If you’re into buying or selling secondhand fashion online, chances are you’ve come across Depop. It’s a popular app for streetwear, vintage clothing, and resale fashion, especially among younger buyers and sellers.
Now, with its growing popularity, a common question keeps coming up: Is Depop legit?
I have taken the time to break down how Depop actually works, who owns it, how payments are handled, and what safety measures are in place for users.
In this complete guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about Depop’s legitimacy, security, and trustworthiness so you can decide whether it’s the right marketplace for you.
Quick Summary
| Core Attribute | Details & Specifications | Impact on User Security |
| Parent Company | Etsy, Inc. (Publicly Traded) | High corporate accountability and financial oversight. |
| Selling Fees | $0 Selling Fees (US/UK) | Sellers keep 100% of the sale price (minus processing). |
| Buyer Protection | 30-Day Full Refund Policy | Covers non-delivery, counterfeits, or “Not as Described.” |
| Account Safety | Magic Links & 2FA | Passwordless login prevents account takeovers. |
| Operational History | Established 2011; $45M+ Users | Confirms long-term reliability in the global market. |
What Is Depop, and Is It a Real Marketplace?
Depop is a mobile-based peer-to-peer resale marketplace that enables individuals to buy and sell secondhand fashion items through user-created listings. It functions as a social commerce platform and facilitates transactions, communication, and payments between buyers and sellers.
The app focuses on secondhand clothing, streetwear, vintage fashion, and sustainable resale, establishing itself within the global fashion resale industry. Depop qualifies as a valid marketplace because it:
- Hosts real buyer and seller accounts
- Processes payments through integrated systems
- Enforces platform rules and content policies
- Operates under a registered company structure
How Depop Works as a Peer-to-Peer Marketplace
Depop connects individual sellers with buyers directly. The platform does not hold inventory; instead, it acts as an intermediary, managing listings, payments, and disputes.
Depop marketplace operations include:
- Sellers are creating product listings with images and prices
- Hosts over 45 million real buyer and seller accounts. (businessofapps)
- Buyers purchasing items through in-app checkout
- Payments processed through Depop Payments and PayPal
- Sellers are shipping items directly to buyers
- Platform-managed dispute and refund pathways
In 2024, Depop eliminated seller commission fees, allowing sellers to keep 100% of their earnings while charging a small marketplace fee to buyers to fund platform security. And as of 2026, Depop has moved to a No-Seller-Fee model.
This structure explains why Depop resembles other resale platforms while remaining focused on fashion-driven social commerce.
Is Depop a Legitimate and Professionally Managed Platform
Depop is a legitimate and professionally managed platform owned by Etsy, Inc., a publicly recognized e-commerce company.
Depop Ltd operates as a formally registered business, enforcing community rules, moderating accounts, and providing customer support. Its management includes:
- Account moderation and user reporting systems
- Removal of prohibited or counterfeit listings
- Enforcement of community guidelines
- Payment compliance and transaction monitoring
- Dedicated trust and safety operations
Depop demonstrates professional management through continuous app updates, centralized payment handling, and policy enforcement across international users. While sellers can also use SEO tools to improve your marketing to grow their presence
These operational attributes confirm that it functions as a regulated online marketplace rather than an unverified resale app.
Who Owns Depop and Can the Company Be Trusted
Depop was acquired by Etsy, Inc. in 2021 for $1.6 billion in cash and continues to operate as a subsidiary. Etsy’s ownership adds credibility, governance, and long-term stability.
Other than that, Depop continues to influence global fashion, recently releasing its ‘The Edited Self’ trend report under the continued guidance of Etsy, Inc.
Depop ownership confirms that:
- The platform is not independently run by anonymous operators
- Business decisions follow corporate governance standards
- Platform operations are tied to a larger e-commerce ecosystem
Depop background highlights include:
- Founded in 2011
- Initial development in Milan
- Headquarters based in London
- Continuous operation for over a decade
- Global marketplace with users in the US, UK, and Europe
The company’s long operational history indicates sustained trusted platform development rather than short-term market presence.
How Secure Are Payments on Depop
Depop ensures secure transactions for both buyers and sellers through Depop Payments, PayPal, and Stripe. The platform encrypts all payments, monitors transactions for suspicious activity, and enforces account verification to prevent unauthorized access.
Funds are held securely until delivery is confirmed, and clear refund and dispute processes protect all users.
How Depop Keeps Payments Secure
- End-to-end encryption of all transactions
- Fraud monitoring and suspicious activity alerts
- Two-factor authentication for accounts
- Secure handling of funds until successful delivery
- Transparent procedures for refunds and chargebacks
Accepted Payment Methods
- Credit and debit cards through Depop Payments
- PayPal for buyer protection and refunds
- Stripe for secure card processing
- In-app checkout for verified accounts
- Direct bank payouts for sellers
- Support for cross-border transactions with currency conversion
Buyer and Seller Protections
- Buyers are covered against non-receipt or misrepresented items
- Sellers are protected from chargebacks on verified transactions
- Platform mediation for disputes
- Policies and monitoring to prevent fraud
Is Depop Safe to Use or Risky for Users?
Depop is generally safe to use, but like all peer-to-peer marketplaces, it carries some risk. Because users buy and sell directly with each other, issues such as scams, fraud, or counterfeit items can occur.
It reduces these risks through account verification, active moderation, secure payments, and dispute resolution systems, while users are expected to follow platform rules and report suspicious activity.
Potential Risks of Depop includes:
- Sellers failing to ship purchased items
- Misrepresented or counterfeit products
- Fake or unverified accounts attempting fraud
How Depop Prevents Scams and Fraud
Depop actively monitors activity across the platform to prevent scams and fake listings. Automated systems and manual reviews help identify suspicious behavior, while the trust and safety team investigates reported accounts and listings.
Fraud Prevention Measures:
- Seller account verification requirements
- Monitoring for duplicate or suspicious listings
- Review of reported items and user behavior
- Enforcement of platform rules and penalties
How Depop Handles Fake and Misleading Listings
Depop removes counterfeit and misleading items that violate its marketplace guidelines. Reported listings are reviewed by moderation teams, and non-compliant items are taken down to protect buyers and maintain marketplace trust.
Enforcement Actions Include:
- Removal of fake or misrepresented items
- Policies banning counterfeit goods
- Seller guidance on compliant listing practices
- Transparent reporting and removal processes
Safe Shopping Checklist on Depop
When buying or selling on Depop, following a simple checklist can help you stay secure and avoid scams:
- Verify Seller/Buyer Profiles: Check ratings, reviews, and account age before transactions.
- Check Product Photos and Descriptions: Ensure listings are accurate and clear; look for inconsistencies.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Always pay through Depop Payments, PayPal, or other verified channels.
- Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals: Extremely low prices can indicate scams or counterfeit items.
- Communicate Within the App: Keep all messages inside Depop for security and dispute tracking.
- Track Shipping and Delivery: Ask for tracking numbers and confirm delivery before marking items received.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Flag fake listings, counterfeit items, or suspicious accounts promptly.
- Follow Platform Guidelines: Stick to Depop’s rules to protect yourself from potential risks.
- External Links: Any seller putting a phone number or Instagram handle in the bio to “talk off-app” is a high-risk signal.
- The “Receipt” Scam: Warning users never to believe a screenshot of a receipt sent via DM; only trust the in-app notification from the Depop Receipt Icon.
Who Depop Is Safe For, and Who Should Be Careful
Depop is generally a secure platform, but its safety depends on user behavior, experience, and awareness.
Understanding who benefits most and who should exercise caution can help prevent scams and ensure smooth transactions.
Safe For
- Experienced buyers and sellers familiar with peer-to-peer marketplaces
- Users who verify seller/buyer profiles and check reviews before transaction
- Individuals using secure payment methods like Depop Payments or PayPal
Should Be Careful
- Those tempted by extremely low-priced or suspicious listings
- Users who try to conduct transactions outside the app (off-platform payments)
- Individuals who skip reading seller descriptions or shipping policies
People Also Ask
New sellers can be trusted if their profile shows a verified email, a completed sales history, clear photos, and reviews. Always communicate within the app and avoid off-platform payments.
Verify the seller’s reviews, compare photos with product descriptions, request tracking for shipment, and confirm the item’s authenticity through Depop’s reporting system if necessary.
Yes. Depop supports cross-border payments through secure channels like PayPal and Depop Payments, including currency conversion and buyer/seller protections.
