes at low prices. The quality and condition of items is less consistent but the prices make up for it.
For buyers wanting to shop for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces and handmade goods, Depop is the better choice. Although prices are more expensive, the collection of items available are well-curated and of higher quality.
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Vinted vs Depop: My Personal Opinion
As someone who has been thrifting for decades and whose wardrobe is mostly thrifted; I've switched almost exclusively to thrifting online and would say Vinted is the best place to shop second-hand.
Both apps have a huge network of users so buying and selling pre-owned clothes on either app isn't hard to do. But Depop has become so popular with resellers it's now difficult to find a bargain.
If you're looking to thrift quality clothes at cheaper prices, Vinted is the place to go. Sellers often have comparable prices to charity shops—without the effort of having to visit shops and trawl through the rails!