March 5, 2021
Etsy vs Depop: Which One is Right for You?
Which is the best online selling platform for you, Etsy or Depop?
Etsy and Depop are two of the most popular online selling platforms globally. Both of them have millions of users worldwide and both of them are well known for very specific niches.
I have been selling online for a few years already and I always advocate cross-posting to multiple websites such as Etsy and Depop. However, I do understand that not everyone has the time and resources to manage multiple online selling accounts.
In this article, we will be discussing the key differences between Etsy and Depop to help you identify the better option for your business.
Etsy vs Depop: Market and Demographics
As I have mentioned earlier, both websites are well known for very specific niches. Etsy is known as one of the best marketplaces for vintage clothing, authentic designer goods, handmade items, and arts and crafts supplies.
Based on the available data by Digital Commerce 360, Etsy has 60.27 Million buyers as of Q2 2020 and it’s continuously growing. Most Etsy customers are repeat customers with a whopping 81% purchases made by repeat buyers. The majority of Etsy customers also are Millennials.
Depop is also a huge market with 15 million registered users as of the time being. 5 million users are based in the US and 90% of the market is below 26 years old. Depop is highly popular with buying and selling trendy and affordable fashion items.
Etsy vs Depop: Listing Options Differences
Depop focuses on selling material goods only, while it’s ok for Etsy to buy and sell digital goods such as Printables, etc.
Depop does not charge a listing fee and you will only get charged once you make a sale. Etsy on the other hand charges a listing fee except for private listings.
Regarding listing items, both websites also allow sellers to upload a video on their listing. For photos, you can only upload up to four (4) pictures on Depop and ten (10) pictures on Etsy.
Etsy vs Depop: Fees and Payments
The main difference is the Etsy listing fee amounting to $0.20. And aside from the listing fee, you will also be charged a transaction fee of 5% for the items that you sold plus the amount you charge for shipping and gift wrapping and also, Etsy Payment Fee or Paypal fee.
The listing fee is also renewed every after four months.
Depop on the other hand, promotes its listings and sellers on their Instagram page for free. Even though Depop doesn’t have a listing fee, they do charge a transaction fee of 10% which is twice as much as what Etsy is charging. But you’ll only be charged for the items that get sold on Depop.
Etsy vs Depop: How Much Can You Earn
Based on our assumption with a $15 vintage shirt, you will make more if you sell on Etsy even if there’s a listing fee, practically because the transaction fee is half of what Depop is charging. However, this is assuming that you get to sell your item within the four-month period.
Etsy vs Depop: How Do Sellers Get Paid
Getting paid on both platforms is pretty fast since they both used Paypal. Etsy though has another option which is their own payment gateway called Etsy Payments.
Paypal’s payment is immediate while Etsy Payment deposit becomes available 7 days after you make a sale if you’re a new seller (first 90 days). After your first 90 days, the Etsy payment deposit should be available the next business day.
Etsy vs Depop: Shipping
For Depop, you can either arrange your own shipping or Ship with Depop which is only available to Mainland USA.
For Etsy, if you are a seller from the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia and if you accept Etsy Payments or PayPal as a payment method, then you are able to use Etsy Shipping Labels.
Etsy vs Depop: Returns and Refunds
Depop customers can file a claim if their items are significantly not as described. Customers will have to file a case via the Paypal Dispute Resolution Centre and they will have to return the item to the seller before the refund is given.
For Etsy, you are responsible for your own policies regarding refunds, exchanges, and returns. Etsy buyers are very much aware the returns and refund policies vary from shop to shop.
Final Thoughts: Which one is better, Etsy or Depop?
If you are going to sell vintage clothing, authentic designer goods, and handmade items then you might find more success in selling on Etsy. If you will be selling affordable and trendy clothes, then Depop might be a good choice for you.
My suggestion would be to create an account on both platforms and cross-post your inventory to Etsy. Since Depop does not charge a listing fee, you can post your entire inventory on Depop and only cross-post your vintage and designer goods on Etsy.