Depop vs Poshmark vs Thredup: Which Resale App Reigns?
Tired of fast fashion and looking for a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe? The world of online resale is booming, offering a treasure trove of pre-loved clothing and accessories. But with so many platforms vying for your attention, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
This comparison dives headfirst into the popular apps, exploring their unique features and highlighting their strengths. We’ll be pitting two major players against each other. First, we’ll look at the social-media-esque marketplace, Depop, known for its focus on unique and vintage finds.
Then, we’ll examine Poshmark, a platform with a more straightforward approach to selling and buying. We’ll cover everything from ease of use and fees to the types of items available. This guide, focused on depop vs poshmark vs thredup, aims to help you decide which platform best suits your needs, whether you’re a seasoned seller or a thrifty shopper.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Depop | Poshmark |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Gen Z & Millennials | Women, focusing on fashion |
| Listing Style | Photos, videos, creative freedom | Photos, standardized format |
| Seller Fees | 10% commission | 20% commission on sales over $15, $2.95 for sales under $15 |
| Shipping | Seller responsible, options vary | Prepaid shipping labels |
| Payment Processing | Integrated payments | Integrated payments |
| Return Policy | Varies by seller | Buyer protection, return process |
| Social Features | Following, likes, direct messages | Followers, sharing, parties |
| Inventory | Clothing, accessories, vintage, unique items | Primarily fashion, home goods |
| Negotiation | Offers and direct messaging | Offers and bundles |
| Community | Strong emphasis on style and trends | Focus on social selling and fashion |
| Marketing Tools | Hashtags, promoted listings | Sharing, closet spotlights |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly, visually driven | Simple and straightforward |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Target Audience
- Depop: Primarily Gen Z and young millennials interested in streetwear, vintage, and unique, often trend-driven fashion. It’s very visually focused with a strong social media feel. Pros: High engagement and trend-focused. Cons: Can be oversaturated and less focused on established brands.
- Poshmark: A broader audience, with an emphasis on women’s fashion, but also includes men’s, kids’, and home goods. It appeals to users seeking a more traditional resale experience with a focus on designer and name-brand items. Pros: Wider product selection. Cons: Less focus on unique or vintage items.
- Winner: depop
Listing Process
- Depop: Listings are visually-driven with a focus on photos. Users can easily create listings with multiple photos and videos, and descriptions often include hashtags. Pros: Easy and quick to list. Cons: Requires good photography skills.
- Poshmark: Listing is straightforward, requiring photos, descriptions, and brand/size information. Users can share listings to their “closet” and participate in “Posh Parties” for increased visibility. Pros: Easy to list. Cons: Less emphasis on visual presentation.
- Winner: depop
Seller Fees
- Depop: Depop charges a 10% selling fee on each sale, plus PayPal fees if you use PayPal to process the payment. Pros: Relatively low fees. Cons: PayPal fees are additional.
- Poshmark: Poshmark charges a flat commission of $2.95 for sales under $15, and 20% for sales of $15 or more. Pros: Simple fee structure. Cons: Higher commission percentage on larger sales.
- Winner: depop
Shipping
- Depop: Sellers are responsible for shipping. They can choose their own shipping method or use Depop’s integrated shipping labels with USPS. Pros: Flexibility in shipping options. Cons: More responsibility for the seller.
- Poshmark: Poshmark provides pre-paid shipping labels, with a set shipping fee based on the weight of the package. Pros: Easy and standardized shipping. Cons: Less flexibility in shipping options.
- Winner: poshmark
Social Features
- Depop: Strong social media integration, with features like following users, liking items, and direct messaging. It encourages community interaction. Pros: High community engagement. Cons: Can be distracting.
- Poshmark: Emphasizes social interaction through “Posh Parties,” sharing listings, and following other users. Pros: Facilitates community building. Cons: Can feel less organic.
- Winner: depop
Negotiation
- Depop: Offers are typically made via direct messaging and are less formal. Pros: More flexible. Cons: Can take longer to negotiate.
- Poshmark: Offers are made via the “Make an Offer” button, which allows for counteroffers. Pros: Streamlined negotiation process. Cons: Less room for personalized interaction.
- Winner: poshmark
Authentication/Guarantees
- Depop: Depop does not offer authentication services, but does have a “Buyer Protection” policy. Pros: Less overhead. Cons: Riskier for high-value items.
- Poshmark: Poshmark authenticates items over a certain price threshold. Pros: Added security for buyers. Cons: Not all items are authenticated.
- Winner: poshmark
Inventory Control
- Depop: Sellers manage their own inventory and are responsible for removing sold items. Pros: Total control over inventory. Cons: Requires diligent tracking.
- Poshmark: Sellers manage their own inventory. Pros: Total control over inventory. Cons: Requires diligent tracking.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Unique Items | Depop |
| Ease of Use | Poshmark |
| Social Features | Poshmark |
| Seller Fees | Depop |
| Shipping Convenience | Poshmark |
| Target Audience | Depop |
| Listing Style | Depop |
What They Have in Common
- Selling Platform: Both platforms provide a space for users to buy and sell used clothing and accessories, creating a marketplace for fashion enthusiasts.
- Mobile Apps: Both Depop and Poshmark offer dedicated mobile applications, allowing users to easily browse, list, and purchase items on the go.
- Social Features: Both platforms incorporate social elements, such as following other users, liking items, and direct messaging, to foster a sense of community.
- Payment Processing: Both Depop and Poshmark handle payment processing, simplifying transactions for both buyers and sellers.
- Buyer Protection: Both platforms offer buyer protection policies to safeguard purchases and resolve disputes.
- Listing Capabilities: Both platforms allow users to list items with photos, descriptions, and pricing.
Depop, Poshmark, and ThredUp Buying Guide
Depop Buying Guide
Depop is a social marketplace where users buy and sell clothing and accessories, often with a focus on unique and vintage items. When buying on Depop, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the seller’s profile, including their ratings and reviews, to gauge their reliability. Check the item’s description carefully for any flaws, sizing details, and material information. Engage with the seller by asking questions about the item’s condition or measurements before committing to a purchase. Be aware of the platform’s payment and shipping policies to understand your buyer protection. Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices if you feel the item is overpriced, and always pay through the Depop platform for security.
Poshmark Buying Guide
Poshmark is known for its social selling experience, specializing in fashion, accessories, and home goods. When buying on Poshmark, pay close attention to the listing details, including photos and descriptions, noting any imperfections. Unlike Depop, Poshmark often features more established brands. Utilize the “Ask Seller a Question” feature to inquire about the item’s condition or to request additional photos. Be mindful of Poshmark’s bundling feature, which allows you to negotiate prices on multiple items from the same seller. Always review the seller’s closet for their ratings and feedback and to get a sense of their selling style.
ThredUp Buying Guide
ThredUp is a consignment and resale platform that offers a vast selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories for women and children. ThredUp stands out for its extensive inventory and streamlined shopping experience. When buying, filter by size, brand, and condition to narrow your search. Take advantage of ThredUp’s detailed product descriptions and condition ratings to assess the item’s quality. Be aware that ThredUp often has sales and promotions, so compare prices across different listings. Look for items with the “like new” or “new with tags” condition. Check the return policy before purchasing.
Depop Buying Guide – Sizing & Authenticity
Sizing can vary significantly on Depop, especially with vintage or independent brands. Always check the measurements provided by the seller, and compare them to your own measurements. If measurements aren’t provided, don’t hesitate to ask the seller for them. Regarding authenticity, Depop has a less stringent verification process than platforms like Poshmark. Be extra cautious with luxury items. Examine photos closely for any signs of counterfeiting, and check the seller’s history. Request additional photos or ask for proof of purchase if you are unsure of an item’s authenticity.
Poshmark Buying Guide – Sizing & Authenticity
Poshmark provides a more structured environment for sizing, and generally relies on the size tags provided by the brands. However, it is still crucial to review the seller’s description and photos carefully to understand the fit. Poshmark has a dedicated team for authenticating items, especially for luxury goods. Look for listings that have been authenticated by Poshmark, and use the “Ask Seller a Question” feature to inquire about the item’s authenticity if you have any doubts. Always check the seller’s history for clues about previous sales and authenticity.
ThredUp Buying Guide – Sizing & Authenticity
ThredUp offers a very standardized shopping experience, but it is important to remember that they are dealing with used clothing. Sizing is based on the size tags, but consider the potential for shrinkage or alterations. ThredUp’s authentication process is quite rigorous, especially for designer items. They inspect items for quality and authenticity before listing them. However, it’s always wise to review the item’s description and photos, and check the condition rating before purchasing. Read the reviews to get an idea of the item’s quality.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Depop If…
- You’re looking for unique, vintage, or one-of-a-kind items.
- You enjoy a visually driven platform with a strong emphasis on style and trends.
- You want more creative control over your listings, including video content.
- You’re interested in connecting with a younger demographic and a strong sense of community.
Buy Poshmark If…
- You’re primarily interested in buying and selling fashion items, especially designer brands.
- You prefer a more streamlined and standardized listing process.
- You appreciate the social selling aspect, including sharing and “Posh Parties.”
- You value the convenience of prepaid shipping labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between Depop and Poshmark?
Depop is more social and caters to a younger demographic, with a focus on unique and vintage items. Poshmark emphasizes a more structured marketplace with a focus on fashion and designer brands. Poshmark also provides a more robust authentication process, particularly for luxury goods. Depop allows for more direct communication and negotiation.
How does ThredUp differ from Depop and Poshmark in terms of inventory?
ThredUp offers a much larger and more curated selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories, due to its consignment model. It carries a vast inventory compared to Depop and Poshmark, with items often processed and priced by ThredUp. Depop and Poshmark are primarily peer-to-peer marketplaces.
How do I ensure the authenticity of an item on Depop?
On Depop, carefully examine the item’s photos, description, and seller’s profile. Check for any signs of counterfeiting and request additional photos or proof of purchase if necessary. Pay attention to the seller’s feedback. If something seems off, it’s best to avoid the purchase. Trust your instincts.
What is the return policy on Poshmark?
Poshmark offers buyer protection. If an item is misrepresented, you can open a case with Poshmark to request a refund. You must report any issues within three days of delivery. Poshmark will review the case and make a decision based on the evidence provided. The return process is handled through Poshmark.
How does ThredUp handle returns?
ThredUp has a more defined return policy. You can return an item if it doesn’t fit or if it is misrepresented. However, there may be a return shipping fee. Check ThredUp’s return policy for specific details regarding the return process. The return window is generally shorter than on Poshmark.
Which platform is best for selling designer items?
Poshmark is generally the best platform for selling designer items, due to its authentication process. ThredUp also has a rigorous authentication process for luxury brands. Depop, while it has designer items, has a less stringent verification procedure. The choice depends on the level of authentication needed.
What are the fees associated with each platform?
Depop charges a fee of 10% on each sale. Poshmark takes a commission of 20% for sales over $15, and a flat fee of $2.95 for sales under $15. ThredUp has a more complex fee structure, based on the selling price and the seller’s payout option, which is based on consignment.
Final Verdict
Each platform offers unique advantages. Depop excels with its social focus and vintage finds. Poshmark provides a structured marketplace for fashion and designer items. ThredUp offers a vast inventory and convenient shopping. Ultimately, the best platform depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your buying priorities and the types of items you are searching for.
Winner: ThredUp