How to Sell Shoes on Depop

You've just cleaned out your closet and found three pairs of barely-worn Nikes. Instead of letting them gather dust, you decide to turn them into cash by selling them on Depop. But how do you make sure your shoes sell quickly and for the best price on a platform dominated by Gen Z fashionistas?

Understanding Depop's Audience and Fees

Before diving into the selling process, it's crucial to understand Depop's unique market. Depop is highly popular amongst Gen Z users, with 90% of its 35 million users under the age of 26. This demographic is not just looking for shoes; they're searching for style, trends, and the perfect Instagram-worthy addition to their wardrobe.

Depop charges a 10% seller fee on each sale, and Depop Payments adds an additional 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee, totaling roughly 13% per sale. For example, if you sell a pair of shoes for $80, your fees will be about $10.70, leaving you with $69.30 before shipping costs.

Sourcing Inventory to Maximize Profits

Finding the right shoes to sell is the first step. Consider sourcing from:

• Thrift Stores: Look for popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance, especially in men's sizes 9-12 as they sell the fastest.
• Clearance Racks: Outlet malls like Nike Factory and Nordstrom Rack offer significant discounts, often 60-70% off retail, allowing for substantial resale margins.
• Estate and Garage Sales: Vintage finds such as cowboy boots or retro sneakers can often be purchased for $5-10.
• Nike/Adidas SNKRS App: Keep an eye on restocks and limited releases, which can resell for 2-5x their retail price.

Pricing Your Shoes Competitively

Pricing on Depop needs to reflect both the condition and desirability of the shoes. Common shoes typically range from $15-40, while name-brand athletic shoes like Nike Air Max or New Balance 550 can fetch $40-80. Vintage or rare sneakers might command $80-300+, and designer items like Louboutin or Gucci can go for $150-600+.

Creating a Standout Listing on Depop

When creating your listing, focus on capturing the attention of Depop's trend-driven audience:

Step-by-Step Listing Process

1. Open the Depop App: Tap on the '+' icon to start a new listing.
2. Add Photos: Use all four photo slots. Start with a modelled shot if possible, as these outperform flat lays by 60%. Show both shoes at a 45° angle on a clean background.
3. Title and Description: Write a catchy title that includes the brand and model. Use ListingGenie's Depop listing generator for optimized descriptions. Include details on condition and size, and mention any extras like original box or laces.
4. Price and Shipping: Set a competitive price based on your research. Decide whether you'll offer free shipping or set a specific shipping price. Remember, USPS Priority Medium Flat Rate is $16.10 and fits most shoe boxes.
5. Tags: Use 5-10 relevant hashtags to increase visibility. Include popular and relevant tags like #Y2Kfashion or #vintagesneakers, but avoid overstuffing.

Shipping: The Final Touch

Once your shoes sell, shipping them efficiently and securely is crucial. Use the original shoe box if available, wrapped in a poly mailer or brown paper to prevent damage. If you don't have the original box, a similarly-sized shipping box will work. Secure the shoes with tissue paper to maintain their shape during transit.

FAQ

Here are some common questions about selling shoes on Depop:

• How do I handle returns on Depop? Depop doesn't mandate a return policy, so it's up to you. Make your policy clear in your description.
• How can I get my items featured on Depop's Explore page? Focus on unique vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces. Aesthetic consistency in your shop also helps.
• What should I do if my item doesn't sell quickly? Revisit your pricing, update photos, and adjust hashtags. Sometimes a small tweak can make all the difference.
• Can I use other payment methods on Depop? As of now, Depop Payments is mandatory for processing sales, which includes the 2.9% + $0.30 fee.
• Should I offer free shipping? Offering free shipping can make your listing more attractive. Factor the cost into your pricing if you choose this option.