How to Flip Thrift Store Finds for Profit on Depop (2026 Guide)

Flipping thrift store finds is one of the easiest side hustles to start with almost no upfront cost. And in 2026, Depop is still one of the best platforms to turn $5 thrift finds into $50 sales. This guide walks you through how to find the right items, make your listings stand out, and track your profits like a real business.

 

What is Depop?

Depop is like if Instagram and eBay had a baby. It’s a mix of social media and resale shopping, built around style and aesthetics. While eBay focuses on details, Depop is all about vibe, people buy your aesthetic as much as your product. That means your photos, titles, and store layout matter just as much as what you’re selling. Depop is perfect for curated thrift finds like vintage denim, Y2K fashion, and retro jackets. If your items look authentic and well-presented, they’ll sell fast.

 

How to Source Smart at Thrift Stores

Thrifting can be overwhelming at first, but with a system, you’ll save time and make smarter buys.

1. Quick Scan

Start by scanning for fabrics that signal quality, heavy denim, linen, leather, silk, or chunky knits.

These pieces hold their shape, photograph beautifully, and tend to have higher resale value.

 

2. Slow Pass

Once something stands out, check the condition. Avoid items with stains, pilling, rips, or broken zippers. Buyers want clean, wearable pieces.

 

3. Hot Items for 2026

Focus on items that blend nostalgia with today’s trends:

• Vintage band tees
• Y2K tops and cargo pants
• Varsity and leather jackets
• Slip dresses and linen sets
• Oversized cardigans and knits

These categories perform consistently well on Depop.

 

4. Check Comps Before You Buy

Before checking out, open Depop, search the brand and product, and filter by “Sold Items.”

If you see frequent sales above $30, you’ve found a winner. If similar items aren’t moving, skip them. This one habit will protect your profit margins every time.

 

Prep and Photos that Sell

Good photos make the difference between an average listing and a fast sale. You don’t need fancy gear, your phone and good lighting are enough.

Prep Fast

Before shooting:

• Lint roll
• Steam or iron
• Spot clean small marks

The cleaner and crisper your pieces look, the more professional your store feels.

Shoot in Natural Light

Stand near a window and take these essential shots:

1. Full front
2. Full back
3. Fabric close-up
4. Tag and size
5. Any flaws
6. A styled or flat lay shot

If you want your store to look more polished, you can use Canva to make your product photos pop.

It’s great for brightening images, adding clean backgrounds, or creating branded layouts for your listings.

 

 

Clean, professional photos make your store feel trustworthy and boost your chances of landing repeat buyers.

 

Listing, Pricing, and Shipping

Write a Searchable Title

Your title should include brand, era, key descriptor, and size.

Example: Vintage Levi’s 501 Wide Leg Jeans Size 30.

Avoid vague titles like “cute jeans.” Buyers search by keywords, so make every word count.

 

Write a Clear Description

Cover the essentials:

• Fabric and fit
• Exact measurements
• Condition
• Shipping timeframe

This removes buyer hesitation and reduces back-and-forth messages.

 

Price Smart

Use “Sold Items” as your pricing guide. List slightly higher than the average, so you have room to negotiate.

Example: If similar items sell for $40, list at $45–$48, and accept offers at $40. Always know your bottom line before negotiating.

 

Ship Professionally

Pack your item neatly in a clean poly mailer, include a short thank-you note, and print your shipping label through Depop. After shipping, message your buyer with a quick update; it helps you earn five-star reviews and repeat customers.

 

Track Your Profits in Notion

If you want to turn reselling into a real business, you need to track your numbers. Knowing your profit margins helps you make better sourcing decisions and scale faster. We personally recommend using Notion to track everything in one place: your thrift flips, profits, and listings.

 

It’s completely free to start and makes your reselling workflow simple and organized.

Set up a Notion table with these columns:

• Item Name (e.g., Vintage Levi’s 501)
• Buy Cost
• Sold Price
• Fees and Shipping
• Net Profit

You can view your data as a board (Sourcing → Listed → Sold) or as a calendar to track how long each item takes to sell.

This is one of the easiest ways to stay on top of your numbers and build confidence in your business.

 

7-Day Starter Plan to Copy

Here’s a simple weekly plan to get started fast:

Day 1: Thrift two statement pieces and three basics.

Day 2: Prep your items (steam, lint roll, clean).

Day 3: Take bright, clean photos in natural light or enhance them in Canva.

Day 4: List your items on Depop with searchable titles and accurate descriptions.

Day 5: Ship any sales quickly and log your profit in Notion.

Day 6: Go thrifting again, using your Notion data to refine what you buy.

Day 7: Review your sales, profit per item, and time-to-sell. Plan your next week’s sourcing list.

Repeat this rhythm every week to grow your shop and increase your profits consistently.

 

Bonus Tips for More Sales

• Stay active: Relist or update older items every few days.
• Engage with buyers: Respond quickly to messages and offers.
• Offer bundles: Give discounts for multi-item orders.
• Cross-list: Post on platforms like Poshmark or Etsy using tools like Vendoo.
• Track trends: Watch what’s selling on Depop’s Explore tab and adapt fast.

 

Final Thoughts

Flipping thrift finds on Depop is one of the simplest, most creative ways to earn extra income in 2026. You don’t need a warehouse, a team, or even a website, just good taste, consistency, and the right tools. Use Canva to make your photos look clean and professional. Use Notion to stay organized and track your profits as your business grows. If you commit to the process, flipping thrift finds can easily turn from a fun weekend hobby into a real source of income, all from your local thrift store.