“Discover how stay-at-home parents in the USA can use Depop to create a profitable side hustle. Learn to set up a shop, source inventory, optimize listings, and manage sales with flexible hours. This guide offers practical tips to balance parenting and earning, leveraging Depop’s vibrant marketplace to turn preloved items into income.”
Turning Your Closet into Cash: A Depop Side Hustle Guide for Stay-at-Home Parents
Depop, a social shopping app with over 45 million registered users and 2.5 million active sellers in 2024, offers a unique opportunity for stay-at-home parents in the USA to earn extra income. Its community-driven platform, blending e-commerce with a social media aesthetic, makes it ideal for selling preloved clothing, accessories, and even handmade items. For parents juggling childcare, Depop’s flexibility allows you to work during nap times or after bedtime, turning unused items into a steady side hustle.
Setting Up Your Depop Shop
Download the Depop app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up using your email or phone number. Choose a username that reflects your style or niche, such as “VintageMomFinds” or “ParentThriftCo.” Create a compelling profile with a clear photo and a concise 128-character bio that highlights what you sell, like “Curated vintage & kids’ clothes from a stay-at-home mom!” Link your Instagram to build trust and showcase your aesthetic. Verify your account to ensure community safety, a step Depop emphasizes to maintain a trustworthy marketplace.
Sourcing Inventory
Start by clearing out your closet. Identify gently used clothes, shoes, or accessories you no longer need. Focus on trendy or timeless pieces, such as Y2K fashion, vintage denim, or children’s clothing, which are popular on Depop. Expand your inventory by visiting thrift stores, garage sales, or wholesale markets. A Reddit user, u/jeremysmells, reported earning £15,000 in a year by sourcing from charity shops, spending about an hour daily. Look for items in good condition that align with current trends, like cozy sweaters in fall or bold prints in spring, as suggested by Depop’s explore page.
Creating Standout Listings
High-quality photos are critical. Use natural lighting and a clean, white, or pastel background to make items pop. Style outfits in photos, pairing items to show versatility, as this can lead to bundle deals. Write clear, concise descriptions with relevant keywords like “vintage Levi’s” or “90s crop top” to boost search visibility. Depop’s algorithm favors active shops, so list 5-10 items daily, even if reposting older listings. Offer discounts of 15-30% to bump listings to the top of search results, a tactic recommended by Depop.
Pricing and Negotiation
Research similar items from top sellers (identifiable by a blue tick) to set competitive prices. Factor in Depop’s 10% fee per sale and shipping costs. For example, a $20 sale typically nets $15-16 after fees. Be open to offers, as Depop’s community values negotiation, but set store rules to avoid lowball bids. A top seller on Reddit advised, “Be fair but be a shark too,” suggesting firmness with unreasonable buyers to protect your profits.
Managing Sales and Shipping
Depop offers prepaid shipping labels with tracking and seller protection, ideal for beginners. Alternatively, use USPS, FedEx, or UPS, ensuring you provide tracking numbers. Package items securely with sturdy boxes or padded mailers and bubble wrap for delicate pieces. Respond promptly to buyer inquiries to build trust and encourage repeat purchases. Payments are released after buyers receive their orders, which may take a few days, so plan accordingly.
Balancing Parenting and Your Side Hustle
As a stay-at-home parent, time is limited. Work during child-free hours, like nap times or school hours, to photograph and list items. Use tools like Trello to organize tasks and track inventory. Join local parenting or entrepreneurial groups on Facebook for support and tips. Set boundaries, such as a dedicated workspace, to stay focused. A Shopify article notes that side hustles like Depop fit around family commitments, starting small and scaling as you find your rhythm.
Maximizing Earnings
Successful Depop sellers report varied earnings. A Reddit user shared making $200-$250 monthly with minimal effort, while top sellers can earn up to $300,000 annually, per Business Insider. Focus on trending items, engage with buyers through likes and comments, and refresh listings regularly to stay visible. Reinvest early profits into better inventory to grow your shop, as advised by seller Fiona Short of Fifi’s Closet.
Tax Considerations
Track all income, as Depop sales are taxable. Save 25-30% of earnings for taxes and log expenses like packaging or mileage for deductions. Forbes reports that new IRS rules for 2026 may issue 1099-K forms for transactions over $600, so use apps like QuickBooks to stay organized. Consult a tax professional to ensure compliance.
Building a Community
Depop thrives on community. Respond quickly to messages, encourage reviews to boost your shop’s credibility, and engage with buyers by liking their listings. Consider trading items to score unique pieces without spending cash. This community focus, as highlighted by DNAMAG, fosters trust and repeat customers, essential for long-term success.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance. Information is sourced from web resources, user experiences, and platform guidelines.
