Isabelle Chu
Depop
Giving Clothing Multiple Lives
I've always valued living a low waste life. America produces 268 million tons of waste every year, and 11.3 million tons of this is from textiles. To put it into perspective, 1 ton = 2000 pounds. Imagine 11.3 million tons. Depop is an online thrift platform, where anyone can sell and buy amongst each other. Depop is my effort to take a tiny tiny sliver away from this number.
My Story
I started my Depop page a few months into my position at Chicago Cards. I realized quickly that one man's trash is another man's treasure. I began with a closet clear out; overconsumption is so prominent nowadays, and I took part in it. As things started flying off my shelf, I started thrifting inventory. Not only could I continuously cycle out my wardrobe, but I started pulling in a livable wage and learning hard and soft skills that have benefitted my career ever since.
The Goodwill bins are outlets where the discard items from retail Goodwills are sent (items that could not be sold). This is the last stop before clothes are sent to landfills or to be incinerated. I now obtain all my inventory from the bins. See below to learn how I list and position my items to maximize sales.
A Few of my Listings
Where I Was, Where I'm Going
What I was able to achieve during my peak active times on Depop. I was also working part-time (20 hours a week) and was a full-time student while balancing this side-hustle. I invested in a Rollo Label Printer and packaging materials, as well as any spare minute I had. Time was the biggest and most valuable investment I made for my page.
Verified Top Seller
Depop had a Top Seller Program that I soon met the quotas for. The requirements for that blue check were to make $2000 in revenue or 50+ sales each month for 4 consecutive months. Being part of this program put me in contact with 200 global top sellers and the app founders. Together, we discussed app improvements, KPIs, and ways to reduce customer cognitive dissonance.
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Growth
I grew my platform and my page continuously gained traction. I bought a software called SellerAider, which helps with message automation, relisting, and other site operations. I started hosting clearance sales to make space for new inventory, and pulled in a range of $3500-$5000 in monthly revenue. I also offered discounts on multiple-item purchases (one sale does not equal only one item on depop).
Real Estate
I poured my passion for sustainability and heart into Depop until I went back to school in person. I took away the importance of client relationships, project management, budgeting, and empathy. This new knowledge solidified my long term goal: real estate investments. I took 3 courses and passed the California licensing exam. I plan to be an agent, possibly freelance, until I fully understand the market. Then I will buy my first property, hopefully in the next 3 years.