Grailed vs Depop: Which Is Better for Sellers?
Grailed vs Depop: A Reseller's Honest Comparison
Choosing the right platform to sell your fashion items can significantly impact your profits and sales speed. Grailed and Depop are two popular choices, each with its own strengths. Based on my experience selling thousands of items, here's how they stack up.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Grailed | Depop |
|---|---|---|
| Seller Fees | 9% + PayPal (2.9% + $0.30) | 10% + Depop Payments (2.9% + $0.30) |
| Buyer Fees | None | None |
| Shipping | Seller arranges, no discounts | Seller arranges, can use Depop labels |
| Audience Size | Primarily menswear, 90% male | 35M+, 90% under 26 |
| Best Item Categories | Designer, streetwear, sneakers | Vintage, Y2K, unique pieces |
| Payment Speed | After buyer confirms receipt | After buyer confirms receipt |
| Seller Protection | Moderate, PayPal policies | Moderate, Depop policies |
| International Availability | Yes, strong EU/Asia presence | Yes, strong US/UK presence |
Understanding the Fee Structures
Both platforms have relatively similar fee structures when you break them down. On Grailed, you’ll pay a 9% commission plus PayPal’s 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee. This totals around 12% per sale. Depop, meanwhile, charges a 10% seller fee with an additional 2.9% + $0.30 for Depop Payments, bringing your costs to about 13% per sale.
For example, if you sell an item for $50, here's how the numbers shake out:
- Grailed: You'd take home approximately $43.35 after fees.
- Depop: You'd take home about $43.05 after fees.
The Audience and Item Categories
Grailed is the go-to for menswear enthusiasts. Whether you're selling high-end designer pieces or sought-after streetwear, Grailed's audience is willing to pay premium prices. It's best suited for items priced above £50, such as rare sneakers or vintage band tees.
Depop, on the other hand, attracts a younger, trend-driven audience. If you're selling to a Gen Z crowd, especially with items like Y2K fashion, unique handmade jewelry, or quirky vintage finds, Depop excels due to its visual and trend-focused approach.
Shipping and Logistics
Both platforms require sellers to arrange their own shipping, but Depop gives you the option to use their shipping labels. This can be convenient, particularly if you're based in the US or UK. However, Grailed sellers often ship internationally, using USPS or UPS, especially when catering to buyers in the EU or Asia.
Listing Strategies
For both platforms, polished, optimized listings are key. Using services like ListingGenie can help ensure your listings are top-notch from the get-go. On Depop, your photos need to be as stylish as your items, while Grailed buyers appreciate detailed descriptions and authenticity proofs.
Final Verdict
- Use Grailed if: You're dealing with high-value menswear, designer fashion, or rare streetwear pieces. The audience is ready to pay top dollar, and your items will reach a global audience.
- Use Depop if: Your items cater to younger, trend-focused buyers. It's excellent for vintage and unique pieces that appeal to fashion-forward Gen Z shoppers.
FAQs
- Which platform has lower fees? Grailed has slightly lower fees compared to Depop, with an approximate 12% total versus Depop's 13%.
- Where can I sell internationally more effectively? Grailed has a strong international buyer base in the EU and Asia, making it better for international selling.
- Which platform is better for selling streetwear? Both platforms are good, but Grailed can fetch higher prices for rare streetwear pieces.
- Can I use shipping labels on both platforms? Depop offers integrated shipping labels; Grailed does not, so you'll need to arrange your own.