How refunds work on Depop

Depop is a peer-to-peer marketplace, which means the seller sets the rules for returns and refunds — there is no single Depop refund policy that covers every transaction. When you buy something, you see the seller's return policy before you complete the purchase. Some sellers accept returns within 14 days; others do not accept returns at all. If a seller's policy says "no returns," Depop will not force them to refund you just because you changed your mind.

The only exception is if the item arrives damaged, significantly different from the listing, or not as described. In those cases, Depop's buyer protection covers you even if the seller's policy says no returns. You can open a case within 180 days of purchase, and Depop will step in to mediate.

Before you request a refund, check the seller's return policy in your order details. Tap the order, scroll down, and look for "Return Policy." This tells you whether the seller will accept returns and, if so, how many days you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Depop sellers set their own return policies, so check the policy in your order details before requesting a refund.
  • If the item arrived damaged or significantly different from the listing, you can open a case with Depop within 180 days, regardless of the seller's stated policy.
  • To request a refund, go to your order, tap "Return Item," and follow the prompts to contact the seller or open a case.
  • The seller has 48 hours to respond to your return request; if they refuse and you believe the item is not as described, escalate to Depop for a decision.
  • Once the seller receives the returned item and confirms it matches what they sent, they process the refund through Depop's system.

Requesting a return when the seller accepts returns

If the seller's policy allows returns, open the Depop app and go to "Buying" at the bottom of the screen. Find the order you want to return and tap it. Scroll down and tap "Return Item." Depop will ask you why you want to return it — choose the reason that matches your situation (for example, "Item not as described" or "Changed my mind").

After you select a reason, Depop shows you a return shipping address. Write this address on your package and ship the item back to the seller. Keep your shipping receipt and tracking number. Depop does not cover return shipping unless the item arrived damaged or materially different from the listing.

The seller has 48 hours to respond to your return request. If they accept, they will provide shipping instructions or confirm the address Depop showed you. Once the seller receives the package and confirms the item is in the condition they described, they will process the refund. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days after they confirm receipt.

Opening a case when the item is not as described or arrived damaged

If the item arrived damaged, stained, broken, or significantly different from the photos and description, you can open a case with Depop even if the seller's policy says no returns. Go to your order, tap "Return Item," and select the reason that matches what happened — "Item not as described" or "Item arrived damaged." Depop will ask you to upload photos showing the problem.

Take clear photos of the damage or the difference between what you received and what the listing showed. If the item is damaged, photograph it from multiple angles. If it is the wrong color, size, or style, compare it to the listing photos in your pictures. The more detail you provide, the stronger your case.

Depop sends your case to the seller, who has 48 hours to respond. If the seller agrees the item does not match the listing, they will refund you and may ask you to return it or keep it. If the seller disagrees, Depop's support team reviews the photos and your messages to decide who is right. This review usually takes 3 to 5 business days.

What happens if the seller refuses your return request

If you requested a return because you changed your mind and the seller's policy says no returns, the seller can refuse. When they refuse, your return request closes and no refund is issued. At this point, your only option is to contact the seller directly through the Depop messaging system and negotiate — but they are not required to agree.

If you opened a case because the item is not as described or damaged, and the seller refuses, do not close the case. Instead, reply to the seller's message with more detail or additional photos. Explain specifically how the item differs from the listing. If the seller still refuses and you believe you are right, Depop's support team will make a final decision based on the evidence.

Returning the item and tracking your refund

Once you and the seller agree on a return, ship the item back to the address Depop or the seller provided. Use a shipping method that includes tracking — USPS, UPS, and FedEx all work. Write down your tracking number and keep your receipt. Do not ship the item as a gift, because the seller may not be able to receive it.

The seller will receive the package and check that it matches what they sent. This inspection usually takes 2 to 5 business days. Once they confirm, they initiate the refund through Depop. The refund then goes back to your original payment method — your debit card, credit card, or PayPal account, depending on how you paid.

Refunds from Depop typically appear in your account within 5 to 10 business days after the seller confirms receipt, but your bank may take an additional 1 to 3 business days to process it. If 14 days have passed since the seller confirmed receipt and you still do not see the refund, contact Depop support with your order number and tracking information.

Disputing a refund that never arrived

If the seller confirmed they received the return but the refund has not appeared in your account after 14 business days, go back to your order in Depop and tap "Contact Support." Explain that you returned the item, the seller confirmed receipt, but the refund has not posted. Include your order number, the date the seller confirmed receipt, and your tracking number.

Depop support will investigate whether the refund was actually processed. Sometimes the refund is issued but your bank is holding it — in that case, contact your bank directly with the refund date Depop provides. If Depop never issued the refund, support will push the seller to do so or issue the refund on Depop's behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if the seller's policy says no returns?

Only if the item arrived damaged or is significantly different from the listing. If you straightforward changed your mind and the seller's policy forbids returns, Depop will not force a refund. You would need to negotiate directly with the seller, but they are not required to agree.

How long do I have to request a return?

You have 180 days from the purchase date to open a case for an item that is not as described or arrived damaged. If the seller accepts returns, their policy sets the important date — usually 14 days, but this varies by seller. Check your order details to see the specific timeframe.

Do I have to pay for return shipping?

If you are returning because you changed your mind, you pay for return shipping unless the seller offers to cover it. If the item arrived damaged or is not as described, Depop or the seller typically covers return shipping, but confirm this before you ship.

What if the seller never responds to my return request?

Sellers have 48 hours to respond. If they do not respond within that time, Depop may automatically approve your return or escalate the case to support. If you do not hear back after 48 hours, check your order again — sometimes the response appears without a notification.

Can I return an item if I just do not like it?

Only if the seller's return policy allows it. Depop does not have a blanket "change of mind" may provide. Before you buy, check the seller's return policy. If it says no returns, you cannot return the item just because you do not like it.