Four Vintage Resellers On How To Turn Your Side Hustle Into Your Day Job
Launching back in 2011, Depop has grown to become the go-to destination for fashion (and environment) conscious Gen Zers — perfect for anyone looking to thrift a retro wardrobe, source secondhand designer or enlist in the “rare Brandy Melville” cult. If you’re reading this, you’re probably no stranger to Depop’s thrall, so you’ll recognise its two breeds of resellers: normies trying to make an extra pound flipping their clothes and dedicated vintage mavens who’ve made their passion their full-time job.
Many new Depop resellers start out with high hopes but never quite manage to get their shop off the ground. Relate? We’re here to give you a helping hand, having tracked down some of the app’s most successful resellers to learn about how they turned their side hustle into a flourishing business.
Ladi Kazeem
Tell us your reselling story.
I’ve been selling vintage for twelve years, but I joined Depop and set up my shop The Vault MCR back in 2013. My shop began to pick up traction around 2015 because of my personal collection and archive that I’d amassed from my years of hunting. A lot of people back then and to this day buy into the stories of collectors and want to be taken on a collector’s journey through the pieces that have been found.
What’s an average working day like for you?
An average day for me will usually involve buying and hunting for pieces – that’s what it’s all about and what my business is built on, travelling far and wide to source some of the rarest pieces. Before COVID 19, I’d travel to locations in Europe at least once a week and when I’m in the UK I’m visiting wholesalers and other collectors flea markets… whatever I need to do to guarantee my clients have items all year round.
Are there any lessons you’ve learnt from your Depop journey?
The biggest thing I’ve learnt is that presentation is everything and so is the story behind the products you’re selling. Educating yourself and becoming an expert on what you have in your shop will pay dividends the bigger you get. Because that’s the thing about Depop, there’s always room to grow, there’s no hidden algorithm. The more work you put in and the better stock you have, the bigger you’ll become.
Basement Six
Tell us your reselling story.
I started my shop in May 2015 and about a year later, around the middle of 2016 and then more into 2017, I really started taking things seriously and putting in the time, energy and focus towards building a brand. Then I hit some milestones which gave me the push and confidence to move out of my comfort zone.
Are there any lessons you’ve learnt from your Depop journey?
What you put in is what you get out (sometimes threefold). But rest is an important part of your hustle. Also, change is good if you’re feeling stagnant about your shop or the way you work. Switch up how you do things and allow in new energy.
What are your top tips for new sellers?
Be authentic. Be resourceful. Be tenacious. Do what you can with what you got. Don’t wait.
Selenasshop
Tell us your reselling story.
I started my Depop shop around two years ago now to sell a few bits from my own wardrobe, I never imagined it would grow to the success it has today. It probably took around a year for my shop to gain traction. Then I got invited down to Depop HQ for a day of networking and workshops. It was amazing to get recognised and that definitely spurred me on to take the shop more seriously. From then I started buying more stock and looked at ways to grow the business.
What’s an average working day like for you?
I usually start the day by checking any orders I have. I’ll get them all packed and ready to send off at the post office. I’ll then look at what stock hasn’t been uploaded to the shop and plan a photoshoot for the day. The stock I shoot I will gradually upload through the week and make sure to shout about it on my socials. Most days look pretty different depending on what I have on. This week, for example, I’m doing a market at the weekend, so I’ve been prepping stock and getting everything priced up and ready.
What are your top tips for new sellers?
My top tips would be to get social media for your Depop shop! It really helps grow your business and is a great tool to connect with your customers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new photography styles and backdrops, it’ll help you find your flow and your own shop’s aesthetic. And lastly, just enjoy it!
HMS Vintage
Tell us your reselling story.
I started my shop in the summer of 2016. My whole life I’d always shopped at car boot sales and charity shops, living for the rush of pulling out gems from people’s unwanted items. I’d sold a couple of these online, but that summer one of my pals suggested that I make the switch to Depop. At the time it was relatively unknown, but I decided to give it a go and managed to put HMS on the map; spending each morning out at the local markets and charity shops, and each afternoon photographing and listing.
Are there any lessons you’ve learnt from your Depop journey?
As I’m sure every self-employed person has learnt, commitment is key. Being a medical student whilst running the shop has been really tough at times. Often I’ve got home late from studying and had to put in at least a couple of hours of hard work into HMS. For the most part, the love of my job has kept me motivated to put in that work. But sometimes that motivation does run out, and all you can do then is keep pushing. Behind every blue tick on Depop is someone putting in that final bit of work when it’s the last thing they want to do.
What are your top tips for new sellers?
Find Your niche. Everyone needs to work out what makes their shop unique, whether that be your stock, your photography style, the backdrops in your photos, the models you use etc.. Once you’ve found the one that works for you, stick to it. This will transform your page from a random collection of items to a shop with a recognisable brand image.
