Depop vs Poshmark: Which Resale Platform Should You Sell On?

Introduction

The resale fashion market has exploded into a $50+ billion industry, driven by Gen Z and Millennial consumers seeking sustainable, affordable, and unique clothing options. Two platforms dominate the conversation: Depop and Poshmark. While both facilitate peer-to-peer fashion resale, they cater to dramatically different audiences, selling styles, and business models.

Depop has become the go-to marketplace for Gen Z sellers hawking vintage band tees, Y2K fashion, and streetwear to a community of 30 million primarily under-26 users. Poshmark, by contrast, attracts Millennial women selling contemporary brands, designer handbags, and professional attire to an audience of 80 million users aged 25-45.

Choosing the right platform can mean the difference between selling your vintage Nike jacket for $45 in 2 days on Depop or watching it sit unsold for 3 months on Poshmark. This comprehensive guide breaks down every critical difference between Depop vs Poshmark—from fees and algorithms to audience demographics and seller strategies—so you can maximize sales on the platform that fits your inventory, style, and selling approach.

Platform Overviews: Depop vs Poshmark

Depop: The Gen Z Instagram of Fashion Resale

Founded in 2011 in London and acquired by Etsy for $1.6 billion in 2021, Depop operates like Instagram meets eBay. The app emphasizes visual discovery through a curated feed, hashtag-driven search, and influencer-style seller profiles.

Depop's Core Identity:

• Target demographic: 90% of active users are under 26, with 75% identifying as Gen Z
• Geographic focus: Strong in UK (originated there), US, and Australia
• Platform vibe: Creative, edgy, vintage-obsessed, streetwear-focused
• Selling style: Curated aesthetic shops with styled photos, often featuring sellers wearing items
• Community culture: "Depop famous" sellers act as micro-influencers with thousands of followers
• Total users: 30 million registered users, 8 million monthly actives
• Average item price: $20-$45 (lower price point, high volume)

Poshmark: The Social Shopping Party for Millennials

Founded in 2011 in California and acquired by Naver for $1.2 billion in 2023, Poshmark pioneered "social commerce" with its Posh Party system, where users share listings in real-time themed events to drive visibility.

Poshmark's Core Identity:

• Target demographic: 80% women aged 25-45, predominantly Millennial
• Geographic focus: Primarily US and Canada (launched India, Australia markets)
• Platform vibe: Polished, brand-focused, designer-oriented, professional attire
• Selling style: High-volume closet clearouts with standardized product photos
• Community culture: Heavy emphasis on "sharing" (re-posting others' listings), Posh Parties, and Bundle deals
• Total users: 80 million registered users, 7-9 million monthly actives
• Average item price: $35-$75 (higher-end contemporary brands and designer)

Audience Comparison: Who's Buying on Each Platform?

Depop Buyers: Gen Z Vintage Hunters and Streetwear Enthusiasts

Age Breakdown:

• Ages 16-20: 45% of buyers
• Ages 21-25: 35% of buyers
• Ages 26-30: 15% of buyers
• Ages 31+: 5% of buyers

Shopping Motivations:

• Sustainability: 75% of Depop buyers cite environmental concerns as a purchase driver
• Uniqueness: Seeking one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, not mass-market contemporary brands
• Affordability: Lower budgets than Millennial shoppers (students, early career)
• Style experimentation: Willing to take fashion risks, embrace bold aesthetics
• Influencer discovery: Follow favorite sellers like they would Instagram influencers

Style Preferences:

• Vintage band tees (Nirvana, Metallica, Rolling Stones from 80s-90s)
• Y2K fashion (low-rise jeans, baby tees, cargo pants, butterfly clips)
• Streetwear (Nike, Adidas, Supreme, Stussy, Carhartt)
• 90s minimalism (Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, simple silhouettes)
• Grunge and alternative aesthetics (Doc Martens, flannel, oversized jackets)

Spending Power:

• Average order value: $30-$50
• Typical budget per item: $15-$35
• Willing to pay premium (100-300%) for rare vintage Nike, band tees, designer streetwear

Poshmark Buyers: Millennial Women Seeking Contemporary Brands and Designer Deals

Age Breakdown:

• Ages 25-34: 50% of buyers
• Ages 35-44: 30% of buyers
• Ages 45-54: 15% of buyers
• Ages 18-24: 5% of buyers (Poshmark struggles with Gen Z)

Shopping Motivations:

• Value hunting: Seeking 50-70% discounts on retail-priced contemporary brands
• Brand loyalty: Searching specific brands (Lululemon, Free People, Anthropologie, Kate Spade)
• Wardrobe refreshes: Buying professional work attire, athleisure, everyday wear
• Designer access: Affordable entry to luxury brands (Coach, Michael Kors, Tory Burch)
• Convenience: Shop from home vs. consignment stores or thrift shops

Style Preferences:

• Contemporary brands (Lululemon, Madewell, Reformation, Everlane)
• Designer handbags and accessories (Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Gucci)
• Professional attire (Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, J.Crew blazers and dresses)
• Athleisure (Athleta, Beyond Yoga, Alo Yoga)
• Boho and feminine styles (Free People, Anthropologie, Madewell)

Spending Power:

• Average order value: $50-$80
• Typical budget per item: $25-$60
• Willing to spend $150-$400 for designer handbags (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel)

Fees and Pricing: Detailed Cost Breakdown

Depop Fee Structure

Seller Fees:

• Commission: 10% of sale price (item price + shipping if you charge buyer)
• Payment processing: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (via Depop Payments, using Stripe)
• Total effective fee: ~13% of total transaction value
• Listing fee: $0 (free to list unlimited items)
• Withdrawal fee: $0 (free to transfer earnings to bank account)

Shipping Costs:

• Seller sets shipping: You choose whether to offer "buyer pays shipping" or "free shipping" (rolled into item price)
• Depop Shipping Label: Discounted USPS rates ($4.75-$11.50 based on weight, up to 10 lbs)
• Ship on your own: You can use your own shipping account (USPS, UPS, etc.) and buy labels outside Depop
• Most common: Sellers charge $4.75-$6.50 shipping (USPS First Class or Priority Mail flat rate)

Fee Calculation Example (Depop):

Poshmark Fee Structure

Seller Fees:

• Commission for sales under $15: Flat $2.95 fee
• Commission for sales $15+: 20% of sale price
• Payment processing: Included in commission (no separate fee)
• Total effective fee: 20% flat (significantly higher than Depop)
• Listing fee: $0 (free to list unlimited items)
• Withdrawal fee: $0 for direct deposit; $1.99 for instant transfer (Instant Deposit)

Shipping Costs:

• Flat rate shipping: $7.97 for packages up to 5 lbs (USPS Priority Mail 3-day)
• Heavy items (5-10 lbs): $11.88 flat rate
• Who pays: Buyer always pays shipping (you don't handle it)
• Label provided: Poshmark automatically generates prepaid USPS label after sale
• Simplicity advantage: You never deal with shipping costs or logistics; just print label and ship

Fee Calculation Example (Poshmark):

Fee Comparison: Which Platform Keeps More Money?

For items under $50: Depop is cheaper. At $40 sale price, Depop takes ~13% ($5.20) vs. Poshmark 20% ($8.00) = $2.80 savings per sale with Depop.

For items $50-$100: Depop still wins but gap narrows. At $75 sale price, Depop takes ~$9.75 (13%) vs. Poshmark $15 (20%) = $5.25 savings with Depop.

For items $100+: Depop significantly better. At $150 sale price, Depop takes ~$19.50 (13%) vs. Poshmark $30 (20%) = $10.50 savings with Depop.

However: Poshmark's prepaid shipping label and standardized process saves time and mental energy, which high-volume sellers value. Depop requires more shipping logistics but rewards with lower fees.

Selling Features: Listings, Shipping, and Social Tools

Depop Listing Process

• Photo requirements: 1-4 photos per listing (most sellers use 4 for maximum visibility)
• Photo style: Styled/modeled photos perform best (sellers wearing items in natural lighting)
• Photo editing: In-app filters and editing tools (brightness, contrast, vintage filters)
• Description length: Up to 1,000 characters (sellers typically write 100-300)
• Hashtags: Critical for discovery—use up to 5 relevant hashtags (#vintage #90s #y2k #streetwear #nike)
• Measurements: Not required but strongly recommended (chest, length, waist for accuracy)
• Brand tagging: Select from Depop's brand database or enter custom brand
• Offers: Buyers can send offers, you can accept/counter/decline
• Bundles: Buyers can message to request bundle discounts (no built-in feature)

Poshmark Listing Process

• Photo requirements: Up to 16 photos per listing (Poshmark encourages comprehensive documentation)
• Photo style: Clean, well-lit product photos (flat lays or mannequin); modeled photos less common
• Photo editing: Built-in editing (crop, rotate, brightness) but less robust than Depop
• Description length: Up to 500 characters (shorter than Depop, more standardized)
• Listing details: Required fields for size, color, condition, category (more structured than Depop)
• Measurements: Not required but buyers often request in comments
• Brand tagging: Must select from Poshmark's extensive brand database (no custom brands)
• Offers: Sellers can send "Offer to Likers" (discounted price to everyone who liked the item)
• Bundles: Built-in bundle feature with automatic bundle discounts (e.g., 15% off 3+ items)

Shipping and Fulfillment

Depop:

• You choose shipping method and print label (Depop Shipping or your own)
• More flexible (can use eco-friendly mailers, reused packaging)
• More work (buy packaging, weigh items, go to post office if no home pickup)
• Faster shipping options available (Priority Mail Express 1-2 day)

Poshmark:

• Poshmark provides prepaid USPS Priority Mail label automatically after sale
• Standardized process (just print, pack, drop off or schedule pickup)
• Less flexibility (must use USPS Priority, can't choose carriers)
• Faster for sellers (no decision-making, no payment upfront)

Social and Discovery Features

Depop's Instagram-Style Discovery:

• Explore feed: Curated algorithmic feed showing trending items and popular sellers
• Hashtag search: Users browse #vintage, #y2k, #nike to discover items (SEO-critical)
• Follow system: Follow favorite sellers; their new listings appear in your feed
• Likes and saves: Buyers like items (sellers can see who liked and send offers manually)
• Seller profiles: Aesthetic shop fronts with bio, profile photo, curated grid layout
• No built-in sharing: Unlike Poshmark, no sharing or re-posting mechanism

Poshmark's Social Commerce and Posh Parties:

• Posh Parties: Real-time themed events (e.g., "Best in Jeans Party") where sellers share listings for visibility
• Sharing economy: Sellers "share" their own listings and others' listings to their followers
• Follow for follow: Community ethos of following and sharing to build reciprocal visibility
• Offers to Likers: Send discounted private offers to everyone who liked your item
• Bundle promotions: Automatic bundle discounts incentivize multi-item purchases
• Closet Clear Out (CCO): Special events where shipping discounts apply to discounted listings

Discovery and Search: Algorithms, Hashtags, and Visibility

Depop Algorithm: Recency, Engagement, and Aesthetic

How Depop's Algorithm Works:

• Recency bias: Newly listed items and recently refreshed listings appear higher in search
• Engagement signals: Items with more likes, saves, and comments rank higher
• Seller reputation: Sellers with higher ratings, more followers, and verified badges get boosted
• Hashtag relevance: Listings with relevant hashtags appear in hashtag search feeds
• Visual quality: Algorithm may favor high-quality, styled photos (unconfirmed but suspected)

Depop SEO Best Practices:

• Use all 5 hashtags with a mix of broad (#vintage) and specific (#90sNike) tags
• Refresh listings by editing and saving (bumps them to top of search)
• Post new items regularly (2-5 per week) to stay active in followers' feeds
• Style items on yourself or models for higher engagement (lifestyle photos)
• Respond quickly to messages and comments (engagement signals)
• Build follower base (share on Instagram, TikTok with "shop my Depop" links)

Poshmark Algorithm: Sharing, Recency, and Activity

How Poshmark's Algorithm Works:

• Sharing frequency: The more you share your listings, the more they appear in feeds
• Recency of shares: Recently shared items appear higher in search results (short-lived boost)
• Seller activity: Active sellers (sharing, listing, offering) get prioritized
• Community participation: Sellers who attend Posh Parties and share others' listings get rewarded
• Offer activity: Sending offers to likers signals active selling (may boost visibility)

Poshmark SEO Best Practices:

• Share your entire closet 3-5 times per day (morning, lunch, evening, late night)
• Participate in Posh Parties (share your relevant items to party feeds)
• Share other sellers' items (builds community goodwill, may trigger reciprocal shares)
• Send Offers to Likers regularly (10-20% discount to re-engage interested buyers)
• List new items consistently (aim for 5-10 new listings per week)
• Use Closet Clear Out events (offer discounted shipping to convert likers)

Hashtag Strategy: Depop vs Poshmark

Depop Hashtags (Critical):

• Hashtags are the primary discovery mechanism on Depop
• Use 5 hashtags strategically: 2 broad + 2 specific + 1 brand/style
• Example for vintage Nike jacket: #vintage #90s #nike #streetwear #windbreaker
• Research trending hashtags: #y2k (300K+ listings), #grunge (150K+), #cottagecore (80K+)

Poshmark (Less Critical but Helpful):

• Poshmark doesn't officially support hashtags, but some sellers add them to descriptions
• Primary discovery is through brand search, category filters, and sharing
• Focus on accurate brand/size/color tagging over hashtag optimization

Best Items to Sell on Each Platform

Top-Performing Categories on Depop

1. Vintage Band and Graphic Tees ($15-$45)

• Nirvana, Metallica, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones tees from 80s-90s
• College and sports team vintage tees (University of Michigan, Yankees)
• Single-stitch tees (pre-1990s construction, highly sought after)
• Why Depop: Gen Z buyers actively search #vintagetees and are willing to pay 300-500% markups

2. Y2K Fashion ($20-$60)

• Low-rise jeans (True Religion, Bebe, Baby Phat)
• Baby tees and crop tops (early 2000s brands)
• Cargo pants and parachute pants
• Tiny sunglasses, butterfly clips, platform shoes
• Why Depop: Y2K trend is Gen Z-driven; Poshmark audience doesn't actively seek this aesthetic

3. Streetwear (Sneakers, Hoodies, Jackets) ($40-$150)

• Nike, Adidas, Champion, Carhartt, Dickies
• Vintage Starter jackets, windbreakers, puffer coats
• Supreme, Stussy, Palace (even non-rare drops sell well)
• Why Depop: Streetwear culture aligns with Depop's Gen Z, urban, style-conscious audience

4. 90s Minimalism and Logomania ($25-$75)

• Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren from 90s
• Simple silhouettes with prominent logo placement
• Why Depop: 90s revival trend is strongest on Depop vs. Poshmark

5. Doc Martens, Combat Boots, and Alternative Footwear ($60-$120)

• Vintage or gently used Doc Martens (original UK-made fetch premium)
• Platform shoes, chunky sneakers (Buffalo, Spice Girls style)
• Why Depop: Alternative and grunge aesthetics are core to Depop culture

Top-Performing Categories on Poshmark

1. Contemporary Brand Clothing ($25-$80)

• Lululemon (leggings, tops, jackets—extremely fast sellers)
• Free People, Anthropologie, Madewell (boho, feminine styles)
• Athleta, Alo Yoga, Beyond Yoga (athleisure)
• Everlane, Reformation (sustainable contemporary brands)
• Why Poshmark: Millennial buyers actively search by brand name; high brand loyalty

2. Designer Handbags and Accessories ($75-$400+)

• Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors (accessible luxury)
• Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, Longchamp
• High-end: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel (require authentication)
• Why Poshmark: Poshmark's authentication service for $500+ bags builds buyer trust

3. Professional and Business Attire ($30-$90)

• Blazers and suits (Theory, Hugo Boss, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic)
• Work dresses and dress pants (J.Crew, Talbots)
• Professional shoes (Cole Haan, Clarks, Sam Edelman)
• Why Poshmark: Millennial professional women (25-40) shop Poshmark for affordable work wardrobes

4. Plus-Size and Maternity Clothing ($20-$60)

• Torrid, Lane Bryant, ASOS Curve (plus-size specialists)
• Motherhood Maternity, Seraphine, HATCH
• Why Poshmark: Stronger plus-size and maternity communities than Depop

5. Jewelry and Small Accessories ($15-$50)

• Pandora charms, Kendra Scott earrings, Alex and Ani bracelets
• Scarves, belts, sunglasses from contemporary brands
• Why Poshmark: Low shipping cost ($7.97) makes accessories profitable; buyers bundle easily

Seller Success Strategies: How to Win on Each Platform

Depop Seller Strategy: Build an Aesthetic Brand

1. Curate a Cohesive Shop Aesthetic

• Choose a niche (90s grunge, Y2K preppy, streetwear, cottagecore)
• Maintain consistent photo style (same background, lighting, editing filters)
• Model items yourself or use same mannequin/flat lay style throughout
• Treat your shop like an Instagram feed—buyers follow sellers with strong visual identities

2. Invest in Photography and Styling

• Use natural lighting (golden hour outdoor photos perform best)
• Style items on yourself or friends to show fit and vibe
• Use all 4 photo slots (front, back, detail shots, styled/lifestyle photo)
• Edit photos for brightness and contrast (Depop's in-app tools or VSCO, Lightroom)

3. Master Hashtag Strategy

• Research trending hashtags weekly (check Depop Explore page)
• Mix broad hashtags (#vintage 800K listings) with specific (#90sNike 20K listings)
• Avoid irrelevant/banned hashtags (#sale, #cheap, #followback)

4. Pricing Strategy

• Price slightly higher than your target to leave room for offers (most sales involve negotiation)
• Research comparable items: search your item + brand, sort by "Sold" to see actual sale prices
• Fast sellers: $15-$35 (high volume, quick turnover)
• Premium items: $60-$150 (rare vintage Nike, designer streetwear)

5. Cross-Promote on Social Media

• Share new listings on Instagram Stories with "Link in bio" and swipe-up (if available)
• Create TikToks showcasing "Depop haul" or "thrift flip" content
• Build a following outside Depop to drive traffic to your shop

Poshmark Seller Strategy: Volume and Activity

1. List High Volume (50-200+ Items)

• Poshmark rewards closet size—more listings = more search visibility
• Source inventory from thrift stores, garage sales, your own closet, wholesale lots
• List quickly using Poshmark's mobile app (average 3-5 minutes per listing)

2. Share Relentlessly (3-5 Times Daily)

• Morning (7-9 AM), lunch (12-1 PM), evening (5-7 PM), late night (9-11 PM)
• Use Poshmark's "Share All" feature to share entire closet in under 10 minutes
• Automate sharing with third-party tools (PoshVA, ClosetPilot—use cautiously, may violate TOS)

3. Participate in Posh Parties

• Parties happen multiple times daily (check Posh Party schedule)
• Share items matching party theme ("Best in Bags," "Athleisure Party")
• Parties drive temporary visibility spikes (many sales happen during/after parties)

4. Send Offers to Likers Aggressively

• When item gets 3-5 likes, send 10-15% discount offer with discounted shipping
• Re-send offers every few days to new likers
• Conversion rate: 5-10% of likers purchase after receiving offer

5. Bundle Strategy

• Set bundle discount (e.g., 15% off 2+ items, 20% off 3+ items)
• Encourage bundling in listings ("Bundle 3+ items for 20% off!")
• Bundles increase average order value and offset Poshmark's 20% fee

6. Pricing Strategy

• Price 20-30% higher than target to accommodate offers and bundle discounts
• Most items sell for 10-25% below list price (via offers or negotiation)
• Research comps: search brand + item type, filter by "Sold" to see actual sale prices

Which Platform for Which Seller Type?

Choose Depop If You:

• Sell vintage, Y2K, or streetwear: Depop's Gen Z audience actively hunts these styles
• Have a strong visual/creative identity: You enjoy photography, styling, and building a branded shop
• Are younger (under 30): You understand Gen Z trends and can connect with the community authentically
• Source unique one-of-a-kind pieces: Vintage band tees, rare Nike, thrifted gems that can't be replicated
• Want lower fees: Depop's 13% total fee beats Poshmark's 20%
• Are comfortable with shipping logistics: You don't mind weighing items, buying labels, and managing shipping
• Sell lower-priced items ($15-$50): Lower fees make small-ticket items more profitable

Choose Poshmark If You:

• Sell contemporary brands (Lululemon, Free People, Madewell): Poshmark's Millennial buyers actively search these brands
• Have large inventory volume: You can list 50-200+ items and share consistently
• Want simplified shipping: Prepaid labels and flat-rate shipping eliminate logistics headaches
• Sell designer handbags or high-ticket items ($100+): Poshmark's authentication builds buyer trust
• Are clearing out your closet: Professional attire, everyday wear, and mainstream brands sell better on Poshmark
• Have limited time for styling/photography: Clean product photos work well; no need for elaborate lifestyle shoots
• Prefer community-driven selling: You're willing to engage in sharing, parties, and social commerce

Sell on Both Platforms If You:

• Have diverse inventory: Vintage tees for Depop, Lululemon leggings for Poshmark
• Want to maximize reach: Cross-listing exposes items to 110 million total users
• Can manage multiple platforms: You have time to optimize listings and activity on both
• Test and learn: Same item may perform differently—test which platform converts better

Cross-Listing Tools: Use Vendoo, List Perfectly, or Flyp to list items on both platforms simultaneously (saves time, increases sales potential).

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Resale Business

Depop vs Poshmark isn't a matter of which platform is objectively better—it's about which platform aligns with your inventory, target customer, and selling style. Depop dominates the Gen Z vintage and streetwear market with lower fees and Instagram-style discovery, while Poshmark owns the Millennial contemporary brand and designer resale space with simplified shipping and social commerce features.

For vintage band tees, Y2K fashion, and streetwear, Depop's 30 million Gen Z users will pay premium prices and discover your items through hashtag searches and curated feeds. You'll keep 87% of your sale price (vs. 80% on Poshmark) but need to handle shipping logistics and invest in styled photography.

For Lululemon, Free People, designer handbags, and professional attire, Poshmark's 80 million Millennial users actively search by brand and respond to Offers to Likers. You'll pay higher fees (20%) but benefit from prepaid shipping labels, authentication services for luxury items, and a proven social commerce system that rewards consistent activity.

Many successful resellers use both platforms strategically: list vintage Nike on Depop for $45-$65, list Lululemon on Poshmark for $50-$75, and cross-list neutral contemporary items on both to maximize exposure. Track which platform converts better for specific categories, then double down on what works.

Ultimately, the best resale platform is the one where your target customer already shops. Match your inventory to the platform's audience, master that platform's discovery algorithm, and commit to consistent listing and engagement. Whether you choose Depop's aesthetic-driven community or Poshmark's share-heavy social commerce, success comes from understanding your buyer and showing up where they're already looking.