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The secondhand fashion market is experiencing exponential growth, transforming from a niche to a mass phenomenon. In Italy, platforms like Vinted and Depop have become key players in this revolution, offering anyone the chance to turn unused clothes into a source of income. This shift is not just a response to the economic crisis but reflects a new cultural awareness towards sustainability and uniqueness. In fact, the secondhand economy in Italy has generated a record value of 27 billion euros, equal to 1.2% of the GDP, with the online sector reaching 14.4 billion. This guide explores how to successfully navigate the world of Vinted and Depop, two of the most influential apps in the European landscape.
Choosing to sell used clothes online is no longer seen as a second choice, but as a smart and modern way to consume. The motivations vary: 77% of users do it to free up space at home, while 36% are driven by the desire to recycle, earning an average of 850 euros per year. This trend is particularly strong among younger generations, like Millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly focused on conscious and authentic fashion. The growing popularity of these platforms has turned consumer-to-consumer (C2C) sales into an established business model, made mainstream by targeted advertising campaigns and a user experience increasingly similar to traditional e-commerce.
Although both apps facilitate the buying and selling of used clothes, Vinted and Depop target different audiences and operate with different models. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the most suitable platform for your items and earning goals. The choice largely depends on the type of clothes you intend to sell and the audience you want to reach.
Vinted is often described as the ideal platform for those who want to “clear out their closet.” Its main strength is the absence of seller fees, making it perfect for selling fast fashion items or clothes on which you don’t aim for a large profit margin. Its community is vast and diverse, made up of people looking for bargains and deals. Vinted’s algorithm tends to give visibility even to new sellers with few followers, making it easier to start selling.
Depop, on the other hand, positions itself as a more curated showcase, almost like a virtual boutique. It’s the ideal platform for unique, vintage, designer, or trendy items, where you can command higher prices. Its community is younger, fashion-conscious, and focused on self-expression. However, Depop charges a 10% commission on the sale price (including shipping) and requires more effort in curating your profile to gain visibility, often favoring influencers or users with an already established community.
To sell successfully on Vinted and Depop, simply uploading a photo isn’t enough. You need to create listings that capture attention and persuade potential buyers. The quality of your images and the care you put into your descriptions are crucial for standing out in a crowded market.
Photographs are the first point of contact between the product and the buyer. High-quality images can significantly increase sales. You don’t need to be a professional photographer, but following a few tips is essential. Use good lighting, preferably natural light, to bring out the colors and textures of the fabrics. A neutral, clean background helps keep the focus on the item. It’s advisable to show the item from different angles (front, back, side) and include shots of details like labels, buttons, and stitching, which attest to its authenticity and quality. Presenting items worn, on a mannequin, or using the flat lay technique (arranged on a flat surface) helps buyers visualize the fit.
A well-written description complements the photos, providing details that an image cannot convey. Don’t just list features; tell a story. Speak to your ideal customer, anticipating their questions: How does the item fit? What occasion is it suitable for? Be honest about the item’s condition, pointing out any flaws to build a relationship of trust. Use relevant keywords in the title and description to improve the listing’s visibility in searches. Including measurements, especially for vintage items or international brands with different sizing systems, is a much-appreciated detail. An effective description is not only informative but also persuasive, capable of creating an emotional connection with the product.
Once the sale is complete, managing the shipping becomes a crucial step to ensure a good buyer experience and receive positive reviews. Vinted and Depop handle this aspect in very different ways. It’s important to know the options to avoid problems and optimize costs.
On Vinted, the process is largely integrated and simplified for the seller. The buyer chooses and pays for the shipping method at the time of purchase, and the seller receives a prepaid label. Options include various carriers like UPS, Poste Italiane, and InPost. This system protects the seller and makes shipping cheaper and trackable for the buyer. It’s essential to use the label provided by Vinted to avoid order cancellation.
Depop, on the other hand, leaves the entire responsibility of shipping to the seller. This offers more flexibility but also requires more organization. The seller must research the costs of different carriers, estimate a price to include in the listing, and decide whether to charge it to the buyer or offer it for free. Although Depop recommends tracked shipping, it does not offer an integrated service, making the seller responsible for correctly managing the package until delivery. For sellers, it can be useful to explore options like postal services or online shipping platforms to find the most convenient rates.
The success of secondhand in Italy and the Mediterranean basin is fueled by a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. On one hand, there’s a return to the value of long-lasting objects, a cultural reaction to the rampant consumerism of fast fashion. On the other, technology and innovative business models have made used items accessible, desirable, and even trendy. This phenomenon is no longer confined to flea markets but has become central to consumer habits, especially for the new generations.
Mediterranean culture, with its historical influence on fashion and aesthetics, plays a key role. The effortless elegance, attention to fabrics, and the idea of timeless style align perfectly with the pre-loved philosophy. Digital platforms have simply modernized this attitude, turning the search for a unique piece into an engaging online shopping experience, similar to social media. In this context, selling a garment is not just an economic transaction but a way to participate in a circular economy, give new life to an object, and, in a sense, tell a story. For those who wish to delve deeper into the dynamics of earning online, there are multiple paths, such as those explored in the guide to Amazon affiliations or the opportunities offered by apps that allow you to sell photos and videos.
Making money by selling used clothes on Vinted and Depop is a real and accessible opportunity for everyone. The secondhand market in Italy and Europe is booming, supported by a growing awareness of sustainability and a shift in consumer habits. To succeed, it’s essential to understand the unique features of each platform, choosing the one that best aligns with your items and goals. The care taken in presenting products, through quality photos and detailed descriptions, remains the determining factor in attracting buyers and closing sales. Finally, efficient shipping management and transparent interaction with the community help build a solid reputation and turn a simple “closet clean-out” activity into a steady and rewarding source of income.
Earnings vary greatly depending on the quality and brand of the items, the care put into the profile, and the pricing strategy. Occasional users can supplement their income with a few tens or hundreds of euros per month, while more strategic sellers, who deal in designer or sought-after vintage items, can turn it into a more substantial income stream. On Depop, which is geared towards a trend-conscious audience, you can generally get higher prices, while Vinted, with its no-seller-fee policy, maximizes profit on each individual item sold, albeit at generally lower prices.
The choice depends on what you’re selling and to whom. **Vinted** is ideal for those who want to sell a wide range of items (not just fashion) easily and without paying seller commissions, focusing on quantity and competitive prices. **Depop** is better suited for vintage, streetwear, and unique or trendy pieces, targeting a younger, style-conscious community. On Depop, selling prices can be higher, but the platform takes a 10% commission. Many sellers choose to use both platforms to maximize visibility.
In Italy, the occasional sale of used personal goods is not subject to taxation. Therefore, you do not have to declare earnings if you are selling items from your own closet. The situation changes if the activity becomes continuous and commercial, i.e., if you buy items to resell systematically. The European directive DAC7 requires platforms like Vinted to report data of sellers who exceed 30 sales or €2,000 in earnings in a year to tax authorities, but this does not introduce new taxes for private sellers.
For effective photos, natural light is key: shoot during the day near a window, avoiding the flash. Use a neutral and tidy background to make the item stand out. Show the garment worn or on a hanger to convey its fit, and take multiple photos from different angles, including details like labels, fabrics, and especially any flaws for maximum transparency. Do not use filters that alter the real colors of the product.
On **Vinted**, shipping is integrated and paid for by the buyer. The seller receives a prepaid label and just needs to pack the item and take it to the designated drop-off point (e.g., UPS, Poste Italiane, InPost). On **Depop**, management is more flexible: the seller can choose their preferred carrier and decide whether to include shipping costs in the price or charge them to the buyer. However, this autonomy requires the seller to actively organize the shipment.