Vinted vs Depop: Which Is Better for Sellers?
Vinted vs Depop: A Reseller's Honest Comparison
As an experienced reseller, I've used both Vinted and Depop extensively to sell a wide range of fashion items. Each platform offers unique advantages and potential pitfalls for online sellers. In this guide, I'll break down the key differences to help you determine which platform is right for your business.
Fees and Profit Margins
One of the most crucial factors for any reseller is the fees a platform charges, as this directly impacts your profit margin.
| Aspect | Vinted | Depop |
|---|---|---|
| Seller Fees | None | 10% + 2.9% + $0.30 |
| Buyer Fees | 5% + £0.70 | None |
With Vinted, sellers enjoy zero fees, allowing you to keep every penny of your sale price. This is a significant advantage, especially for lower-priced items where fees can drastically cut into profits. For example, if you sell a $50 item on Vinted, you take home $50. On Depop, a $50 sale results in roughly $43.85 after fees, assuming Depop Payments is used.
Audience and Market Reach
Your target audience can significantly influence your platform choice. Here's a breakdown of the demographics:
| Aspect | Vinted | Depop |
|---|---|---|
| Audience Size | 75M+ (Europe) | 35M+ (Global) |
| Age Group | 18-35 | Under 26 |
Vinted's audience is strong in Europe, particularly in the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, with a focus on Gen Z and Millennials. Depop also targets a younger demographic but is dominated by Gen Z, with a global reach that is particularly strong in the US and UK.
Best Item Categories
Each platform has niches where items tend to sell better:
| Best For | Vinted | Depop |
|---|---|---|
| Top Categories | Everyday fashion, branded streetwear | Vintage, Y2K, unique pieces |
If you're selling everyday fashion and branded streetwear, Vinted is a great choice due to its zero-fee structure, which maximizes profits on lower-priced items. Depop is ideal for sellers of vintage clothing, unique pieces, and trend-driven items, appealing to younger, fashion-forward buyers.
Shipping and Seller Convenience
Shipping is often a logistical headache for sellers, so ease of shipping can be a deciding factor.
| Aspect | Vinted | Depop |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping | Integrated, buyer pays | Seller arranges, optional free shipping |
Vinted offers integrated shipping with pre-paid labels, which simplifies the process significantly. You simply print the label and drop it off, with no need to weigh or measure. Depop requires sellers to arrange their own shipping, which can be done through Depop's partnerships or independently, offering more flexibility but also more responsibility.
Payment Speed and Seller Protection
How quickly you get paid and the level of protection offered can influence your selling experience.
| Aspect | Vinted | Depop |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Speed | After buyer confirms receipt | Direct deposit after sale |
| Seller Protection | Basic, via buyer protection fee | Moderate, via Depop Payments |
Vinted pays out once the buyer confirms receipt of the item, while Depop offers direct deposit, which can be quicker. Both have seller protection mechanisms, though they vary in robustness.
Conclusion: Which Platform Should You Choose?
If you are selling lower-priced, everyday fashion items and want to maximize your profits without dealing with fees, Vinted is the clear choice. Its hassle-free shipping and strong presence in Europe make it ideal for those markets.
Depop, on the other hand, is perfect for unique, vintage, or trendy items that cater to a younger, more style-conscious audience. The 13% fee is a trade-off for access to a more global, trend-driven demographic.
Both platforms are compatible with ListingGenie, which can help you write optimized listings that appeal to your target audience.
FAQs
- Is Vinted really free for sellers? Yes, Vinted charges no fees to sellers, allowing you to keep 100% of your sale price.
- Why does Depop charge fees? Depop charges sellers a 10% fee plus payment processing fees to cover operational costs and provide a curated, high-quality marketplace.
- Which platform is better for shipping convenience? Vinted offers integrated shipping with pre-paid labels, making it more convenient for sellers.
- Where can I reach a larger audience? Vinted is larger in Europe, while Depop has a strong global presence, especially in the US.
- Can I use both platforms? Absolutely, many successful resellers use both to leverage their unique advantages and reach different audiences.