How to Sell Jewelry on Depop

Picture this: You’ve just inherited a box of vintage jewelry from your grandmother, and while it’s not your style, you know it’s worth something. Enter Depop, a platform that’s all about the Gen Z aesthetic, where unique, vintage, and fashion-forward pieces thrive. With over 35 million users globally and a strong presence in the US and UK, Depop is the perfect marketplace to turn those heirlooms into cash, especially if you style them right!

Why Depop Is Perfect for Selling Jewelry

Depop is a haven for the trend-driven, under-26 crowd. It’s a place where aesthetics rule, and your jewelry can shine if presented correctly. With a 13% total fee per sale (including Depop Payments processing), it’s crucial to price your pieces with these costs in mind. Unlike other platforms, Depop doesn’t offer integrated shipping discounts, so you’ll need to factor shipping costs into your pricing strategy.

Understanding Depop's Audience

Depop’s users are primarily young, fashion-conscious buyers who appreciate a good find. They’re looking for pieces that tell a story — whether it’s a vintage Monet necklace or a handmade bracelet. To catch their eye, your listings need to be as curated and stylish as your Instagram feed. Think flat lays on branded backgrounds, cohesive photo styles, and hashtags that enhance visibility (but remember, no tag stuffing!).

Sourcing Jewelry for Depop

Finding the right pieces to sell is half the battle. Here’s where to look:

• Estate Sales: Keep an eye out for costume jewelry lots. You might pay $5-20 for a lot that includes pieces worth $20-50 each. Brands like Monet, Trifari, and Sarah Coventry are especially sought after.
• Thrift Stores: Glass cases often hold treasures like sterling silver or gold-filled pieces. Look for stamps like "925" or "1/20" as indicators of value.
• Pawn Shops: Especially if they're closing down, you can buy gold and silver by weight and resell based on design and brand.
• Wholesale: Alibaba is great for trendy pieces. Buy minimalist gold-plated necklaces at a low cost and sell for 3-5x on Depop, marketed as fashion jewelry.

Photographing Your Jewelry Like a Pro

Depop's focus on style means your photos need to be top-notch. Here’s how to capture your jewelry at its best:

• Use a Light Box: Jewelry is reflective and small—diffused lighting helps avoid harsh shadows.
• Macro Shots: Use a macro lens or your phone’s macro mode to show details like hallmarks and stone clarity.
• Scale Reference: Include a coin or ruler to show the size, or model the piece to give it context.
• Highlight Stamps: Close-ups of "925", "14K", or brand stamps are essential for building trust and setting prices.

Creating an Irresistible Depop Listing

Now, let’s talk about making a listing that sells. Here’s a step-by-step guide to listing your jewelry on Depop:

1. Open the App: Tap the camera icon to start your new listing.
2. Upload Photos: Use all four slots. Start with your best-styled photograph—model shots tend to perform best by 60%.
3. Write a Description: Use ListingGenie's Depop listing generator (/depop-listing) to craft a compelling, optimized description. Include details about the condition, style, and any notable features or history of the piece.
4. Set a Price: Calculate based on your initial cost, desired profit margin, and Depop’s 13% fee. For example, pricing a vintage costume necklace at $50, you’d net approximately $43.50 after fees.
5. Choose Shipping Options: Decide whether to offer free shipping or set a specific price. Remember, US sellers often use USPS, while UK sellers can choose between Royal Mail or Hermes.
6. Add Tags: Include 5-10 relevant hashtags to increase discoverability, like #vintagejewelry or #goldnecklace.

Shipping Your Jewelry

Jewelry is lightweight, which keeps shipping costs low. Here’s how to pack and ship effectively:

• Use Padded Mailers: Protect delicate pieces with small padded mailers or boxes with cotton padding.
• Prevent Tangling: Wrap chains individually or place them in small zip-lock bags.
• Insurance for High-Value Items: For items over $100, consider insuring the shipment and using a rigid box.
• Cost Consideration: First Class shipping is often under $4, so factor that into your pricing if offering free shipping.

Boosting Your Depop Presence

Gaining traction on Depop requires more than just good listings. Here are some tips to keep your shop buzzing:

• Maintain a Cohesive Aesthetic: Your shop should look like an Instagram page, consistent and visually pleasing.
• Engage with the Community: Follow other sellers, comment, and like posts to build a network.
• Aim for the Explore Page: Unique and well-photographed pieces can be featured by Depop, driving massive traffic to your shop.

FAQs

• How do Depop fees work for jewelry sales?
  Depop charges a 10% seller fee on each sale, plus a 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee through Depop Payments, totaling roughly 13% in fees.
• What hashtags are effective on Depop for jewelry?
  Use relevant hashtags like #vintagejewelry, #handmade, and #Y2Kjewelry to enhance searchability without going overboard.
• Is it better to offer free shipping on Depop?
  Free shipping can attract buyers, especially for lower-priced items. Consider including it in your pricing strategy to boost sales.
• How can I get featured on Depop's Explore page?
  Unique, well-styled pieces with great photos are more likely to be curated by Depop staff and featured.
• What's the best way to price vintage jewelry on Depop?
  Research similar items, consider the brand and condition, and factor in Depop’s fees and shipping costs to set competitive prices.