Here’s everything you need to know about “depop bots“
As a depop seller you spend hours a day refreshing your listings, following, preparing shipping packages and much more. This is where bots come in:
What are “depop bots” ?
Bots are software tools that automate repetitive tasks involved in running and growing a depop shop. Most depop bots have features such as autofollowing, unfollowing refreshing listings and more. They come in different forms but the best depop bots from a usability and security standpoint are chrome extensions (Because they go through google’s extensive review process and do not see your password due to using a token based authorization scheme to interact with depop’s servers). The security aspect of depop bots is elaborated on in detail in a later section.
From a technical perspective: Most depop bots work by interacting with depop’s servers to automate actions. Think of a depop bot as “making a copy of yourself” that effectively does the repetitive stuff you know you have to do to grow (like increasing your engagement and targeted messaging towards potential buyers). However with a bot this “copy” works so that you are free to do other things. Most tasks are handled by making API calls that are the exact same as when you would use the depop app regularly. Here is a simple diagram of how API’s work:
Whenever you do anything on depop, it corresponds to a set of pre-defined instructions on depop’s server (For the uber nerds: an api endpoint). Anything you can do on depop has already been defined. Instead of going to the depop app, and clicking button, a depop bot will typically cut out the middle man and make the request directly to the server. This is what makes Depop Bots far more efficient than….well…you! They automate the boring stuff! (important but boring)
Types
Okay, so let’s look a bit deeper here. There are several kinds of bots available and they mostly differ in the platform and ease of use. The underlying functionality behind them is the exact same as outlined above.
- Chrome Extension “Depop Bots” – These kind of bots are largely available as browser add-ons and usually do not (and should not) ask you for your password to use them. From a user experience standpoint, these depop bots can come with their own user interfaces (some more intuitive than others depending on your preference). All chrome extension bots do have the advantage of allowing you to use any website like you normally would while also using the bot (which is something lacking in the other kind of bots below). Chrome extension bots have existed for a long time and exist for many different purposes (Social media growth etc.), these are just some reasons they are highly favoured. The main disadvantage they have is that you NEED to use a specific kind of browser in order for them to be compatible.
- Desktop Application “Depop Bots” – This kind of bot has actually been the most common type specifically for depop until recently. Although, the large downside of these bots is that you have to download software directly to your computer and provide your password in order for them to work. If you have never spoken to, interacted with or trusted the creator this is something that will raise red flags in anyone’s head who is concerned about security (If you earn money on depop, this should be a concern for you). They also tend to lack the usability and targeted approach that chrome extensions have.
Who is using them ?
Many experienced and new sellers on depop use bots in order to automate their workflow and grow their accounts. Even virtual assistants you hire on sites like upwork or fiverr use depop bots in order to provide their services for cheap!
Why use it ?
A depop bot is useful for anyone looking to spend time focusing on growing their store, supporting their customers and freeing up their mind to think about the big picture. Contrary to popular opinion bots are not just used by spammers . There are a few specific reasons to use them:
Cost-effectiveness
Let’s talk about money. An automation tool is more cost effective than getting an assistant or doing it yourself. Most will pay off in the amount of time they save you & increased sales. If you had some development experience it will also pay off for you. If you don’t and would rather just buy software but are hesitant, Are you willing to work 24/7 for 12 dollars a month ? no, didn’t think so.
Personally, freeing up several hours during the month from manual labour can be worth it!
Consider how long you spend everyday on refreshing your items, taking photos, responding to frustrating low ballers WASTING YOUR TIME !
Currently there are very few humans that will be willing to work for you for 12 dollars a month !
Low ballers waste your time on depop, do you really want to keep wasting your time with repetitive actions as well ? You likely have suffered enough.
These are the thoughts that motivate people to use bots.
More engagement and growth
Automation tools can accelerate your growth on depop more than you ever could on your own.
One key to success in reselling, e-commerce and business in general is targeted messaging
With automation, you are able to send targeted messages to people easily, for example people who like products like yours and people who are following you. I don’t know about you but doing this manually is a pain.
Consistency
After doing lots of repetitive work you need to do in order to grow fast it makes sense to get tired and not stick to your important timings for refreshing your items and messaging potential buyers .
It’s okay, we are all human but being inconsistent tends to kill most shops and any other business, which explain the desire to use bots. Odds are that you already know what you need to do, you just need to do it often.
Some automation tools/crosslisting apps even have specific features that allow you to schedule your relists/refreshing. Compared to the alternative of possibly setting a timer on your phone and refreshing, this is by far more helpful and less likely to fall prey to human forgetfulness.
Will my depop account get banned for using a bot or personal automation ?
This is the primary concern.
So let’s talk about sapm
Depop’s terms of service is AGAINST SPAMMERS. Refer back to the analogy of making a copy of yourself. Can a copy of yourself send 10000 messages out in one click in only a few seconds ? No, this is spam especially if it untargeted/unsolicited. The best automation tools work at a human pace or use official api’s.
One thing that is important to mention is that the terms of Depop’s site may change in the future (and they have every right to change it if they want), it helps to keep an eye out for yourself. Many sites change their terms, which is completely fine. You can stay updated on the latest terms of service by joining this discord community
If you’d like to grow your reselling business for free click here
Are they safe ?
The level of security associated with using automation really depends on the kind of platform the tool is based on. Some red flags (no authority like an app store to hold the creator responsible for harm, no way to contact the creator, reviews from people that have the exact same type of profile image and sounding name)
When downloading anything, practice good security habits:
- Don’t hand over your password to anyone that you do not have some level of trust in and you cannot hold accountable. (This is unfortunately the biggest downside of tools that are not chrome extensions. Unless you trust the developer or have a way to hold them accountable, you are seriously asking for trouble)
- Maintain different passwords for each accounts to mitigate harm and reduce the severity of an attack.
- Practice good etiquette by not spamming other users: as we mentioned in the above .
