In Athens, clothing options are quite limited. There are a few choices of amazing thrift stores, along with Marshall’s on East State and Kismet on W State, but what happens when a particular piece of clothing is needed? Depop provides an easy and sustainable solution for budget-conscious students.
It’s no secret college presents both incredible opportunities and often leads to a depleted bank account. A study from the National Student Financial Wellness Study at The Ohio State University revealed seven out of ten college students experience stress regarding their finances.
A platform like Depop caters directly to college students by providing a budget-friendly opportunity for fashion. Since its launch in 2011, the site has grown to over 35 million users selling affordable secondhand clothing. Depop is constantly updating with new pieces. Users can search by brand name or for a specific article of clothing to find items discounted from in-store prices.
Rowan Thompson, a junior studying integrated language arts education shared how Depop offers great options for unique pieces.
“I like to wear stuff from the 90s that you can't find anymore, things that are very ornate and things that are just not the basic clothes that you can find in any regular old store,” Thompson said. “It's really nice to use it for that because then I can find something that fits my style.”
Unique pieces are available on Depop, ranging from vintage finds to handmade items, thrift bundles and also name brand clothes. The site truly has an option for everyone.
Not only can users find pieces unique to their style, but do so at a discounted rate. Buyers and sellers alike can negotiate prices on listings through the message feature. This allows for better deals and opportunities for sellers to make connections with their consumers, keeping buyers coming back to their page. But, because prices can be negotiated there is an opportunity for users to upcharge.
“Sometimes you'll get people in there who find good stuff at a thrift and then they upsell it, which is annoying,” Thompson said. “But it's still going to be less than if I were to just buy it from a vintage website, or from the brand's website themselves.”
The prices on Depop are more affordable than in-store or online and the site offers a sustainable option. The mission of the company is to allow for clothes that already exist to pass from person to person, promoting a circular fashion industry. Depop also has a goal to achieve Net Zero emissions and to continue to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
When looking for a new outfit or a unique piece, consider a budget-friendly and sustainable option on Depop. Or, if you’re looking to earn some extra cash, selling on Depop is incredibly simple. The site assists with tips for posting items, pricing and shipping. It’s a one-stop shop for budget-friendly shopping and a great way to make some extra cash while being sustainable.
Clara Leder is a junior studying education and journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Clara know by emailing her at cl125221@ohio.edu.
