Depop

THE ONLINE PLATFORM THAT HAS CREATED A GENERATION OF YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS.

BY MADALENA HERNANDEZ

MODELS & PHOTOGRAPHY: IMOGENCHONG & MADALENA HERNANDEZ

Launched in 2012, Depop has quickly become one of the world’s largest mobile marketplaces, with over 6 million users. Sellers primarily use the app to generate income, but also as a tool for self-promotion, with each user’s personal shop acting as a way to showcase their individual style.

The popularity of vintage and second-hand designer garments today, has meant that many of Depop’s users are able to make considerable profits on items they’ve most likely sourced from charity shops.

Whilst most use the platform to sell secondhand or designer items, others use it to market their own designs and launch brands. For many young people, the ease and accessibility of this app has made the prospect of upholding a regular 9-5 job much less appealing, and the app’s rising popularity is providing opportunities for a generation of entrepreneurs who see it as a more creative, relaxed and enjoyable way of making money.

Weekends spent rummaging through thrift stores are part of the routine for users like ‘Frankie’s Thrifts’ and ‘Sliced’, who have been able to make full-time careers out of their Depop shops. AIME finds out a little more from the sellers themselves...

AIME speaks to Depop stars Ben and Matt to find out how they founded their online shop, Sliced, and their top tips to becoming a Depop sensation.

Would you say there is a community feel to Depop, more so than on other social media platforms?

Definitely! Like most social media, a lot of the attraction is finding an online community of people with similar interests. It’s quite a specific platform, the sense of community is definitely greater than something like Facebook which everyone has. A couple times we’ve actually bumped into people we recognise from Depop and had a lovely chat!

How do you think social media has played a role in making vintage clothing so mainstream?

Social media means that everyone has access to the same trends across the globe, so they can become overdone pretty fast. I think that’s why people are so drawn to unique, vintage fashion, because they want something that other people can’t access. Inevitably this makes vintage clothing more mainstream, but not in a bad way - people are mixing clothing from different eras to create a completely new style, and its awesome!

Do you feel like a business owner despite not actually having a physical store? Would you ever consider opening your own store, and if so why?

Depop is designed to be a fun user friendly app, so it feels like more of a passion rather than a business. Also what’s great is that you can have another job on the side. We’re both at university finishing our degrees so its awesome to have flexibility to use the app as and when we need to. Lots of people also use Depop as a full time job which is wicked; really the more time you put in the more you get out of it! Opening our own store after university has definitely been on our minds. I guess at the moment its more of a fantasy, but who knows what the future holds!

What would you say is the secret to becoming a successful Depop seller?

Have fun with it! For us, Depop’s all about finding clothes that you wouldn’t necessarily see on the high-street, so definitely showcase your own style, and be original! Getting good photos is key, and Depop were amazing in helping promote us once they saw we were putting effort in to our shoots, and were trying to do something different. But most importantly be groovy and enjoy it!!!

FRANKIE'S THRIFTS

@frankiesthrifts | 65K Followers

“My depop platform definitely allows me to feel like a business owner, and I run my store as a business and want to expand as a brand. Community is one of the biggest parts of Depop and there are many group discussion pages and events you can get involved in.”

“I would say the secret to being a successful depop seller is to be yourself and put your own feelings and characteristics into your shop either through photography, styling or the type of things you sell.”

House of Vintage

@laurenhouse | 22K Followers

AIME catches up with Lauren House who’s Depop platform, House of Vintage, has quickly become one of the app’s most popular shops. Lauren has been using Depop since 2016 when she was in her final year of university.

Would you say there is a sense of a Depop community? More so than on other Depop platforms?

I find there is more of a sense of community on Depop than on other selling platforms I have tried. I find other apps such as Ebay and Vinted don’t allow so much room for communication with other members. I have talked with many of my customers through messages and they often leave me positive feedback on my items but also our exchanges. I love the space for creativity that Depop allows in selling your products, and the inspiration you can find on the explore page and through chatting with other sellers, which I find other apps lack.

Do you think social media has facilitated the popularity of vintage clothing?

Through social media, more people are now able to view various vintage items that they probably never would have seen otherwise. I know many Depop sellers that have very successful Instagram accounts where their vintage outfits attract lots of attention and gain many comments asking where their outfit is from and where they can buy it. I think in some cases a lot of millennials now want more unique clothing that stands out, which they can find on apps like Depop.

Do you feel like a business owner despite not actually having a physical store? Would you ever consider opening your own store?

I would say that as I become more successful on the app, I have begun to feel more like a business owner. The idea of having my own store sounds amazing, but to be truthful I like the simplicity and ease of working online.

What would you say is the secret to becoming a successful Depop seller?

I wouldn’t say there is a secret exactly, the best thing to do is to work hard, even when times are quiet. However, it is important to find desirable stock that will sell, this doesn’t have to be what is in all the shops at that time, but rather something that will appeal to your target audience. Personally, I source items that I would want to buy then style them in a way I believe will appeal to my intended customer. Interesting, clear photos are incredibly important in grabbing attention, and really you should just have fun with your work. I feel like I am still learning and evolving everyday with the app, and I enjoy every second of it.