In today’s digital age, side hustles are no longer just a way to make extra cash—they can evolve into full-fledged businesses. One inspiring story comes from a college student who turned a love for fashion into a thriving online shop on Depop, generating $4,000 in sales by reselling thrifted clothes.
This journey highlights the growing popularity of second-hand fashion, the rise of sustainable shopping, and how young entrepreneurs are making money by flipping affordable finds into trendy pieces for style-conscious buyers.
Why Depop Is the Perfect Platform for Students
Depop has become one of the most popular resale platforms, especially among Gen Z and millennials. With over 30 million users worldwide, the app combines social media-style browsing with e-commerce. For students, it’s attractive because:
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It requires low upfront costs (you don’t need a big inventory to start).
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It caters to sustainability-focused shoppers.
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It has a community-driven, Instagram-like interface that makes selling fun.
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It allows flexible hours—perfect for balancing school and business.
The Student’s Journey to $4,000
The student didn’t start with a huge investment. Instead, they:
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Sourced Clothes from Thrift Stores & Donations
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Weekend trips to local thrift shops became treasure hunts.
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Friends donated old clothes, creating free inventory.
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Learned What Sells on Depop
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Y2K-inspired fashion, vintage streetwear, and oversized pieces performed best.
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Popular brands like Nike, Adidas, Levi’s, and Zara attracted more buyers.
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Focused on Presentation
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Items were modeled in well-lit, aesthetic photos.
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Creative flat lays with accessories made listings stand out.
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Created Compelling Listings
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Used SEO-friendly titles like “Vintage Y2K Oversized Nike Hoodie – Size M”.
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Detailed descriptions highlighted condition, sizing, and styling ideas.
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Engaged with the Community
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Followed other sellers and interacted with buyers.
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Offered bundle discounts and fast shipping for repeat customers.
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Through consistency and creativity, sales grew steadily, crossing $4,000 within a semester.
Key Strategies for Selling Thrifted Clothes on Depop
If you’re inspired to try Depop, here are some proven strategies:
1. Take High-Quality Photos
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Natural lighting and clean backgrounds are key.
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Style clothes in a way buyers can imagine wearing them.
2. Write SEO-Friendly Titles & Descriptions
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Use specific keywords: brand, style, size, and era.
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Example: “Vintage 90s Levi’s High-Waisted Mom Jeans – Size 28”.
3. Price Smartly
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Research similar items before setting prices.
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Offer discounts on bundles to increase cart value.
4. Promote Your Shop on Social Media
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Share Depop listings on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Pinterest.
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Behind-the-scenes thrift hauls attract engaged buyers.
5. Build a Reputation
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Ship quickly and package items neatly.
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Positive reviews build trust and encourage repeat sales.
Why Thrifting Is More Than Just a Side Hustle
The success of this student highlights a broader trend: sustainable fashion is on the rise. Shoppers are increasingly rejecting fast fashion in favor of second-hand clothing that’s both affordable and eco-friendly.
Platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and Vinted are empowering young entrepreneurs to build businesses around this shift. For students, it’s not only about making money but also about developing skills in marketing, customer service, and brand building.
Final Thoughts
The story of a student making $4,000 from thrifted clothes on Depop proves that with creativity, consistency, and an eye for style, anyone can start a profitable side hustle.
Whether you’re a student looking for extra income, a fashion lover passionate about sustainability, or simply curious about online selling, Depop offers a unique opportunity to turn second-hand finds into real profits.
If you’re ready to start, grab a few thrifted pieces, set up your Depop shop, and start experimenting—your first $100 could quickly grow into $4,000.
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