Should I Ship with Depop or on My Own? And Why Do Cats Always Sit on My Keyboard When I’m Typing?

Should I Ship with Depop or on My Own? And Why Do Cats Always Sit on My Keyboard When I’m Typing?

When it comes to selling items online, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to ship through a platform like Depop or handle shipping on your own. Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice ultimately depends on your priorities, resources, and the type of items you’re selling. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.


Shipping with Depop: The Convenience Factor

Depop, a popular platform for selling vintage, handmade, and unique items, offers an integrated shipping service. Here’s why you might want to consider using it:

  1. Ease of Use: Depop’s shipping system is straightforward. Once a buyer purchases your item, you can print a prepaid shipping label directly from the app. This eliminates the need to calculate shipping costs or visit the post office.

  2. Buyer Trust: Many buyers feel more secure purchasing items with Depop’s shipping labels, as they know the platform is involved in the process. This can lead to higher sales and fewer disputes.

  3. Tracking Included: Depop’s shipping labels come with tracking information, which is automatically shared with the buyer. This reduces the chances of misunderstandings or claims that the item was never received.

  4. Discounted Rates: Depop often negotiates discounted shipping rates with carriers, which can save you money compared to paying for shipping on your own.

However, there are some downsides to using Depop’s shipping service:

  • Limited Flexibility: Depop’s shipping options are standardized, which might not work for oversized or unusually shaped items.
  • Fees: While the shipping rates are discounted, Depop takes a 10% fee on the total sale, including shipping costs. This can eat into your profits.

Shipping on Your Own: The Control Factor

If you prefer more control over your shipping process, handling it yourself might be the better option. Here’s why:

  1. Customization: When you ship on your own, you can choose the carrier, packaging, and shipping method that best suits your item. This is especially useful for fragile, heavy, or oddly shaped items.

  2. Cost Savings: Depending on the carrier and shipping method you choose, you might be able to find cheaper rates than Depop’s discounted labels. This is particularly true if you’re shipping internationally or in bulk.

  3. Personal Touch: Packaging and shipping your items yourself allows you to add a personal touch, such as thank-you notes or custom packaging. This can enhance the buyer’s experience and encourage repeat business.

  4. No Platform Fees: By handling shipping independently, you avoid Depop’s 10% fee on shipping costs, which can add up over time.

That said, shipping on your own comes with its own set of challenges:

  • Time-Consuming: You’ll need to calculate shipping costs, purchase labels, and drop off packages yourself. This can be time-consuming, especially if you’re selling a high volume of items.
  • Tracking and Communication: You’ll need to manually provide tracking information to buyers and handle any shipping-related inquiries, which can be a hassle.

Key Considerations for Your Decision

To decide whether to ship with Depop or on your own, consider the following factors:

  1. Volume of Sales: If you’re selling a high volume of items, Depop’s streamlined process might save you time. For smaller-scale sellers, handling shipping yourself could be more cost-effective.

  2. Item Type: Standard-sized items are well-suited to Depop’s shipping system, while unique or fragile items might require the flexibility of self-shipping.

  3. Profit Margins: Calculate the total costs of each option, including fees and shipping rates, to determine which method maximizes your profits.

  4. Buyer Expectations: Research your target audience. If they value convenience and trust Depop’s system, using their shipping service might be the way to go.


FAQs

Q: Can I switch between Depop shipping and self-shipping for different items?
A: Yes, you can choose the shipping method on a per-listing basis. This allows you to tailor your approach based on the item and buyer preferences.

Q: Does Depop offer international shipping?
A: Yes, Depop provides international shipping options, but the rates can be higher. If you frequently ship internationally, compare Depop’s rates with those of other carriers to see which is more cost-effective.

Q: What if I make a mistake with self-shipping?
A: Mistakes happen! If you miscalculate shipping costs or choose the wrong carrier, you may need to cover the difference. Always double-check your calculations and packaging before sending items out.

Q: Can I use my own packaging with Depop shipping?
A: Yes, you can use your own packaging as long as it meets the carrier’s requirements. However, you’ll still need to use Depop’s prepaid shipping label.


In conclusion, whether you should ship with Depop or on your own depends on your specific needs and priorities. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment with both methods to see which works best for you. And remember, no matter which option you choose, always prioritize clear communication with your buyers to ensure a smooth transaction.