How to Sell on Vinted and Depop: UK Guide to Making Money From Your Wardrobe

Vinted is best for: everyday clothing (high street brands), shoes, bags, accessories, and children's clothing. No seller fees mean you keep 100% of the sale price. The buyer pays a small service fee and shipping protection. Depop is better for: vintage clothing, streetwear brands (Nike, Adidas, Supreme), trendy items, and anything with a 'curated' aesthetic. Depop charges a 10% selling fee, but items often sell for higher prices than on Vinted. For maximum earnings, list on both platforms simultaneously. When an item sells on one, mark it as sold on the other. This doubles your visibility and speeds up sales.

Good photos sell items. Bad photos don't — even if the clothing is identical. Use natural daylight (near a window), a clean background (white wall or plain sheet), and photograph from multiple angles. Flat-lay photos (item laid on a flat surface) work well for casual browsing. 'On body' photos (wearing the item or using a mannequin) generate 40% more interest because buyers can see the fit and drape. Include close-ups of labels, any imperfections (stains, bobbling, loose threads), and distinctive details. Honesty in photos prevents returns and builds your reputation as a trustworthy seller.

Research what similar items have sold for (not just listed for). On Vinted, check 'sold items' to see actual sale prices. On Depop, look at recently sold listings. Price 10-20% below similar listings for faster sales. Descriptions should include: brand, size, condition (new/like new/good/fair), colour, material, and measurements. Include relevant keywords buyers might search for — 'Y2K', 'vintage', 'oversized', brand names. For shipping, use Royal Mail or Evri (formerly Hermes). Vinted integrates with shipping providers and generates labels automatically. For small, light items, Royal Mail Large Letter (under 2.5cm thick, under 750g) is cheapest at around £1.85.

List consistently — 3-5 items per week keeps your profile active and visible in search results. Both platforms favour active sellers in their algorithms. Refresh listings that haven't sold after 2-3 weeks by updating the photos, adjusting the price, or rewording the description. On Vinted, bumping a listing (free daily bump available) puts it back at the top of search results. Provide excellent buyer service: respond to messages quickly, ship within 1-2 days, package items neatly (tissue paper costs pennies but elevates the experience), and thank buyers with a handwritten note. Five-star reviews attract more buyers.

Start with your own wardrobe — there's no cost and no risk. Once you've sold everything you don't wear, consider sourcing from charity shops, car boot sales, and end-of-season sales for items to resell. Successful resellers develop an eye for what sells: branded items in good condition, vintage pieces, popular current trends, and seasonal items (summer dresses in spring, coats in autumn). Put all your selling income into your SYM savings pot. Many sellers find they earn £50-200/month from casual selling, which adds up to £600-2,400/year — a genuine boost to your savings goals.