Etsy and Depop are two popular online marketplaces for buying and selling unique, handmade, and vintage items. While both platforms offer a similar service, there are some key differences that set them apart. Etsy is known for its wide selection of product types, including crafts, jewelry, and home goods, while Depop specializes in unique and vintage clothing.
One of the main differences between Etsy and Depop is their target audience. Etsy caters to a broad range of customers, including those looking for one-of-a-kind gifts and home decor items, while Depop focuses on the fast-growing resale space serving the Gen Z audience. Depop is often compared to Instagram, with its fun and intuitive interface, making it easy for users to buy and sell unique fashion items.
Another difference between the two platforms is their pricing structure. Depop does not have a listing fee and offers free shipping on orders over $50, while Etsy charges a listing fee of $0.20 per listing and offers free shipping on orders over $35. While Depop may seem like the more affordable option, it is important to note that Etsy offers a range of perks with its monthly plan, Etsy Plus, including ad credits and listing credits, making it a more attractive option for businesses looking to customize their storefront and increase their visibility.
What is Etsy?
Etsy is an online marketplace that specializes in handmade, vintage, and unique items. It was founded in 2005 and has since grown to become one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world, with over 4 million active sellers and 81 million active buyers as of 2021.
One of the key features of Etsy is its focus on supporting small businesses and independent creators. Sellers on the platform can create their own online shops, where they can list their products, set their own prices, and manage their own inventory. Buyers can browse these shops and purchase items directly from the sellers.
Etsy offers a variety of product categories, including clothing, jewelry, home decor, and art. It also provides tools and resources to help sellers grow their businesses, such as analytics dashboards, marketing services, and customer support.
What is Depop?
Depop is a mobile app and online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell secondhand clothing, accessories, and other unique items. The platform was founded in 2011 in London, UK, and has since grown to become a popular destination for young and fashion-forward consumers.
One of the unique features of Depop is its focus on sustainability and reducing waste in the fashion industry. The platform encourages users to sell vintage and pre-loved items, rather than buying new products that contribute to the environmental impact of fast fashion.
Depop also has a strong social media component, with a user interface that resembles Instagram more than a traditional e-commerce site. Users can follow each other, like and comment on items, and even message each other to negotiate prices or ask questions about products. This social aspect of Depop has contributed to its popularity among younger generations who prioritize authenticity and community in their shopping experiences.
Etsy vs. Depop: Key Differences
Target Market
Etsy and Depop cater to different target markets. Etsy is a platform for artists, makers, and vintage sellers to showcase and sell their unique creations. On the other hand, Depop is primarily focused on fashion, specifically unique and vintage clothing. Depop is popular among Gen Z, while Etsy has a broader appeal, with a diverse range of products that appeal to a wider audience.
Fees and Pricing
Depop offers a lower fee structure compared to Etsy. Depop charges a 10% commission fee on each sale, while Etsy charges a 5% commission fee, plus a $0.20 listing fee for each item. Depop also offers free shipping on orders over $50, while Etsy has a free shipping policy for orders over $35.
Product Categories
Etsy and Depop have different product categories. Etsy offers a wide range of products, from handmade jewelry and crafts to vintage clothing and home decor. Depop, on the other hand, specializes in unique and vintage clothing. While Etsy has a broader range of products, Depop’s focus on fashion allows for a more curated shopping experience for fashion enthusiasts.
Community and Social Features
Depop and Etsy both offer community and social features. Depop has a messaging system for buyers and sellers to communicate, and it also has a social media-like interface that allows users to follow and interact with other users. Etsy also has a messaging system and allows users to follow and favorite shops and items. However, Etsy’s community features are not as prominent as Depop’s, and it is primarily focused on the shopping experience.
Pros and Cons of Selling on Etsy
Pros
Etsy can be a very useful platform mainly because of the wider variety of items you can sell and the large market. Etsy has been around longer than Depop and therefore is a more trusted marketplace, which can take some of the pressure of trying to build trust from the ground up when trying to sell items. Etsy, however, does have more fees than Depop, but the fees are reasonable and transparent.
Another pro of using Etsy is that it has a well-established search algorithm that can help potential buyers find your items. The platform also offers various promotional tools, including ads and coupons, to help sellers attract more customers. Additionally, Etsy provides a range of resources and support for sellers, including a Seller Handbook, forums, and customer support.
Cons
One of the main cons of selling on Etsy is that it can be quite competitive, with many sellers offering similar products. It can be challenging to stand out from the crowd and attract buyers, especially if you’re new to the platform. Additionally, Etsy’s fees can add up, especially if you’re selling lower-priced items.
Another downside of Etsy is that the platform has strict rules and guidelines for sellers, which can be difficult to navigate. For example, Etsy has specific requirements for product descriptions, photos, and shipping policies, and violations of these rules can result in account suspension or termination. Finally, while Etsy is a great platform for selling handmade and vintage items, it may not be the best choice for selling other types of products, such as electronics or beauty products.
Pros and Cons of Selling on Depop
Pros
Depop is a good platform for selling vintage and handmade goods. The fees are reasonable, and the shipping options are good. Depop also has a strong social media presence, making it easy for sellers to promote their products and reach a wider audience. Additionally, Depop’s user interface is easy to navigate and allows for seamless transactions.
Another advantage of selling on Depop is the ability to connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Depop has a strong sense of community, with users often sharing and promoting each other’s products. This can lead to increased exposure and sales for sellers.
Cons
One major downside of selling on Depop is the lack of a returns policy. This means that sellers must be careful to accurately describe their products and provide clear photos to avoid any issues with dissatisfied customers. Additionally, Depop does not sell digital products, which may be a disadvantage for sellers in certain niches.
Another potential issue with Depop is the competition. While the platform has a strong community, it also has a large number of sellers, making it difficult for new sellers to stand out. Sellers must be strategic with their marketing and pricing to compete effectively.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
When deciding between Etsy and Depop, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Consider Your Target Market
Depop tends to attract a younger, more fashion-forward crowd, while Etsy has a broader demographic of buyers. If your target market is primarily interested in vintage or unique clothing, Depop may be the better choice. For other types of handmade or vintage items, Etsy may be the way to go.
Consider Your Products
Etsy is known for its wide variety of products, from handmade jewelry to vintage furniture. Depop, on the other hand, is primarily focused on fashion and accessories. If your products fall outside of these categories, Etsy may be the better choice.
Consider Your Selling Goals
If you’re looking to make a long-term commitment to selling online, Etsy may be the better option. With its larger user base and more established reputation, it may be easier to build a sustainable business on Etsy. However, if you’re just looking to sell a few items or test the waters, Depop’s lower fees and more casual atmosphere may be a better fit.
Consider Your Budget
Both platforms have fees associated with selling, but the specifics vary. Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item and takes a 5% transaction fee, while Depop does not have a listing fee and takes a 10% transaction fee. Additionally, Etsy offers a range of paid subscription plans with additional features and benefits. If budget is a major concern, Depop may be the more affordable choice.
Conclusion
Depop and Etsy are both popular online marketplaces for buying and selling unique and vintage items. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that may make one platform more suitable for certain users than the other.
Depop is a mobile app that is geared towards younger users and offers a modern interface. It specializes in unique and vintage clothing and has a strong social media aspect, allowing users to follow and interact with each other. On the other hand, Etsy is geared towards a more general audience and offers a wider range of products and services, including handmade and personalized items. It has been around longer than Depop and is a more trusted marketplace.
When it comes to fees, Depop has lower fees than Etsy, making it a more cost-effective option for sellers. However, Etsy’s search algorithm is more complex and involved, making it easier for buyers to find what they are looking for.
Ultimately, the choice between Depop and Etsy comes down to personal preference and what type of items a user is looking to buy or sell. Both platforms have their pros and cons, and users should consider their individual needs and goals before deciding which platform to use.