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eBay vs Depop: Which Platform is Best for Australian Sellers in 2025?

Shopfront Team

17 min read

Introduction: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Australian Selling Business

With over 10 million active users on eBay Australia and Depop's explosive growth among Gen Z consumers, Australian sellers face an important decision: which platform offers the best opportunity for their products and business goals?

This comprehensive comparison will examine every aspect of selling on eBay versus Depop, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific situation, products, and target audience. Whether you're a seasoned seller looking to expand or a newcomer deciding where to start, this guide provides the insights you need.

Executive Summary: eBay vs Depop at a Glance

eBay is best for:

  • Diverse product categories (electronics, collectibles, automotive)
  • Sellers targeting broad age demographics (25-65)
  • Those comfortable with auction-style and fixed-price formats
  • Businesses seeking established marketplace infrastructure

Depop is best for:

  • Fashion, vintage, and lifestyle products
  • Targeting Gen Z and millennial audiences (16-26)
  • Sellers who enjoy social commerce and community engagement
  • Those with strong visual content and styling skills

Platform Overview: Understanding the Differences

eBay Australia: The Established Marketplace Giant

eBay has dominated the Australian online marketplace since 1999, building a reputation as the go-to platform for everything from electronics to collectibles. With over 10.9 million active users in Australia, eBay offers unparalleled reach and established systems for both buyers and sellers.

Key Characteristics:

  • Massive user base across all demographics
  • Sophisticated search and discovery tools
  • Multiple selling formats (auction, Buy It Now, Best Offer)
  • Comprehensive seller protection policies
  • Global reach with international selling options

Depop: The Social Commerce Disruptor

Launched in 2011 and gaining massive traction in Australia since 2018, Depop revolutionises online selling by combining marketplace functionality with social media features. The platform has become the go-to destination for fashion-conscious young consumers seeking unique, vintage, and trendy items.

Key Characteristics:

  • Social commerce features (following, likes, comments)
  • Highly engaged fashion-focused community
  • Mobile-first shopping experience
  • Influencer and trend-driven culture
  • Strong focus on sustainability and circular fashion

Detailed Fee Structure Comparison

Understanding the true cost of selling is crucial for profitability. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of fees on both platforms:

eBay Australia Fee Structure

Listing Fees:

  • Free listings: 200 per month for private sellers, 1,000 for business sellers
  • Additional listings: $0.35 each

Final Value Fees:

  • Private sellers: 10.9% of total sale price (including shipping)
  • Business sellers: 10.9% + 2.9% payment processing
  • Some categories have different rates (automotive parts: 3%, musical instruments: 5%)

Optional Fees:

  • Promoted listings: 1-20% of sale price (you set the rate)
  • Subtitle: $0.55
  • Gallery Plus: $0.35
  • Bold listing: $2.75

Payment Processing:

  • Included in final value fee for managed payments
  • PayPal: 2.6% + $0.30 for domestic transactions

Example Calculation (eBay):

  • Item sells for $100 with $15 shipping
  • Final value fee: $115 × 10.9% = $12.54
  • **Total fees: $12.54 (10.9% of total transaction)**

Depop Fee Structure

Listing Fees:

  • Free to list unlimited items

Final Value Fees:

  • 10% of item price + shipping cost

Payment Processing:

  • 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction (via Depop Payments or PayPal)

Optional Fees:

  • Depop does not offer promoted listings or enhanced listing features

Example Calculation (Depop):

  • Item sells for $100 with $15 shipping
  • Depop fee: $115 × 10% = $11.50
  • Payment processing: $115 × 2.9% + $0.30 = $3.64
  • **Total fees: $15.14 (13.2% of total transaction)**

Fee Comparison Table

| Platform | Listing Fee | Final Value Fee | Payment Processing | Total Typical Fee |

| eBay Australia | Free (up to limits) | 10.9% | Included | **10.9%** |

| Depop | Free | 10% | 2.9% + $0.30 | **13.2%** |

Winner: eBay - Lower overall fees, especially for higher-value items

Target Audience and Demographics Deep Dive

eBay Australia Audience Profile

Age Distribution:

  • 25-34: 28% of users
  • 35-44: 25% of users
  • 45-54: 22% of users
  • 18-24: 15% of users
  • 55+: 10% of users

Shopping Behavior:

  • Comparison shoppers who research extensively
  • Price-conscious buyers seeking deals
  • Collectors and hobbyists looking for specific items
  • Business buyers purchasing equipment and supplies
  • International buyers (especially from US, UK, Asia)

Income Demographics:

  • Middle to upper-middle class
  • Household income $50,000-$150,000+
  • Mix of urban, suburban, and regional buyers
  • Both impulse and planned purchase behaviors

Peak Activity Times:

  • Sunday evenings: 7-9 PM AEST (highest traffic)
  • Weekday evenings: 6-8 PM AEST
  • Saturday mornings: 9-11 AM AEST
  • Lunch breaks: 12-1 PM AEST weekdays

Depop Audience Profile

Age Distribution:

  • 18-22: 45% of users
  • 16-17: 20% of users
  • 23-26: 25% of users
  • 27-30: 8% of users
  • 30+: 2% of users

Shopping Behavior:

  • Style and trend-driven purchases
  • Social proof influenced (likes, shares, influencer endorsements)
  • Sustainable fashion advocates
  • Impulse buyers motivated by aesthetics
  • Community-oriented shoppers who follow sellers

Income Demographics:

  • Students and entry-level professionals
  • Household income $25,000-$75,000
  • Predominantly urban and inner-suburban
  • High engagement with social media and visual content

Peak Activity Times:

  • After school/work: 5-8 PM AEST
  • Weekend afternoons: 1-4 PM AEST
  • Late evening browsing: 9-11 PM AEST
  • Lunch breaks and study breaks throughout the day

Winner: Depends on your target market - eBay for broader demographics, Depop for young fashion-conscious buyers

Product Categories That Thrive on Each Platform

eBay's Best-Performing Categories

Electronics and Technology:

  • Smartphones, tablets, and accessories: Average 15-25% profit margins
  • Gaming consoles and games: Quick turnover, especially limited editions
  • Computer parts and accessories: Steady demand from tech enthusiasts
  • Cameras and photography equipment: High-value transactions

Collectibles and Vintage:

  • Trading cards and sports memorabilia: Strong collector market
  • Vintage toys and figures: Nostalgic appeal drives premium prices
  • Coins, stamps, and historical items: Niche but profitable markets
  • Antiques and vintage housewares: Steady demand from decorators

Automotive and Industrial:

  • Car parts and accessories: Large market with repeat customers
  • Tools and equipment: Business buyers pay fair prices
  • Motorcycle parts: Enthusiast market with good margins
  • Industrial supplies: B2B opportunities

Home and Garden:

  • Furniture and home decor: Local pickup options popular
  • Appliances and electronics: Refurbished items perform well
  • Garden tools and equipment: Seasonal demand peaks
  • Craft and hobby supplies: Consistent niche markets

Depop's Best-Performing Categories

Fashion and Clothing:

  • Vintage band tees and graphic tees: $30-$150 range performs best
  • Y2K and retro fashion: High demand from nostalgic trends
  • Designer and luxury secondhand: Authentication drives premium prices
  • Streetwear and hypebeast items: Limited releases command high prices

Accessories and Jewelry:

  • Vintage jewelry and accessories: Unique pieces stand out
  • Designer handbags and purses: Authentication services available
  • Sunglasses and eyewear: Fashion-forward styles popular
  • Hair accessories and beauty items: Trending items move quickly

Alternative and Subculture Fashion:

  • Gothic and alternative clothing: Niche but loyal customer base
  • Festival and rave wear: Seasonal demand spikes
  • Handmade and upcycled items: Sustainability angle appeals to users
  • Cosplay and costume pieces: Creative community drives sales

Lifestyle and Home:

  • Aesthetic room decor: Instagram-worthy items perform well
  • Books and zines: Especially art, fashion, and culture topics
  • Plants and plant accessories: Growing trend among young adults
  • Art prints and posters: Original and vintage pieces popular

Category Performance Comparison

| Category | eBay Performance | Depop Performance | Recommended Platform |

| Electronics | Excellent | Poor | **eBay** |

| Vintage Fashion | Good | Excellent | **Depop** |

| Collectibles | Excellent | Poor | **eBay** |

| Streetwear | Good | Excellent | **Depop** |

| Automotive | Excellent | Not Available | **eBay** |

| Jewelry/Accessories | Good | Excellent | **Depop** |

| Home Appliances | Excellent | Poor | **eBay** |

| Art/Handmade | Good | Good | **Both** |

User Experience and Ease of Use Comparison

eBay Selling Experience

Listing Process:

  • Comprehensive listing form with multiple options
  • Advanced pricing tools (auction, Buy It Now, Best Offer)
  • Detailed category selection with specific attributes
  • Photo upload supports up to 12 images per listing
  • Rich text editor for detailed descriptions

Management Tools:

  • Seller Hub provides comprehensive analytics
  • Bulk editing tools for managing large inventories
  • Automated listing tools and templates
  • Inventory management and tracking systems
  • Message centre for buyer communication

Learning Curve:

  • Moderate to steep for new sellers
  • Extensive help documentation and seller education
  • Active seller community forums
  • Phone and chat support available
  • Regular webinars and training sessions

Mobile Experience:

  • Full-featured mobile app
  • Mobile listing tools (limited compared to desktop)
  • Push notifications for messages and sales
  • Barcode scanning for quick listing
  • Photo editing tools built-in

Depop Selling Experience

Listing Process:

  • Simple, Instagram-style photo upload
  • Minimal required fields (title, price, description)
  • Hashtag-based categorization system
  • Four-photo limit per listing
  • Mobile-optimised interface

Management Tools:

  • Basic analytics showing views and likes
  • Simple message interface within the app
  • No bulk editing tools
  • Limited inventory management features
  • Social features (following, liking, sharing)

Learning Curve:

  • Very easy for social media native users
  • Minimal documentation needed
  • Community-driven learning through observation
  • Limited formal support resources
  • Influencer and trend-based education

Mobile Experience:

  • Mobile-first platform design
  • Intuitive photo editing and filters
  • Social commerce features fully integrated
  • Push notifications for engagement and sales
  • Stories feature for additional exposure

Winner: Depends on complexity needs - eBay for comprehensive tools, Depop for simplicity

Shipping and Logistics Comparison

eBay Shipping Options

Domestic Shipping:

  • Australia Post integration with calculated shipping
  • Flat rate shipping options
  • Free shipping (seller absorbs cost)
  • Express and economy options
  • Tracking included on most services

Click and Send:

  • Discounted Australia Post rates
  • Print labels at home
  • Tracking automatically uploaded
  • Signature on delivery options
  • Insurance coverage available

eBay Managed Delivery:

  • End-to-end shipping solution
  • Competitive rates with tracking
  • Simplified returns process
  • Seller protection included
  • Available in major metropolitan areas

International Shipping:

  • Global Shipping Program available
  • Seller ships to domestic hub only
  • eBay handles international portion
  • Customs and duties managed by eBay
  • Seller protection for international sales

Depop Shipping Options

Depop Shipping:

  • Pre-negotiated rates with shipping partners
  • Print labels through the app
  • Tracking automatically provided to buyers
  • Insurance included up to $200
  • Available for most postcodes

Manual Shipping:

  • Sellers arrange their own shipping
  • Must provide tracking information manually
  • Buyers pay sellers directly for shipping
  • No built-in insurance or protection
  • More work but potentially lower costs

Shipping Partners:

  • Australia Post (most common)
  • Sendle (competitive rates)
  • CouriersPlease (express options)
  • Local courier services
  • International shipping available but complex

Shipping Comparison

| Feature | eBay | Depop | Winner |

| Rate Discounts | Excellent | Good | **eBay** |

| Label Printing | Desktop + Mobile | Mobile Only | **eBay** |

| International Options | Excellent | Limited | **eBay** |

| Ease of Use | Good | Excellent | **Depop** |

| Tracking Integration | Automatic | Automatic | **Tie** |

| Insurance Coverage | Excellent | Basic | **eBay** |

Winner: eBay - More comprehensive shipping solutions and better rates

Payment Processing and Timing

eBay Payment System

Managed Payments:

  • Direct deposit to seller bank account
  • Faster processing than previous PayPal-only system
  • Automatic sales tax calculation where applicable
  • Built-in fraud protection
  • Support for multiple payment methods

Payout Schedule:

  • New sellers: Daily payouts after 1-day hold
  • Established sellers: Daily payouts available
  • Funds typically available next business day
  • No minimum payout amount
  • Weekends and holidays may delay processing

Payment Methods Accepted:

  • Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
  • PayPal (still available as buyer option)
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay
  • Buy now, pay later services (Zip, Afterpay)
  • Bank transfers in some cases

Depop Payment System

Depop Payments:

  • Integrated payment processing through Stripe
  • Direct deposit to linked bank account
  • Automatic payment processing
  • Buyer protection included
  • Seller protection for qualified transactions

Payout Schedule:

  • Automatic payouts every Monday
  • Funds from sales made Monday-Sunday
  • 2-3 business days for bank transfer
  • Minimum payout threshold: $25
  • Holiday schedules may affect timing

Payment Methods Accepted:

  • Credit and debit cards (major providers)
  • PayPal (alternative option)
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay
  • Klarna (buy now, pay later)
  • Regional payment methods

Payment Comparison

| Feature | eBay | Depop | Winner |

| Payout Speed | Next day | Weekly | **eBay** |

| Payment Methods | Extensive | Good | **eBay** |

| Processing Fees | Included in final value fee | Separate charge | **eBay** |

| Minimum Payout | None | $25 | **eBay** |

| Fraud Protection | Excellent | Good | **eBay** |

Winner: eBay - Faster payouts and more comprehensive payment options

Seller Protection and Dispute Resolution

eBay Seller Protection

Money Back Guarantee Coverage:

  • Protection against items not received claims
  • Coverage for items not matching description
  • Defect rate tracking and management
  • Appeal process for unfavorable decisions
  • Automatic case closure for compliant sellers

Return Policy Management:

  • Mandatory 30-day return policy for most categories
  • Seller can choose who pays return shipping
  • Automated return process through platform
  • Partial refund options for damaged returns
  • Return shipping labels provided

Performance Standards:

  • Defect rate must stay below 2%
  • Late shipment rate below 3%
  • Cases closed without seller resolution below 0.3%
  • Account restrictions for poor performance
  • Performance coaching and improvement resources

Support Resources:

  • 24/7 phone support for urgent issues
  • Live chat during business hours
  • Extensive help documentation
  • Seller community forums
  • Account managers for high-volume sellers

Depop Seller Protection

Purchase Protection:

  • Coverage for items not received (if using tracked shipping)
  • Protection against unauthorised payments
  • Limited coverage for items not as described
  • Must meet specific criteria for protection
  • Less comprehensive than eBay's coverage

Dispute Resolution:

  • In-app reporting system
  • Mediation through Depop support team
  • Limited appeal options
  • Community-based resolution encouraged
  • Response times can vary significantly

Community Standards:

  • User-driven feedback system
  • Community reporting of policy violations
  • Account suspension for repeated violations
  • Limited proactive monitoring
  • Emphasis on self-regulation

Support Resources:

  • Email support (no phone support)
  • Help centre with basic articles
  • Community forums and social media
  • Limited support hours
  • No dedicated account managers

Protection Comparison

| Feature | eBay | Depop | Winner |

| Seller Protection Coverage | Comprehensive | Limited | **eBay** |

| Dispute Resolution Process | Formal and structured | Informal | **eBay** |

| Support Availability | 24/7 phone + chat | Email only | **eBay** |

| Appeal Options | Multiple levels | Limited | **eBay** |

| Performance Monitoring | Detailed metrics | Basic feedback | **eBay** |

Winner: eBay - Significantly better seller protection and support

Mobile App Functionality

eBay Mobile App Features

Selling Features:

  • Full listing creation with photo editing
  • Barcode scanning for quick listing
  • Draft management and scheduling
  • Bulk editing capabilities (limited)
  • Sales analytics and performance metrics

Management Tools:

  • Order management and tracking
  • Message centre with quick responses
  • Return management
  • Inventory tracking
  • Performance dashboard

Buyer Interaction:

  • Send offers to watchers
  • Answer buyer questions
  • Manage Best Offers
  • Promote listings
  • Share listings to social media

Technical Performance:

  • Stable app with regular updates
  • Works well on both iOS and Android
  • Offline capabilities for some features
  • Push notifications for all activities
  • Syncs seamlessly with desktop version

Depop Mobile App Features

Selling Features:

  • Intuitive photo capture and editing
  • Instagram-style filters and effects
  • Simple listing creation process
  • Stories feature for additional exposure
  • Social commerce integration

Management Tools:

  • Basic sales tracking
  • Direct messaging with buyers
  • Like and comment management
  • Following and follower analytics
  • Simple inventory overview

Social Features:

  • Discover trending items and sellers
  • Follow favorite sellers and buyers
  • Like and comment on listings
  • Share to Instagram and other platforms
  • Community interaction features

Technical Performance:

  • Excellent mobile-first design
  • Fast loading and responsive
  • Regular feature updates
  • Strong iOS and Android performance
  • Seamless social media integration

Mobile App Comparison

| Feature | eBay App | Depop App | Winner |

| Listing Tools | Comprehensive | Simple but effective | **eBay** |

| Analytics | Detailed | Basic | **eBay** |

| Social Features | Limited | Excellent | **Depop** |

| User Experience | Good | Excellent | **Depop** |

| Performance | Stable | Excellent | **Depop** |

Winner: Tie - eBay for functionality, Depop for user experience

Platform-Specific Success Strategies

Maximising Success on eBay

Listing Optimisation:

  • Use all 80 characters in your title with relevant keywords
  • Include brand, model, size, colour, and condition
  • Add detailed item specifics for better search visibility
  • Use high-quality photos with white backgrounds
  • Write comprehensive descriptions with dimensions and flaws

Pricing Strategies:

  • Research sold listings to understand market pricing
  • Use Best Offer to encourage negotiation
  • Consider auction format for rare or unique items
  • Implement tiered pricing (Good, Better, Best)
  • Monitor competitor pricing and adjust accordingly

Customer Service Excellence:

  • Respond to questions within 12 hours
  • Provide tracking information immediately after shipping
  • Send follow-up messages for high-value items
  • Handle returns professionally and quickly
  • Ask satisfied customers to leave feedback

Performance Optimization:

  • Maintain above standard seller ratings
  • Ship within stated handling time
  • Use eBay's promotional tools strategically
  • Optimize for mobile since 60% of traffic is mobile
  • Cross-promote complementary items

Maximizing Success on Depop

Visual Content Strategy:

  • Invest in high-quality photography with natural lighting
  • Create consistent aesthetic across all listings
  • Use lifestyle shots showing items being worn
  • Include detail shots of unique features or flaws
  • Maintain consistent editing style and filters

Community Engagement:

  • Post new items during peak hours (5-8 PM AEST)
  • Engage with other sellers and potential buyers
  • Use relevant hashtags and trending tags
  • Follow and interact with your target audience
  • Share items to Instagram and other social platforms

Trend Awareness:

  • Stay updated on fashion trends and seasonal demands
  • Monitor popular hashtags and trending items
  • Participate in fashion challenges and themes
  • Collaborate with influencers and fashion bloggers
  • Adapt inventory to current fashion cycles

Social Commerce Tactics:

  • Build a personal brand and aesthetic
  • Tell stories about your items and styling tips
  • Create bundle deals and outfit packages
  • Use the messaging feature to build relationships
  • Encourage user-generated content and reviews

Pros and Cons Analysis

eBay Advantages

Massive Market Reach

  • 10+ million active Australian users
  • Global marketplace with international buyers
  • Established brand trust and recognition
  • Wide demographic appeal across all age groups

Comprehensive Seller Tools

  • Advanced analytics and performance metrics
  • Bulk listing and inventory management
  • Sophisticated pricing and promotional tools
  • Professional seller support resources

Lower Total Fees

  • Competitive final value fees at 10.9%
  • No separate payment processing charges
  • Free listings up to monthly limits
  • Volume discounts for high-volume sellers

Superior Buyer Protection

  • Comprehensive money-back guarantee
  • Structured dispute resolution process
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Established trust and safety measures

Flexible Selling Formats

  • Auction-style listings for rare items
  • Fixed-price Buy It Now options
  • Best Offer functionality for negotiations
  • Store subscriptions for professional presence

eBay Disadvantages

Steeper Learning Curve

  • Complex interface with many options
  • Requires understanding of various tools and features
  • Performance standards must be maintained
  • Regular policy updates to stay current with

High Competition

  • Saturated marketplace in many categories
  • Price competition from international sellers
  • Difficult to stand out without optimisation
  • Algorithm changes can affect visibility

Mandatory Return Policies

  • Must accept returns for most categories
  • Return shipping costs may fall on seller
  • Handling return disputes can be time-consuming
  • Potential for buyer abuse of return system

Less Social Engagement

  • Traditional marketplace format
  • Limited community features
  • Difficulty building personal brand
  • Less viral potential for unique items

Depop Advantages

Highly Engaged Community

  • Active social commerce features
  • Strong community of fashion enthusiasts
  • Viral potential for trending items
  • Authentic peer-to-peer interactions

Simple User Experience

  • Intuitive mobile-first interface
  • Easy listing process with minimal requirements
  • Social media familiar features
  • Low barrier to entry for new sellers

Fashion-Focused Audience

  • Targeted demographic interested in unique fashion
  • Higher willingness to pay for trendy items
  • Sustainable fashion movement alignment
  • Influencer and style-conscious user base

Creative Freedom

  • Artistic photography encouraged
  • Personal branding opportunities
  • Storytelling through listings
  • Authentic, personal selling style rewarded

Strong Mobile Experience

  • Excellent mobile app functionality
  • Instagram-style visual interface
  • Seamless social media integration
  • Mobile-optimised buying experience

Depop Disadvantages

Higher Total Fees

  • 10% selling fee plus 2.9% + $0.30 payment processing
  • Can exceed 13% total fees on transactions
  • No volume discounts available
  • Limited fee reduction opportunities

Limited Audience Demographics

  • Primarily 16-26 year old users
  • Narrow focus on fashion categories
  • Limited purchasing power of target demographic
  • Seasonal fluctuations in student spending

Minimal Seller Protection

  • Basic buyer protection policies
  • Limited dispute resolution options
  • Email-only customer support
  • Potential for payment chargebacks

Restricted Product Categories

  • Fashion and lifestyle items primarily
  • Limited success for electronics or collectibles
  • Strict content policies for certain items
  • Smaller overall market size

Basic Business Tools

  • Limited analytics and reporting
  • No bulk editing or management tools
  • Simple inventory tracking
  • Minimal promotional options

Recommendations by Seller Type

For New Sellers

Start with eBay if:

  • You have diverse inventory across multiple categories
  • You prefer comprehensive tools and support
  • You're comfortable with a learning curve
  • You want access to the largest Australian audience

Start with Depop if:

  • You're selling fashion, vintage, or lifestyle items
  • You're comfortable with social media platforms
  • You prefer simplicity over comprehensive features
  • You're targeting a younger demographic

Recommended Approach:

  1. Start with one platform to learn the basics
  2. Focus on 5-10 items initially to test the waters
  3. Learn the platform's culture and best practices
  4. Expand to multiple platforms once profitable

For Fashion Sellers

Choose Depop if:

  • Selling vintage, streetwear, or unique fashion pieces
  • Items are priced under $200
  • You enjoy social commerce and community building
  • You have strong visual content creation skills

Choose eBay if:

  • Selling luxury designer items or expensive pieces
  • You have large inventory volumes to manage
  • You need comprehensive seller protection
  • You're selling to a broader age demographic

For Electronics and Collectibles Sellers

eBay is the clear choice because:

  • Largest audience for these categories
  • Better buyer protection for high-value items
  • Comprehensive authentication services
  • Global reach for rare collectibles

Depop is not recommended for:

  • Electronics (poor category performance)
  • Collectibles (limited interested audience)
  • High-value items (limited buyer protection)

For High-Volume Sellers

eBay advantages:

  • Better bulk management tools
  • Volume fee discounts
  • Professional seller resources
  • Comprehensive analytics

Depop limitations:

  • No bulk editing capabilities
  • Limited analytics
  • Manual inventory management
  • Time-intensive social engagement requirements

For Part-Time/Casual Sellers

Depop advantages:

  • Simple listing process
  • Minimal time commitment required
  • Easy mobile management
  • Low learning curve

eBay considerations:

  • More complex but potentially more profitable
  • Better for occasional high-value sales
  • Requires more time investment for optimisation

Frequently Asked Questions

General Platform Questions

Q: Can I sell on both eBay and Depop simultaneously? A: Yes, many successful sellers use both platforms. However, you must manage inventory carefully to avoid overselling. Consider using crosslisting tools like Shopfront to synchronise inventory across platforms.

Q: Which platform is better for beginners? A: Depop is easier to start with due to its simple interface, but eBay offers better long-term growth potential and seller support. Choose based on your product category and comfort with technology.

Q: How long does it take to see success on each platform? A: Depop: 2-4 weeks to build initial following and sales momentum. eBay: 4-8 weeks to establish seller ratings and optimise listings. Both require consistent effort and quality products.

Q: Do I need an ABN to sell on these platforms? A: Not required for casual selling, but recommended if you plan to earn significant income. You'll need an ABN for GST registration (required if turnover exceeds $75,000) and for business legitimacy.

Fee and Pricing Questions

Q: Which platform actually costs less after all fees? A: eBay typically costs less overall at 10.9% total fees compared to Depop's 13%+ total fees. However, Depop's audience may pay higher prices for trendy fashion items, potentially offsetting the fee difference.

Q: Can I negotiate fees on either platform? A: eBay offers volume discounts for high-volume sellers through their Top Rated Seller program. Depop does not offer fee negotiations or volume discounts.

Q: How do platform fees compare to selling locally? A: Platform fees are the cost of accessing their user base and tools. Local selling (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree) has lower fees but requires more time and offers limited reach.

Product and Category Questions

Q: What items should I avoid selling on each platform? A: eBay: Avoid items that compete heavily with overseas sellers unless you have a unique value proposition. Depop: Avoid electronics, automotive, home appliances, and anything not fashion/lifestyle related.

Q: Can I sell handmade items on both platforms? A: Yes, both platforms allow handmade items. eBay has specific handmade categories, while Depop's creative community often embraces unique, handmade pieces.

Q: Which platform is better for luxury/designer items? A: eBay is generally better for luxury items due to authentication services, buyer protection, and higher-income demographic. Depop works for luxury fashion under $500 aimed at young adults.

Logistics and Operations Questions

Q: Which platform makes shipping easier? A: eBay offers more comprehensive shipping solutions, discounted rates, and better integration with Australia Post. Depop's shipping is simpler but more limited.

Q: How do returns work on each platform? A: eBay requires accepting returns for most categories with structured processes. Depop leaves returns largely to seller discretion, though they encourage reasonable return policies.

Q: Can I offer pickup options on both platforms? A: eBay supports local pickup options in listings. Depop doesn't officially support pickup, but sellers can arrange it privately with buyers.

Success and Growth Questions

Q: How do I build a following on each platform? A: eBay: Focus on excellent seller metrics, customer service, and product quality. Depop: Engage with the community, post regularly, use trending hashtags, and maintain aesthetic consistency.

Q: Which platform offers better growth potential? A: eBay offers better scalability for diverse product categories and higher-value items. Depop offers growth potential within fashion/lifestyle niches and younger demographics.

Q: Should I eventually move to my own website? A: Consider building your own website once you have steady sales and customer base. Use platforms like Shopify alongside marketplaces to reduce platform dependency and build direct customer relationships.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Business

The choice between eBay and Depop ultimately depends on your specific products, target audience, and business goals. Both platforms offer unique advantages and serve different market segments effectively.

Choose eBay if you:

  • Sell diverse product categories beyond fashion
  • Target a broad demographic across all age groups
  • Need comprehensive seller tools and protection
  • Plan to scale to high-volume selling
  • Prefer lower overall fees and better support

Choose Depop if you:

  • Focus primarily on fashion, vintage, or lifestyle products
  • Target Gen Z and millennial consumers
  • Enjoy social commerce and community engagement
  • Prefer simplicity over comprehensive features
  • Have strong visual content creation skills

The Multi-Platform Strategy

For many Australian sellers, the optimal approach involves using both platforms strategically:

  1. **Start with your best-fit platform** based on the criteria above
  2. **Master one platform first** before expanding to others
  3. **Use crosslisting tools** to manage inventory across platforms
  4. **Tailor your approach** to each platform's unique culture and audience
  5. **Monitor performance** and adjust your strategy based on results

Remember that successful selling requires more than just choosing the right platform. Focus on:

  • High-quality product photos and descriptions
  • Competitive pricing based on market research
  • Excellent customer service and communication
  • Consistent posting and inventory management
  • Staying updated on platform policies and trends

Both eBay and Depop continue to evolve, offering new features and opportunities for Australian sellers. The key is to start somewhere, learn from experience, and adapt your strategy as you grow.

Ready to start selling? Use our free calculators to determine your potential profits:

  • [eBay Fee Calculator](/ebay-calculator) - Calculate your eBay profit margins
  • [Depop Fee Calculator](/depop-calculator) - Optimize your Depop pricing strategy

Want to sell on multiple platforms efficiently? Check out Shopfront's multi-channel selling tools designed specifically for Australian sellers to manage inventory, sync listings, and track performance across eBay, Depop, and other major marketplaces.

This comparison is based on current platform policies and fees as of January 2025. Platform policies and fee structures may change. Always check current terms and conditions before making business decisions.

Related Resources:

  • [Complete Guide to Multi-Channel Selling in 2025](/blog/complete-guide-multichannel-selling-2025)
  • [Australian Marketplace Comparison](/marketplaces)
  • [Seller Success Stories](/success-stories)
  • [Join Our Community](/waitlist) - Connect with other successful Australian sellers

About the Author

Shopfront Team

Shopfront Team is a member of the Shopfront team, helping Australian sellers succeed in e-commerce and marketplace selling.

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