The Depop seller platform gives new life to clothing through a popular, simple user interface. From the seller of odds and ends to the hardened full-time top sellers - there lies a knowledge gap. A malevolent, algorithmic, survival mind game.

Source: Kaya McInnes Depop account @arcteryxx

Are you sick of seeing sellers flip the same item as you before getting the chance? Ironing out inconsistencies whilst maximising opportunities with ‘mop ups’ will see any Depop seller reach coveted top seller status… or will offer users a new trajectory plot for your seller success.

Step One: Understanding your place

Few sellers will have products unique that reap countless sales with minimal searching and networking. For those of you that are starting or running into low traffic with no sales, it might be time to rethink your strategy. Regardless of what you are selling you must understand algorithms and the power of utilising all the listing customisation options.

Bonus tip: Always list your item for slightly higher than you expect or want to get.

Note: Nothing else matters if you cannot hone your skills in steps one and two.

Step Two: Algorithms and search results

When creating your listing, you should write the item description as accurately as you can do. Correct use of keywords will see higher ranks in search and more worth to the niche market you are aiming at.

Example: vintage beanie. This vintage beanie - by a brand called bob - was called ‘black vintage beanie’ by seller one and ‘vintage bob beanie in black’ by seller two. Seller two sold their hat faster with multiple likes and messages as they welcomed the numerous hardcore bob fans who scooped up the hat rapidly. Seller one could have had a better price or better-quality hat, but it would not matter as seller two was one of the first listings under vintage bob and vintage beanie which is a win, win. More eyes = more chance of a sale.

Algorithm bonus tips:

- Make use of hashtags and enhancement custom options. Choosing the correct sources such as vintage or deadstock and the correct style like streetwear or sportswear is important in climbing the search results ladder and getting as much notice from the most finely accurate audience.

- Understand the brands, styles or products you are selling and tag the listing. If I am selling Nike clothes, I want to tag Adidas. This precedes step three.

Step Three: Mop-up- Be the hunter, not the hunted

You need to bring people to your store; they need to be able to find your item. You have nailed the algorithm by tagging and writing in a simple way as most people would search for your item, so what next? Enter the mind game side of Depop, the bartering and the intrusive necessity for survival in saturated markets:

- Check other people selling the same or very similar item as you – go to likes on their listing.

- Message those who like the competitors’ items and offer them something they cannot deny wanting or peeking at – remember bonus tip list higher than you intend to get.

- Give the user who lands on your page a reason to stay - cheaper item price or even free shipping. Beat the competition whilst playing a game- This is called mopping up.

Mop-up advanced:

Unlike eBay, on Depop, you cannot seamlessly look back at thousands of sold listings, you must keep up with your intended audience by liking items so you can see and get the liking users from sold listings that stay in the likes section of your page.

Step Four: Photos are important but you need to make me want to stay not just glance.

- Take the best photos you can but take more time with algorithms. If a seller finds your product and wants it they likely don’t care for ultra-HD photography and will ask for more clear photos if necessary.

- Real customer service welcoming without being too robotic. If somebody likes your item message them with an offer of slightly lower prices with a time limit: ‘buy within 48 hours and I will ship first class instead of second.’ Or ‘saw you liked both the vintage tees I’m selling… buy before 3:30 pm today and, I will ship first class today and do 40 for both instead of 25 each.’

The algorithm is weird and misleading; Some sellers maintain strict pricing. For the most part, a fast-paced Depop business is a successful one that welcomes offers while being willing to work with the price a little. It seems to be a human thing to want to know the catch and the buyer is more likely to buy from you if you are giving them something more, something personalised. It takes more than a picture and a few words to flourish on Depop unless you are some sort of super niche, trailblazing seller or a celebrity.

The Depop Experience: Navigating Time-Consuming Success Through Knowledge Hacks