Depop vs eBay Comparison: Which is Better in 2024?

The online marketplace has become increasingly competitive, and choosing the right platform to sell your items can be a daunting task.

Two popular options are Depop and eBay, each with their distinct characteristics and audiences.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between these platforms to help you make an informed decision on which one best suits your needs.

Depop has made a name for itself as the go-to platform for selling trendy, vintage, and unique fashion items.

With its app-driven interface and social media features, Depop focuses on crafting a visually appealing and community-driven experience.

This makes it an ideal choice if you’re looking to sell clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories that appeal to a younger and fashion-conscious audience.

On the other hand, eBay boasts a broad range of products, with a particular focus on electronics, accessories, and collectibles.

The platform’s longevity and reliability make it a solid choice for buyers and sellers seeking a hassle-free experience.

With eBay, you have the advantage of reaching a larger and more diverse audience, plus access to more advanced listing options.

So, consider your target market and product category when deciding which platform to use for your online selling venture.

Let’s look at Depop vs eBay in more detail.

Overview of Depop vs eBay

History of Depop

Depop is a social shopping app founded in 2011 by Simon Beckerman.

It started as a platform for buying and selling unique, vintage, and secondhand clothing.

Unlike other online marketplaces, it focuses on a younger and more fashion-conscious audience.

The platform encourages interaction and creativity by incorporating social media features, making it easy for you to follow your favorite sellers, like items, and communicate with other users.

History of eBay

eBay, on the other hand, began in 1995 as a place for people to trade collectibles and has since grown into a global e-commerce platform.

Today, you can find a vast array of items on eBay, from electronics to household items to clothing and accessories.

Auction-style listings remain a key feature of this platform, but fixed-price listings have become increasingly popular.

When comparing Depop and eBay, you will find that both platforms have their strengths.

Depop is ideal for selling unique and vintage clothing, as its user base skews toward a younger and more style-conscious audience.

It has a simpler fee structure, taking 10% of the final sale price plus a PayPal fee of 2.9% + $0.30.

On the other hand, eBay is a more established platform with a diverse range of products and a larger user base.

It offers both auction-style and fixed-price listings, which can provide flexibility in how you sell your items.

However, it’s important to note that eBay’s fee structure can be somewhat complex and may include insertion fees, final value fees, and PayPal fees.

Ease of Use

When it comes to selling online, the ease of use of the platform plays a crucial role in a successful business.

In this section, we’ll briefly explore how easy it is to list items on Depop and eBay.

Listing Items on Depop

Depop is designed with simplicity in mind, making it quite user-friendly. To list an item on Depop:

1. Download the Depop app on your smartphone, as Depop is primarily a mobile-based platform.
2. Create an account by signing up with your email or connecting your Facebook or Google account.
3. Upload photos of the item you want to sell by tapping the camera icon. Make sure to take clear, well-lit photos, as Depop does not offer any photo editing or cropping features. Add relevant hashtags and keywords to help potential buyers find your item.
4. Set a price for your item, considering Depop takes a 10% commission on the sale price, excluding shipping fees.
5. Choose the shipping method, either domestic or international, and provide the shipping cost.
6. Publish your listing by tapping the ‘Post listing’ button.

Listing Items on eBay

eBay provides more options and features for listing items but may feel slightly more complex for beginners.

Here’s a brief overview of listing an item on eBay:

1. Visit the eBay website and create an account if you don’t have one already.
2. Click on ‘Sell’ at the top of the page, and begin creating your listing.
3. Upload photos of your item, making sure they are high quality and visually appealing. On eBay, you can edit and crop your photos directly within the platform.
4. Write a detailed description of your item, providing essential information regarding the condition, features, and specifications.
5. Choose a listing type: eBay offers two main listing formats – auction-style listings, where buyers bid on your item, and fixed-price listings, where you set a specific price for your item. Auction-style listings are an exclusive feature on eBay compared to Depop.
6. Set a starting price for your item, taking into account eBay’s fees, which vary depending on factors like the item’s category and your account type.
7. Select the shipping options for your item, including domestic or international shipping, and cost. eBay offers a shipping calculator to help you estimate shipping fees accurately.
8. Publish your listing by clicking on ‘List your item.’

Depop’s simple and mobile-centric platform makes it easy to list and sell items, while eBay offers more features that may cater better to advanced sellers.

Fees and Revenue

Depop’s Fee Structure

Depop has a simple and straightforward fees system for sellers.

When you make a sale, Depop charges a 10% fee on the sale price (excluding shipping) for domestic sales.

In addition, there is a PayPal fee that amounts to 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for US-based sales.

Here’s a quick summary of Depop’s fees:

• Depop fees: 10% of the sale price
• PayPal fees: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (US)

This means that for each sale, you’ll be able to retain the majority of your earnings, making it a cost-effective platform to sell your items.

eBay’s Fee Structure

eBay, on the other hand, has a more complex fee structure compared to Depop.

There are two main types of fees associated with selling on eBay:

1. Insertion fees: This is a listing fee that you’ll need to pay for each item you want to sell. There are occasional promotions that allow for free listings, but generally, you’ll need to consider this cost as part of your selling strategy.
2. Final value fees: When an item sells, eBay charges a percentage of the total sale price, including shipping charges. The percentage depends on the category of your item and whether you have an eBay Store subscription.

There are also additional fees for optional features like reserve price, subtitles, and listing upgrades.

You’ll need to carefully assess these costs and how they may impact your overall profit on the platform.

Due to the nature of the fee structure, it may be more suitable for larger-scale sellers or those selling higher ticket items.

Depop and eBay have different fee structures, and the right platform for you depends on the items you’re selling and your budget.

Depop is more cost-effective for smaller sellers, while eBay may be better suited for larger inventories and a broad range of categories.

Marketing and Reach

Depop’s Target Demographic

Depop primarily appeals to the younger generation, with a focus on fashion-forward millennials and Generation Z.

This platform has become popular among trendsetters, indie designers, and vintage enthusiasts.

Since Depop’s interface resembles Instagram, it’s likely that you’ll find a more visually driven audience who appreciates a curated, personalized shopping experience.

This can encourage potential buyers to engage more with sellers who share their unique tastes and interests.

Just remember that to maximize your success on Depop, you should keep your listings aesthetically appealing and resonate with the community’s values.

eBay’s Target Demographic

eBay, on the other hand, has been around much longer and has a much wider audience, ranging from casual shoppers to serious collectors.

This diverse user base makes it an ideal platform for selling a variety of items, not just in the fashion and apparel space, but also for electronics, collectibles, and more.

As an eBay seller, you’ll want to focus on optimizing your listings with relevant keywords and detailed descriptions to help potential buyers find your items easily.

Additionally, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of providing exceptional customer service to earn a positive reputation and attract even more buyers to your listings.

Both platforms have their specific target demographics and cater to different kinds of sellers and buyers.

So, consider the nature of your products, your selling style, and the audience you wish to cater to while choosing between Depop and eBay.

Safety and Security

Depop’s Safety Measures

Depop strives to maintain a secure and safe platform for its users. Here are a few measures they have put in place:

• In-app transactions: It’s recommended to complete transactions within the Depop app to ensure protection through the platform’s safety protocols.
• Buyer protection: Depop covers purchases made through their platform using PayPal. This offers an additional layer of buyer’s protection in case of disputes.
• User reporting: Users can report suspicious items, accounts, or transactions, helping Depop to take timely action against threats.

While these measures help to maintain safety and security, it’s essential for you, as a user, to be cautious and use common sense when dealing with transactions on Depop.

eBay’s Safety Measures

eBay has implemented an extensive range of safety measures to ensure its users’ security. Some key features of the platform’s safety framework include:

• Buyer protection: eBay’s Money Back Guarantee policy ensures that you’ll get a refund if the purchased item doesn’t arrive or doesn’t match the listing description.
• Feedback system: Users can rate each other after a transaction, allowing future buyers an easy way to view seller reputation and build trust in their decision-making process.
• Secure payment: eBay supports secure payment methods, including PayPal and Managed Payments, thus providing a safe platform to process your transactions.
• Fraud detection: eBay utilizes advanced technologies to detect and prevent fraudulent activity on their platform, ensuring a secure environment for users.

It’s crucial for you, as an eBay user, to follow best practices when buying or selling on the platform. By adhering to these safety measures, you can enjoy a positive and secure experience on both Depop and eBay.

Customer Support

When considering which platform to use for selling, it’s important to take into account the level of customer support each provider offers.

Depop’s Customer Support

Depop’s customer support can be accessed through their Help Center, where you’ll find a range of articles and frequently asked questions addressing common issues.

If you need direct assistance, you can submit a request to their support team.

They generally respond within a few hours, but it might take up to a couple of days during busier periods.

Some users have reported positive experiences with Depop’s customer service, mentioning prompt responses and helpful guidance.

On the other hand, there have been instances where users felt the support team could have been more proactive in resolving their issues.

eBay’s Customer Support

eBay offers a comprehensive Help Center, where you can find resources and articles on various topics.

If you can’t find the answer to your question, you can contact eBay’s customer support through their Resolution Center, which offers a messaging system and phone support.

eBay’s customer service is typically responsive and helpful, but the quality of support can vary depending on the issue.

Some users have reported difficulties in getting through to a representative, while others have had positive experiences.

In both cases, eBay and Depop provide customer support to assist you in resolving any issues you may encounter while using their platforms.

These resources are crucial for ensuring a seamless selling experience.

Conclusion

When comparing Depop vs eBay, you need to first consider the target demographic for your products.

If your items appeal to a younger audience, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, Depop is a better choice due to its popularity with those age groups.

On the other hand, if your target market is between 35-64 years old, eBay would be a more suitable platform.

When it comes to selling vintage or thrifted items, Depop might be the winner, as it mainly focuses on this market.

For other types of products, eBay, being a larger platform, can accommodate a more diverse range of items, making it a great complementary platform to your Depop shop.

Another aspect to take note of when deciding between the two platforms is the number of photos and videos allowed.

Depop lets you post four photos and one video, while eBay offers space for up to 12 photos and an embedded video.

This is especially important when selling designer items where buyers may want a closer look at the details such as tags, labels, and hardware markings.

On the matter of fees, Depop seems to be a more affordable choice as eBay has a range of extra fees beyond the standard PayPal fees present in both platforms.

eBay includes insertion fees for additional listings beyond the free amount, as well as a final value fee of about 10%.