A British site aimed at teens and young adults is letting them sell fashion and other items online, allowing them to create their own virtual shops and introducing them to running a small business. It’s called Depop, and the company has a mission to let people share and shop for things they love, and it’s set up like a social media community.
Members can “like” an item and can “follow” a user, as well as download an app. The app, which is available through iTunes and Google Play, makes it easy for users to list and purchase directly from a mobile device. It also enables shoppers to chat with sellers and comment on items. Sellers can promote their merchandise to other social media, like Instagram and Facebook. As on other online resale outlets like eBay, users can leave ratings after transactions.
The site features a mix of clothing for guys and girls. Depop also features books, art, and home items, like furniture, or hand-poured candles.
Sellers list clothing on Depop both new and second hand. Sometimes what they sell is from their own closets, whether to make room for a new season, to retire an item they no longer wear, to make some extra cash. Other times, sellers expand to buying items and reselling. Some shop retail, then flip the item at a higher price, as one seller told The Times. Others go to thrift stores and other second hand outlets to look for popular brands. Some shops sell hundreds of items a week, involving hours of work for shopping, listing, packing, and shipping.
The Times gave a list of tips for people selling on Depop, which can apply to various outlets for online sales. Helpful sales practices tips include taking good photographs (Depop is an image-driven site), providing concise and specific descriptions, pricing for competition, search optimizing and promoting, and paying safely in-app.
For teens looking to start up a source of income at a low cost, an online resale outlet like Depop is a quick and potentially profitable option.
