How refunds work on Depop

Depop is a peer-to-peer marketplace, which means the seller sets the refund policy, not Depop itself. Most sellers on Depop do not offer refunds — they list items as "final sale." If a seller does accept returns, you have a window (usually 7 to 14 days from delivery) to request one through the app or website. Depop does not force sellers to refund you; it mediates the dispute if the seller refuses.

The refund process depends on why you want one. If the item arrived damaged, significantly not as described, or never arrived at all, Depop's buyer protection may cover you. If you simply changed your mind, you have no protection unless the seller's listing explicitly said returns were allowed.

Refunds are issued to your original payment method — the card, PayPal account, or other payment service you used to buy the item. Processing time varies, but most refunds appear within 5 to 10 business days after the seller approves or Depop rules in your favour.

Key Takeaways

  • Depop sellers control their own refund policies, and most items are sold as final sale with no returns allowed.
  • You can request a refund within 7 to 14 days of delivery if the item is damaged, significantly misrepresented, or never arrived.
  • If the seller refuses, you can open a dispute through Depop's Resolution Centre, and Depop will review evidence from both sides.
  • Refunds go back to the payment method you used to buy the item and typically take 5 to 10 business days to appear.
  • Keeping photos, messages, and tracking information strengthens your case if you need to dispute a refund denial.

Requesting a refund directly from the seller

Start by messaging the seller through the Depop app. Explain the problem clearly: the item arrived damaged, does not match the description, or never arrived. Include photos if the item is damaged or incorrect. Most sellers respond within 24 to 48 hours. If the seller agrees, they will usually ask you to return the item before issuing the refund, unless the damage is severe or the item is worthless.

If the seller has a stated return policy in their listing or profile, reference it. Some sellers accept returns within 7 days, others within 14. Check the original listing or your order confirmation to see what was promised. If the seller agreed to returns and you are within the window, they are more likely to process a refund quickly.

Keep all messages and photos. If the seller stops responding or refuses unreasonably, you will need this evidence to file a dispute with Depop.

Opening a dispute in Depop's Resolution Centre

If the seller does not respond or refuses to refund you, open a dispute through Depop's Resolution Centre. On the app, go to your purchase, tap the three dots, and select "Report a Problem." On the website, click your order and choose "Report an Issue." Depop will ask you to categorize the problem: item not received, item not as described, or damaged in shipping.

Select the category that matches your situation. Depop uses this to route your case to the right team. Then describe what happened in detail and upload photos or screenshots of the listing, the item you received, and any messages with the seller. Be specific: if the listing said "never worn" and the item has stains, say that. If the seller promised a refund and then stopped responding, include those messages.

Depop typically responds within 5 to 7 business days. They will ask follow-up questions if they need more information. Answer quickly — delays can slow the process. Depop reviews both your evidence and the seller's response before deciding whether to issue a refund.

What counts as "not as described" on Depop

Depop's buyer protection covers items that are significantly different from what the listing showed. This includes wrong size, wrong colour, missing parts, stains or damage not mentioned, or a brand that is counterfeit. It does not cover minor wear, small imperfections the seller disclosed, or your personal change of mind.

For example: if the listing said "gently used" and showed clear photos, and the item arrived with a large rip, that is not as described. If the listing said "size M" and it fits like a size S, that is not as described. If the listing showed a blue jacket and you received a green one, that is not as described.

If the listing was vague or the photos were blurry, Depop may still rule against you if the item matches what little information was provided. This is why detailed photos and clear descriptions matter — they set expectations both ways.

Returning the item for a refund

If the seller agrees to a refund and asks for the item back, ask them for a return address before you ship. Some sellers provide a prepaid label; others expect you to pay for return shipping. Check your local shipping costs — if return shipping costs more than the item is worth, you may want to negotiate with the seller or decline the return.

Ship the item in a way that can be tracked. Use a service like USPS, UPS, or FedEx and keep your tracking number. Take a photo of the package before you drop it off. Once the seller receives and inspects the item, they will process the refund. This can take an additional 5 to 10 business days.

Do not ship the item until the seller has confirmed they will refund you. If you ship first and the seller refuses to refund, you have little recourse.

When Depop denies your refund request

If Depop reviews your case and sides with the seller, you have limited options. Depop's decision is final within the app. You can contact Depop support through the app or website to ask for reconsideration, but they rarely overturn a decision without new evidence.

If you paid with a credit card or debit card, you can file a chargeback with your bank. Contact your bank's fraud or dispute department and explain that you did not receive the item or it was not as described. Your bank will investigate and may reverse the charge. Be aware that filing a chargeback can result in your Depop account being suspended or closed.

If you paid through PayPal, you can open a dispute through PayPal's Resolution Centre. PayPal has its own buyer protection and may rule differently than Depop did. This process also takes 5 to 10 business days.

Preventing refund problems before you buy

Check the seller's ratings and reviews before purchasing. Look for comments about condition, shipping speed, and refund policies. If many reviews mention items not matching photos or sellers refusing refunds, avoid that seller. Depop shows a seller's response rate and average rating — sellers with ratings below 4.5 stars often have more disputes.

Read the listing carefully. Look at all photos, including close-ups of damage or wear. If photos are blurry or missing, ask the seller questions before buying. Check the size chart — Depop sizes vary by brand, and a "medium" on one brand may not fit the same as another. If the listing does not say "returns accepted," assume it is final sale.

Message the seller with any questions before you buy. If they do not respond or seem evasive, that is a warning sign. Sellers who communicate clearly before the sale are more likely to handle problems after.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to request a refund on Depop?

You have up to 180 days from the delivery date to open a dispute through Depop's Resolution Centre. However, the sooner you report a problem, the better — sellers are more likely to cooperate if you reach out within a few days, and evidence (like photos) is fresher. If the seller has a stated return window (usually 7 to 14 days), that is the deadline for returns, not disputes.

What if the seller says the item is "as is" or "no returns"?

If the listing says "as is" or "no returns," Depop still protects you if the item is damaged in shipping, never arrives, or is significantly misrepresented. "As is" means the seller disclosed known wear or damage; it does not mean they can send you something completely different. If you simply changed your mind, you have no protection.

Do I have to pay for return shipping?

That depends on the seller and the reason for the return. If the item is damaged or not as described, many sellers will cover return shipping or issue a refund without requiring a return. If you are returning because you changed your mind, the seller may ask you to pay. Negotiate before you ship — if return costs are high, it may not be worth it.

Can Depop force a seller to refund me?

Depop can rule in your favour and require the seller to issue a refund, but Depop does not process the refund itself. The seller must send the money to your original payment method. If a seller refuses to comply after Depop rules against them, Depop may suspend or close their account, but you may need to pursue the refund through your bank or PayPal.

What happens if I file a chargeback after Depop denies my claim?

Filing a chargeback with your bank can reverse the charge, but it often results in your Depop account being suspended or permanently closed. Depop views chargebacks as a violation of their terms. Use chargebacks only as a last resort, after Depop has denied your claim and you have exhausted other options.