Yes, Depop is a real resale app, founded in 2011 and now owned by eBay, which completed its purchase of Depop in 2026. Buying is safest when you pay with the in-app checkout, because that's where Depop can step in. The catch is that you're buying from individuals, so photos, sizing and condition are only as honest as each seller.
Depop gets talked about like a teenager's side project, but the numbers behind it tell a different story. I've read through what Depop and its new owner say publicly, plus the app's own safety and selling pages, so you can judge it on facts rather than one bad experience you saw in a comment thread. I'll cover both sides: is it safe to buy there, and is it a real way to make some money from your wardrobe?
Who owns Depop now
Depop's own newsroom says it was founded in 2011. For several years it belonged to Etsy, and on 18 February eBay and Etsy jointly announced that eBay would buy Depop for approximately 1.2 billion US dollars in cash. Depop then confirmed on 30 July that eBay had completed the deal, so the change of owner happened in 2026.
The part that matters to everyday users is what didn't change. The announcement said Depop would keep its name, brand, platform and culture, and the completion notice says it runs as a separate business inside eBay, with Peter Semple still its CEO. So you're dealing with a large, listed company behind the scenes, not a pop-up shop that could vanish overnight.
It's also busy. The eBay announcement put Depop at 7 million active buyers and more than 3 million active sellers at the end of 2025, with nearly 90% of buyers under 34. That younger crowd explains the vintage, streetwear and noughties feel of the feed.
Is it safe to buy on Depop?
Depop's how-it-works page says every purchase happens within the app. That's the single most important rule for buyers. When you hit Buy and pay at Depop's checkout, the order sits inside Depop's system, which is what lets the company refund or step in later.
Depop's Safety Center makes three promises worth knowing. If a seller doesn't ship on time, the order is cancelled and refunded automatically. Problems with an item are raised in the app, with support ready if you need it. And if something goes wrong, Depop says it steps in to help resolve it, with terms applying. Support is listed as available 24/7.
- Pay through Depop's own checkout every time, even if a seller offers a discount for paying another way.
- Read the whole description and zoom in on every photo before you buy.
- Ask for measurements rather than trusting the size label on vintage pieces.
- Keep every message inside the Depop chat so there's a record if you need help.
Selling on Depop: how the money side works
For sellers, Depop's headline is zero selling fees. Its sell page says you won't pay a selling fee on anything you list, although payment processing fees and boosting fees still apply. Buyers, meanwhile, pay their own small fee at checkout, which Depop describes as up to 5% of the item price plus a fixed amount. I won't repeat the full breakdown here, because I've already set it out in my plain-English guide to what Depop takes from each sale.
Shipping is simpler than people expect. In the US and UK, Depop Shipping labels are prepaid by the buyer, using USPS in the US and Evri in the UK. You pack the item, print or show the label, and drop it off. Depop also says it uses AI to suggest a listing description and attributes from your photos, which saves time when you're listing a pile of clothes at once.
Is it a real way to earn? Yes, in the sense that items sell and sellers get paid through the app. Depop says its community has earned over 1 billion US dollars to date. What it isn't is a steady income: you're competing with millions of other listings, so good photos, fair prices and quick dispatch decide who sells.
What can go wrong on Depop
The risks on Depop mostly come from people, not the platform. Here's what I'd watch for:
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- Off-app payment requests. A seller who asks you to pay by bank transfer or a friends-and-family payment is stepping outside the system that lets Depop help you.
- Condition and sizing. Secondhand clothes vary, and vintage sizing is all over the place. Most disappointments start with a skipped question.
- Late shipping as a seller. Depop's own rule is that unshipped orders get cancelled and refunded, so list only what you can send quickly.
- Fakes. Designer pieces at bargain prices deserve extra questions and extra photos.
Sellers should also think about tax. Selling your own old clothes is different from buying stock to resell, so if you start doing this regularly, check with an accountant or your tax office about your own situation.
Depop at a glance
| Question | What Depop and eBay say |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Owner | eBay, deal completed on 30 July |
| Active buyers | 7 million at the end of 2025 |
| Active sellers | More than 3 million at the end of 2025 |
| Selling fee | Zero, but payment processing and boosting fees apply |
| Where you pay | Inside the app, at Depop's checkout |
| Unshipped orders | Cancelled and refunded automatically |
How Depop scammers borrow the app's name
Most Depop horror stories follow the same script. Someone messages you, says they'd love to buy or sell, and then moves the conversation to another app or asks for payment by a method Depop doesn't use. Some send fake emails that look like Depop asking you to confirm a sale or verify your account through a link.
Depop says every purchase happens inside the app, so treat any request to pay, get paid, or log in somewhere else as a red flag. Check sales in your Depop app rather than through an email link. If you're also selling on other apps, my guide to selling on Vinted as a small seller covers similar habits that keep you safe.
My verdict on Depop
Overall, it's legit. Depop is backed by eBay, it publishes clear safety promises, and its zero selling fee makes it one of the friendlier places to clear out a wardrobe. As a buyer, you'll be fine if you stay on the in-app checkout and ask questions before you pay. As a seller, you'll do best if you treat it like a small shop: sharp photos, honest descriptions and fast dispatch.
Frequently asked questions
Is Depop legit and safe to buy from?
Yes. Depop is a real resale app owned by eBay. It's safest when you pay through Depop's in-app checkout, because that's where Depop can cancel, refund or step in if something goes wrong.
Who owns Depop?
eBay. It announced a deal to buy Depop from Etsy in 2026, and Depop confirmed on 30 July that the purchase was complete. Depop keeps its own brand and app.
Does Depop charge sellers fees?
Depop says there are no selling fees, but payment processing fees and boosting fees still apply. Buyers pay a separate fee at checkout.
What happens if a Depop seller never ships?
Depop's Safety Center says an order that isn't shipped on time is cancelled and refunded automatically.
Should I pay a Depop seller outside the app?
No. Depop says every purchase happens within the app. Paying another way takes you outside the system Depop uses to help with problems.
