Now that you learned everything there is to know about starting as a seller on Depop and how to optimise your photos and listings on the app, you’re ready for our next lesson: how to create cute packaging for your items and nail down your shipping process. In order to give you the best tips you can find online, we asked Depop top sellers Sooki Sooki Vintage and Mini’s World to share their own method and hacks with us. Here’s what you’ll need to do to elevate your Depop business:

Speaking to Screen Shot, Sooki Sooki Vintage revealed that although she previously offered free shipping to potential buyers, she quickly realised that doing so meant she often didn’t manage to make enough of a profit. That’s when she changed her way of doing things.

Her shipping price is now added on top of the price she picks for her items, with a flat rate of £2.90 whether someone buys a massive coat or a tiny top. “If you have a flat rate for shipping, buyers will come back again and again knowing that if they buy a big item, it won’t be expensive for them to receive it,” explains the Depop seller. “But free shipping is also really good because Depop users love free stuff! I know I do!”

And when it comes to having a flat shipping rate, Mini’s World agrees with Sooki Sooki Vintage but she also offers free shipping to Depop users who follow her Instagram account, @minis_w0rld. “That was the biggest thing when I was starting out on Depop. I knew that Instagram would be an amazing tool to help my brand. I wanted to make it as personable and authentic as possible but if you are going to offer free shipping, make sure that your pricing is reflective of your shipping cost.”

Second class, signed for parcels seems to be the way to go. “That’s the best way to get your parcel tracked without having to pay for next-day delivery. If anything goes wrong with your shipping, Depop will ask you for a proof of postage and a tracking number, but it doesn’t need to be next-day delivery, you simply need a tracking number, which is why signed for is so important,” explains Mini’s World.

On your Depop profile as well as on your items’ descriptions, make sure your shipping method is written clearly. If buyers request a first class shipping, let them know that it might cost them more.

“Branding is important!” shares Sooki Sooki Vintage. “Why do you think every religion has symbols? Branding is important in anything that you do! In my packages, I add my own personalised postcard with my brand on it and stickers, which are really important too. It embeds the name of your business into someone’s head—when they’ll see the colour yellow they’ll think of me!” Sooki Sooki Vintage makes sure that her wrapping paper, as well as her packaging, are both yellow.

“It makes a big difference when Depop sellers put time and care int their packaging,” shares Mini’s World. “Buying something on Depop is already such a personalised experience—you probably already know who they are and what they look like. Adding a handwritten note, a gift card, or even links where buyers can connect with them even more shows that you’ve taken the time to really think about the buyer and their shopping experience.”