You've made a sale, you're ready to ship, and the label won't cooperate. It won't download, it prints blank, the post office can't scan it, or it was made for the wrong parcel size. Label problems are frustrating, but most have a simple fix. Here's how to sort them out without missing your shipping deadline.
1. You can't find the label
Depop labels are attached to the order. Open the sale from your sold items and look for the shipping label or "print label" option. Depop usually emails it too, so check your inbox and spam folder. If the order was set up with your own shipping, there's no Depop label. You'll need to buy postage yourself and add tracking to the order. See how Depop shipping works for sellers.
2. The label won't download or open
- Update the app and try again.
- Try opening the order on the Depop website on a computer instead of the app.
- If the PDF opens blank, try a different browser or PDF viewer.
- Save the label to your phone or computer before printing, rather than printing straight from the preview.
3. You don't have a printer
Some carriers accept a code or QR on your phone instead of a printed label, depending on the carrier and your country. Check the label options on your order. Otherwise, many libraries, print shops and post offices can print a PDF for you.
4. The label prints but won't scan
- Print at 100% / actual size, not "fit to page", which can shrink the barcode.
- Use a decent printer setting so the barcode isn't faded or streaky.
- Don't tape over the barcode with shiny tape. Glare stops scanners reading it. Tape around the edges instead.
- Keep the label flat on the parcel, not wrapped around a corner.
5. The label is for the wrong size or weight
If the parcel is bigger or heavier than the size the label was bought for, the carrier may refuse it, return it or charge extra. Repack into the right size if you can. If the size on the listing was wrong, contact Depop support from the order before you ship. Next time, check sizes before you list. See the Depop shipping cost by size guide.
6. The label expired or was already used
Labels can be time-limited, and each label is for one parcel. Don't reuse an old label or copy one for a second order. If yours has expired, contact Depop support from the order to get a replacement.
Don't miss the shipping deadline
The clock keeps running while you fix a label problem. If you can't ship in time, message the buyer to explain, and contact Depop support before the deadline rather than after. See what happens if you ship late on Depop.
Contacting Depop support
If none of the fixes work, contact support through the help centre in the app, from the order itself if possible. Include the order number, what you've tried and a screenshot of the problem.
Spend your time shipping, not listing
The faster you list, the more sales you have to ship. DepopAutomation.com's AI listing tool and bulk lister turn your photos into finished listings with the right parcel size and every field filled in, so labels match what you're sending. The profit tracker records the result of every sale, shipping included. For packing tips, see how to package clothes for Depop shipping.
Conclusion
Most Depop label problems come down to finding the label on the order, opening it in a different app or browser, printing at actual size, or the parcel not matching the label's size. Fix what you can, contact support from the order for the rest, and keep the buyer updated so you don't miss the shipping deadline.