What is Depop?

Depop is an online fashion marketplace where users can buy and sell clothing, accessories and more. Initially founded in 2011, it experienced massive growth during the pandemic, with a sizeable number of these new users being under 18 years old. The platform has a more social focus than most marketplace apps, as users can like items, follow sellers and create their own profiles.

Depop is popular among a younger audience. While some good deals can be found on the app, users should be aware that scammers are active on the platform.

Depop can be accessed through a browser. A mobile app is also available from Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Depop age rating

In the UK, anyone over 13 can create a Depop account with their parent’s permission.

When someone starts using Depop, they must create an account on which they can upload a profile picture and write a bio describing themselves. They must then link a bank or PayPal account to their profile, allowing them to send and receive money on the platform.

Buying on Depop

Upon opening Depop, users are shown a range of listings featuring clothes that suit the user’s style based off other clothing they have liked or purchased. Clicking on the listing will allow the user to view more images of the item, as well details, price and shipping information. You can view recent reviews of the seller along with their overall shop rating..

When a buyer purchases an item, Depop will hold their payment until after the seller ships the sold item. This is to prevent scams.

Selling on Depop

Sellers on Depop can list items without paying an upfront selling fee. Listings should include photos of the product, a description of it, a price (with an option to negotiate with buyers by allowing offers) and shipping details.

When a sale is made, Depop holds the payment until the item is confirmed as being shipped. Depop takes 10% of the final sale price, plus a small processing fee.

Buyers can leave reviews on Depop stores, so sellers must be sure that the item they sell reflects the listing in order to avoid negative reviews.

Social features

Much like a social media app, Depop allows users to follow different profiles and leave comments on their listings, like they would do on a friend’s photo on Instagram.

The app also has a direct messaging feature. Users can send private messages to any account, even if they aren’t currently buying from or selling to them.

Since Depop includes social features, you should only allow your child to use it if you already feel they’re mature enough to handle social media.

• Affordable clothing
• Environmentally friendly shopping
• Offers a way for teens to earn money
• Chance for creativity, curating store’s aesthetic or selling custom items

Depop has a minimum age rating of 13 years old. Although teens can use the platform, Depop does not offer any parental controls.

There are some risks on the platform that users must be aware of:

Scams

Users can fall victim to scams when buying or selling on Depop. Buyers might falsely claim they never received an item that you shipped to them and request a refund through PayPal. Sellers might send counterfeit clothing while claiming its real.

Young people might struggle to identify these scams due to a lack of critical thinking skills.
Contact with strangers

Depop’s messaging features allow other users to contact you, even if you are not currently buying or selling anything to them. This exposes younger users to contact with strangers, who could be seeking to do harm.

Pictures can not be sent via Depop messages, meaning users can send inappropriate or explicit imagery, but they could ask your child to message them on a different app where this could be sent.

Money management

Depop is a shopping platform, with users’ screens being flooded with listings as soon as the app is opened. This makes it easy for users to feel tempted into buying more than they need, which can lead to overspending.

Children as young as 13 years old can create profiles on Depop. It’s important that you teach them how to use it safely before they begin buying or selling on the platform. If your child wants to open a Depop account, you should first speak with them about the following topics:

Online money management

As a marketplace app, Depop revolves around money, and as a platform with lots of second-hand clothing, there are often items available at a low price. Because of this, children might struggle to control their spending while using the app. To reduce the risk of overspending, teach your child about managing money online.

Avoiding scams

Support your child in developing their critical thinking skills so they can recognise and avoid scams. Talk about what information they can and can’t share with strangers online to help protect their privacy.

Safe communication

Ensure that your child understands how to communicate safely online before you let them use Depop. Advise them not to respond to messages from anyone except buyers or sellers that they are doing business with. Tell them to keep all conversations on Depop and never move the conversation over to another app like Snapchat. Show your child how to use the block and report features on the app, so they know what to do if they receive any messages that make them uncomfortable.