Depop or Flop?
When it comes to selling second-hand, Depop has dominated the digital market with everything from designer brands to fast fashion excess. By placing the power of selling in the hands of the people, the app has become highly criticized in recent years. Critics across social media platforms have been outspoken about the sellers on the app who shop at second-hand stores, such as Goodwill and Salvation Army, and find low-priced goods to upsell with the label of “vintage” or “Y2K.” The “toddler tee” trend, which features cropped, tight tops originally marketed as children’s clothes, has also trickled its way onto the app. Tees that originally sold for $6 are hiked to $50 to make a profit amidst the 10% fee taken to keep Depop in business.
The abundance of Shein has been appearing not only in local thrift spots but also resold for twice as much on Depop. This brings up the larger concerns of overconsumption in fast fashion and what it means for contentious environmental issues like global warming.
Clothes that have holes, rips, and tears are not heavily monitored by the site, and dirty or stained items also fall through the cracks. A viral TikTok video shows a buyer receiving shoes shipped in a cat litter bag, causing a stir of controversy. Depop and its users have also fallen victim to scam culture and knock-off designer products masking authenticity. Supposed authentic designer purses from Prada and Marc Jacobs have been exposed as fakes, and buyers are left to dispute the charges through the app or through their form of payment.
However, Depop has fostered success in several companies built from the ground up. One of them is Rogue, created by Emma Rogue, which features curated vintage clothing and custom accessories.
Depop is arguably the most aesthetic thrift app and has a layout similar to Instagram. As a result, the app has high expectations for product photography. Sellers are recommended to take photos of their items in natural lighting or against a simple background. The site allows those with a stylistic eye the opportunity to model products and create unique brands. These expectations differ from sites like Mercari and Poshmark, where users can simply snap pictures of their items and do not need to compete for aesthetics.
Depop’s explore feature, ‘The Depop Edit,’ helps sellers and buyers connect. It often spotlights unique themes like biker chic-inspired pieces and monochromatic sets. With artistically themed and curated content based on viewing history, users can find just about anything their heart desires.
The site has also become a hub for celebrity content with Harry Lambert, Pop Icon Harry Styles’ Stylist, clearing out his own closet. Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘SOURshop’ was also a hit on Depop in June 2021, which featured fashion from her music videos and personal wardrobe.
Depop provides endless scrolling for window shoppers and compulsive buyers alike. The app offers clothing, shoes, accessories, and collectibles, with a market for everyone and anyone—no matter how obscure. With shocking prices and questionable content, the site has provided priceless entertainment.
Strike Out,
Matilda Pollard
Boca Raton
Matilda Pollard is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She is a proud Pisces who loves all things creative. Her hobbies include trying new foods and watching classic rom-coms. You can reach her at mpollard280@gmail.com
