If you’ve got a good sense of style, you’ve probably got some amazing old clothes lying around in your closet that deserve a spotlight. And what better way to give them the attention they deserve than by selling them for great prices?
That’s where platforms like Depop and Mercari come in. Got something that no longer fits? Throw it into one of these.
Whether you have a trendy Brandy Melville top, a stylish mini dress, a lingerie item from Victoria’s Secret, a fashionable corset or a simple yet cozy hoodie, you can list them for sale on either platform and make good profits.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Depop and Mercari, comparing them and helping you decide which one is the right fit for you.
What exactly is Depop?
Depop is a platform that focuses on selling unique and trendy clothing items. It has gained popularity among fashion-forward individuals who are interested in vintage and secondhand fashion.
With its visually appealing interface and niche market appeal, Depop has become a go-to platform for those looking to sell and discover one-of-a-kind fashion pieces.
What exactly is Mercari?
While Depop is all about the fashion frenzy, Mercari takes a broader approach. This marketplace is like a haven for not only fashion lovers but also tech enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone with items to sell.
From a limited-edition DVD to a stunning piece of jewelry, Mercari has got you covered. It’s the ultimate destination for those seeking a diverse range of items beyond just clothes.
Mercari vs Depop: Differences At A Glance
Here’s a quick look at the biggest differences.
| Factors | Depop | Mercari |
| Target Audience | Fashion Enthusiasts, Gen Z, Millennials. | Wider demographic, diverse interests |
| User Experience | Visually appealing, social media-like feed. | Streamlined marketplace interface |
| Listing Process | Easy with hashtags and detailed descriptions. | Quick and straightforward uploading |
| Fees | 10% fee on sale price, including shipping. | 10% fee on sale price, additional transaction fees. |
| Shipping Options | Flexible shipping. | Restricted to the US and Japan. |
Depop Vs Mercari: Detailed Review
Let’s break them down properly, shall we?
Target Audience
Winner: Tie. Depends on needs and preferences.
Depop has become a go-to platform for fashion aficionados who love unique, vintage, and trendy clothing. If your closet is filled with retro pieces or you have an eye for curating a distinctive aesthetic, Depop’s niche market appeal can be a great advantage for you.
On the other hand, Mercari brings a broader audience, including people of all ages and interests. It offers you the opportunity to reach a wider customer base beyond clothing.
User Interface And Experience
Winner: Tie. Depends on needs and preferences.
Depop’s interface is visually captivating, resembling a social media feed. It encourages you to create attractive listings with high-quality images and engaging descriptions.
If you love showcasing your clothing in a transparent and visually appealing way, Depop is your playground. It’s practically Instagram but made with eCommerce in mind from the ground up.
In contrast, Mercari takes a more straightforward approach with a traditional online marketplace interface. It focuses on efficient browsing and search functionalities, making it easy for buyers to find items quickly.
The right pick depends on the kind of products you want to sell. Have some clothes with awesome designs? Depop would be the perfect place to put them on.
Mercari is what you’d go for if you need to sell off items in bulk.
Depop Vs Mercari: Listing and Fees
Winner: Depop..
Depop offers a seamless listing process, allowing you to create detailed descriptions and add relevant hashtags to reach your target audience effectively. The platform charges a 10% fee on each transaction, including shipping costs. It’s ultimately the most cost-effective of the two.
On the other hand, Mercari charges a 10% fee on the item’s sale price, but there are also other fees to take into account.
As of April 2023, Mercari will charge 2.9% of the sale price plus shipping, along with a $0.50 fee, in addition to the standard 10% fee. All that can add up in the long run.
Mercari still has an edge, though – albeit a small one – is that it has a simpler listing process. You can conveniently and quickly upload multiple items. You have the freedom to set your own shipping fees.
Shipping and Payments
Winner: Depop.
Depop offers integrated shipping labels in certain countries, making the shipping process seamless for you as a seller. This feature ensures a transparent experience for both you and the buyer.
Depop also supports direct payments through PayPal, simplifying the transaction process.
Mercari offers a similar thing, too. Payment is released to you once the buyer confirms their satisfaction with the purchase.
However, there’s one huge downside. Mercari doesn’t ship internationally. You’ll only be restricted to US and Japanese customers. Depop is a lot more flexible with its shipping options.
Marketplace Reach
Winner: Tie. Depends on needs and preferences.
Depop has gained significant popularity in fashion-forward cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, and Milan. If you’re targeting a specific regional or fashion-oriented market, Depop’s concentrated user base can work wonders for you.
Meanwhile, Mercari has a broader reach across the United States and Japan. It gives you access to a larger audience, which can be beneficial if you want to reach customers beyond specific regions or with other product requirements beyond clothes.
Buyer Interaction
Winner: Depop.
Depop differentiates itself as a peer-to-peer social eCommerce company, fostering a vibrant community of fashion enthusiasts. The platform encourages users to connect, collaborate, and inspire each other. It provides a space for networking within the fashion industry, allowing you to engage with like-minded individuals and build meaningful connections.
While Mercari facilitates communication between buyers and sellers, it doesn’t prioritize the same level of peer-to-peer engagement that Depop offers. It focuses more on streamlined transactions.
While buyers can still ask questions and communicate with sellers, the platform prioritizes efficiency and quick sales.
As community engagement can be a great marketing strategy, Depop wins in this regard.
Listing Categories
Winner: Mercari.
Depop specializes in stuff people wear – offering categories for clothing, accessories, and shoes. It caters to sellers and buyers who specifically seek out unique fashion items. If you have a knack for selling trendy wearables, Depop is the place for you.
Mercari, on the other hand, covers a wide range of categories beyond fashion, including electronics, home goods, collectibles, and more. If you have items outside the fashion realm to sell, Mercari provides a broader marketplace for your listings.
We’re giving Mercari the win here because of its flexibility.
Seller Protection
Winner: Tie.
Both Depop and Mercari prioritize your safety and offer seller protection. They have policies in place to ensure that you are protected from fraudulent buyers and unauthorized returns.
In case of any issues or disputes, both platforms act as mediators and assist in resolving conflicts. You can sell with peace of mind, knowing that you have support from the platform.
So, Which Is Better To Sell On Depop Or Mercari?
If you only want to sell off sleek attires, Depop is the way to go. Mercari is good too, but it’s more suitable if you’ve got other items in your inventory you want to sell off.
Of course, you can always sell on both. Each platform still has big advantages – Depop has its fashion specialty and Mercari has almost twice the user count.
Is Depop Better Than Mercari For Buyers?
For only buying clothes, Depop wins in most aspects, offering unique wearables. Its visually captivating interface and emphasis on individuality make it a satisfying shopping experience.
FAQs
Which app is better for selling clothes, Depop or Mercari?
The Mercari app is better by a large margin – it beats Depop in ratings in both iOS and Android.
Can I make a living selling on Mercari or Depop?
Making a living solely from selling on these platforms requires effort, effective marketing, and considering competition and market trends.
What are the hottest sellers on Depop and Mercari?
Depop sees demand for vintage clothing, branded items, unique accessories, and niche fashion. Mercari has high demand for jeans, hoodies, jewelry, and brand name clothing.
How do the target audiences differ on Depop and Mercari?
Depop appeals to a younger audience, while Mercari has a broader target audience across various ages and interests.
Final Thoughts
Which one will you sell on, then? Both platforms are top tier – Depop calls to rebels with vintage vibes, while Mercari offers a vast marketplace for all.
Whatever you choose, we’re sure you’ll find success in your venture.
Remember that you can ride the trends, master marketing, and deliver exceptional service to make a killing off of selling your clothes.
So what are you waiting for? Go on, rock that virtual storefront and show the world what you’re made of – in style!
