Upselling on Depop: A New Dilemma
Image Courtesy: American Profile
It comes as no surprise that thrifting and second-hand shopping have sparked a massive shift in the fashion industry. With a rise in the popularity of second-hand clothing, we are witnessing a prioritization of self-expression, individuality, and sustainability, but at what cost? Although thrift and second-hand stores are conscientious alternatives to harmful avenues like fast fashion, some have found ways to exploit them to yield their own profit.
Image Courtesy: Strike Magazine Tallahassee
Essentially, it has become a sport to mass purchase items from thrift stores for cheap, then resell the items for triple the price on platforms like Depop. Although these acts are legal and perhaps even encouraged in the name of capitalistic pursuit, the cold truth is that engaging in these behaviors is unethical. Upselling thrifted items that originally cost you $5 and upselling them for $40 is not only taking advantage of your clientele, but it is also robbing lower-income communities that depend on thrift stores of access to affordable clothing, furniture, and décor.
It’s important to note how thrifting only became a popular trend once affluent, privileged individuals began to post their thrift hauls online. Before this, those dependent on thrifted clothing were made fun of for being “poor” and having to wear used clothes. Having experienced this issue firsthand, I remember being embarrassed in middle school when my affluent peers asked me where I got my outfits from. Now, however, due to platforms like TikTok, thrifting is seen as a trendy pastime and a niche, “cool girl” hobby. The gentrification of thrifting has reached such an extreme to the point that there are individuals and influencers alike whom only thrift to purchase items and upsell them on Depop for triple the price.
Image Courtesy: Voir Fashion
As an avid Depop user, I have noticed another issue within the community, in the form of users upselling fast fashion. It may sound ridiculous, but with the right photos, editing, caption, and following, sellers can deceive their followers and get away with selling items from Shein and AliExpress for over $50. Their trickery lies in removing the tags that disclose where the items are from, impeccable photography, and trendy captions suggesting the item is “vintage” with ambiguous origins. Once while scrolling on Depop, I came across a dress that costs about $6 on AliExpress being upcharged for $52. Consequently, I called them out via the comments, just to have my account blocked. In other instances, sellers will disclose where the item is from but continue to upcharge the item and, somehow, it still sells. I can’t tell you how many times I have come across a top from Brandy Melville being sold for $85, marketed as an “ultra-rare vintage y2k Brandy Melville” when the reality is that it was probably found at their local thrift shop.
Image Courtesy: Vox ATL
Unethical practices in the fashion community are nothing new, but with the rise of online thrifting apps like Depop, Poshmark, and Mercari, we are witnessing new ethical dilemmas. The “gentrification” of thrifting and upselling online is an intersectional issue that affects overlapping groups of people in various ways. The solution to these issues comes in the form of setting intentions while thrifting, as well as avoiding supporting sketchy Depop sellers and/or influencers. Making sure to look at the reviews on a seller’s page, checking their socials to see what they stand for, and going through posts to find any red flags are just a few ways to ensure that you are practicing ethical consumption, ensuring a positive buying experience for yourself, and are not supporting someone who is taking advantage of low-income communities for their own gain.
Strike Out,
Writer: Emily Valmana
Editor: Jayna O
Graphic Designer: Katie Boucher
Tallahassee