How Long Does a Depop Refund Take to Process?

Depop is an online marketplace connecting buyers and sellers of unique items. While transactions are often smooth, purchases sometimes don’t meet expectations, requiring a refund. Understanding the typical timeframe for these refunds helps buyers navigate the process. This article clarifies the expected duration for Depop refunds to process and return funds to a buyer’s account.

Understanding the Refund Journey

The journey of a Depop refund begins when a buyer identifies an issue with a purchase, such as an item not arriving or being significantly different from its description. Buyers start this process by contacting the seller directly through Depop’s messaging system to seek a resolution. If direct communication does not lead to a resolution, or the seller is unresponsive, buyers can open a dispute through Depop’s in-app Resolution Centre, generally within 30 days of the purchase date for non-receipt issues.

Once a refund is agreed upon, either directly with the seller or through Depop’s dispute resolution, the seller is responsible for initiating the refund. For transactions made via PayPal, the seller processes the refund directly through their PayPal account. If the purchase was made using Depop Payments, the seller initiates the refund through the Depop application.

Should a buyer and seller fail to reach an agreement, or if the seller remains unresponsive for 48 hours after a dispute is opened, the buyer can escalate the case to Depop’s support team. Depop then reviews the evidence provided by both parties, acting as a mediator to determine an appropriate resolution, including potentially forcing a refund. Depop aims to provide a verdict on escalated cases within 72 hours of receiving all necessary information.

After the refund is initiated by the seller or mandated by Depop, the funds are routed through the original payment processor. For PayPal transactions, if the original payment came from a PayPal balance, the refund may appear in the buyer’s PayPal account almost immediately or within 24 hours. However, if the initial payment was made using a credit or debit card through PayPal, PayPal processes the refund within one business day, but it can take an additional three to five business days for the funds to reflect on the card statement. Refunds to bank accounts linked with PayPal take up to seven business days.

For purchases made via Depop Payments, which utilizes Stripe as its payment processor, the refund is submitted to the buyer’s bank shortly after initiation. The final step involves the buyer’s bank processing the incoming refund and making the funds available in their account. This bank processing time adds three to ten business days to the overall timeline, regardless of the payment method.

Key Factors Influencing Refund Speed

Several elements affect the speed at which a Depop refund is processed. The original payment method is a significant determinant. Refunds to a PayPal balance are often the quickest, sometimes appearing on the same day. Conversely, refunds to credit or debit cards, whether directly or via PayPal or Stripe, tend to take longer. These transactions must navigate multiple financial networks and banking systems, extending the processing period.

The responsiveness and cooperation of the seller also play a substantial role. Sellers are required to manually initiate refunds. A seller who quickly agrees to and processes a refund can significantly expedite the procedure. Conversely, an unresponsive or unwilling seller delays the process, requiring buyer escalation to Depop support for intervention.

Involvement from Depop’s support team, while providing a necessary avenue for resolution, can add to the overall duration. When a dispute is escalated, Depop’s team reviews all evidence and makes a decision. This introduces an additional layer of processing time, contributing to the total time before funds are returned.

Finally, the processing times of the buyer’s bank influence when refunded money becomes accessible. Even after Depop or the payment processor releases funds, the buyer’s financial institution needs time to clear and post the transaction. This final stage can take anywhere from three to ten business days. Weekends and public holidays do not count as business days, which can further extend the waiting period.

What to Do When a Refund is Delayed

If a Depop refund has not appeared within the expected timeframe, buyers can take several steps to investigate the delay. Check the refund status within the Depop app’s Resolution Centre. Also review transaction histories on PayPal or bank statements to confirm if the refund was initiated and is in transit.

If the seller initiated the refund, reaching out for an update is a logical next step. Communication can often clarify the status or identify issues holding up the process. This direct contact can sometimes resolve minor delays without further intervention.

If the seller is unresponsive or communication does not lead to a resolution, contacting Depop’s customer support team becomes necessary. Buyers can escalate an existing dispute within the Depop app’s Resolution Centre. When reaching out to Depop support, provide comprehensive details about the transaction, including:

• Transaction ID
• Specific item details
• Date of purchase
• When the refund was initiated

Having screenshots of communications with the seller or documentation related to the item’s condition or non-receipt can be beneficial when contacting support. While awaiting a resolution, maintaining patience is important, as bank processing times are outside Depop’s control. Keeping thorough records of all interactions and transaction details throughout the refund process is recommended.