What I Wish I Knew Before Selling On Poshmark

The digital age has revolutionized commerce, with online platforms becoming the go-to marketplaces for buying and selling goods.

This shift has empowered individuals to become entrepreneurs, easily reaching a vast customer base without the constraints of traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Resale platforms like Mercari, eBay, and Poshmark have emerged as key players in this landscape, offering accessible avenues for individuals to monetize their unused or pre owned items.

These platforms provide user-friendly interfaces that simplify the listing process, allowing sellers to quickly create detailed product descriptions, upload images, and set competitive prices.

The convenience of managing sales from the comfort of one's home, coupled with the potential to connect with a broad audience, has made resale platforms an attractive option for both casual sellers and those looking to build a sustainable business.

Moreover, the rise of sustainable consumerism has further fueled the popularity of these platforms, as they offer a way to give items a second life, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Poshmark, with its emphasis on fashion and a social-media-like interface, has carved a niche for itself by fostering a community of buyers and sellers, making it particularly appealing to those looking to declutter their closets or build a following in the fashion resale space.

In this article, we bring to you everything you need to know before selling on Poshmark:

What I Wish I Knew Before Selling On Poshmark:

Poshmark is a popular online marketplace for buying and selling clothing, shoes, and accessories. While it can be a great way to declutter your closet and make some extra cash, there are a few things you should know before you start selling.

1. Take Good Photos: This is the most important thing you can do to increase your chances of making a sale. Make sure your photos are well-lit and show the item from multiple angles. If you are selling clothing, it's helpful to include photos of the item on a model. Photos are the first thing buyers see. Good photos attract attention and build trust.

2. Write Accurate Descriptions: Be sure to include all the important details about the item, such as the brand, size (bust, waist, length, inseam, etc.), color, and condition. If there are any flaws, be sure to mention them in the description. Use keywords that buyers might search for. Accurate descriptions prevent returns and unhappy customers. Keywords help buyers find your items.

3. Price Your Items Competitively: Don't just guess at a price. Do some research to see what similar items are selling for on Poshmark. You want to price your items competitively so that they will sell quickly. Overpricing means your items will sit. Underpricing means you are leaving money on the table. Also, be willing to negotiate prices. Negotiation is a common practice on Poshmark. Offer discounts when buyers purchase multiple items from your closet. This encourages larger sales.

4. Be Responsive To Questions: Potential buyers may have questions about your items. Be sure to respond to their questions promptly and politely. Good customer service is essential because it builds trust and can lead to sales.

5. Ship items quickly. Once you make a sale, be sure to ship the item quickly. Buyers appreciate fast shipping (try to ship within 1-2 business days of the sale). Fast shipping leads to positive reviews and repeat customers. Also, Poshmark's shipping fee is fixed. Buyers pay a fixed shipping fee, and Poshmark provides a prepaid label.

6. Package items carefully. Be sure to package your items carefully so that they don't get damaged in transit. Wrap your items neatly and consider adding a small thank-you note. A positive unboxing experience can lead to positive reviews and repeat customers.

7. Be patient. It may take some time to make your first sale. Don't get discouraged if your items don't sell right away. Just keep listing new items and sharing your listings.

Other Considerations:

Poshmark is a social marketplace, not just a listing site. It's not like eBay, where you just list and wait. You need to be actively sharing your closet, sharing other people's items, following people, and engaging in parties. Treat it like a social media platform as much as a marketplace.

• The more you participate, the more likely your items are to be seen.
• The more you are on the app sharing, the higher your items will rank in search results.  Consistent activity is key.
• Poshmark parties are themed virtual events where you can share items from your closet that fit the theme. It's a great way to get your items in front of a wider audience if your items fit the party theme and you actively participate.

Note that Poshmark takes a significant cut. Make sure you are pricing your items high enough to still make a profit after fees.  For sales under $15, Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95.

Poshmark also has a blog and help center with lots of useful information for sellers. You can learn a lot from other successful sellers and from Poshmark's official resources.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success on Poshmark.

How does Poshmark work?

The Core Concept of Poshmark is the buying and selling of used and new clothing, accessories, and home goods (and some other categories).

Poshmark is primarily a social marketplace where people can buy and sell clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, beauty products, and some home goods. Most items are pre-owned, but new items are also allowed. It combines elements of social media with e-commerce, emphasizing community engagement and sharing.

Here is a guide on how Poshmark works:

1. Setting Up Your Account:

• Sign Up: You can create a Poshmark account using your email address, Facebook, or Google account.
• Profile: Set up your profile with a username, profile picture, and a short bio.  Your profile is important because it helps build trust with potential buyers.
• Payment and Shipping Information: Add your payment information (for buying) and your shipping address (for selling). You will need a valid payment method like PayPal to buy.

2. Selling on Poshmark (How poshmark work for sellers):

Listing an Item:

-Photo: Take clear, well-lit photos of the item from different angles. Show any flaws or imperfections clearly.

-Description: Write a detailed description of the item, including:

• Brand
• Size
• Color
• Material
• Condition (new, like new, good, etc.)
• Any flaws (stains, tears, etc.)
• Measurements (optional but highly recommended, especially for clothing)
• Keywords that buyers might search for.

-Category and Subcategory: Choose the appropriate category and subcategory for your item.

-Price: Set your asking price, considering Poshmark's fees (20% on sales $15+, $2.95 flat fee on sales under $15). Research comparable items to determine a fair price.

-Listing: Once you have filled out all the information, click "List Item" to make it available for sale.

Sharing Your Closet:

-You need to actively share your listings with your followers and to Poshmark Parties. This is essential for visibility.

-You can share individual listings or your entire closet at once.

Engaging with Other Users:

• Follow other users whose style you like or who are selling items you are interested in.
• Share other people's listings.
• Comment on listings and in the Poshmark Feed.

Receiving an Offer:

• Buyers can make offers on your listings.
• You have the option to accept, counter-offer, or decline the offer.

Making a Sale:

• When a buyer purchases your item at your listed price or accepts your offer, you will receive an email notification.
• Poshmark will provide you with a pre-paid shipping label that you can download and print.

Shipping the Item:

• Package the item carefully and securely.
• Attach the pre-paid shipping label to the package.
• Drop off the package at a USPS (United States Postal Service) location.

Getting Paid:

• Once the buyer receives the item and accepts it (or after a certain period if they don't take action), the funds will be released to your Poshmark account.
• You can then redeem your earnings through direct deposit to your bank account or request a check.

3. Buying on Poshmark:

Browsing and Searching:

• Browse the Poshmark feed or use the search bar to find items you are interested in.
• You can filter your search by brand, size, color, price, etc.
• Following Users:  Follow sellers whose style you like to see their new listings in your feed.

Making an Offer:

• You can make an offer on an item that is lower than the listed price.
• The seller can accept, counter-offer, or decline your offer.

Purchasing an Item:

• If you like the listed price, you can purchase the item directly by clicking "Buy Now."
• Shipping:  You pay a flat shipping fee, regardless of the item's size or weight (up to 5 lbs). The seller ships the item to you.

Receiving the Item:

• Once you receive the item, you have three days to inspect it and accept it (or report any issues).
• If you don't take any action within three days, Poshmark will automatically release the funds to the seller.

Returns:

• Poshmark's return policy is limited.  You can only return an item if it is not as described by the seller (e.g., wrong size, damaged, not authentic).

Key Features and Concepts:

• Poshmark Closet: Your online store where you list and manage your items.
• Sharing: Sharing your items and other users' items is crucial for visibility.
• Offers: Buyers can make offers on your items.
• Bundling: Sellers can offer discounts when buyers purchase multiple items from their closet.
• Posh Authenticate: Poshmark offers an authentication service for certain luxury items to ensure their authenticity.
• Posh Ambassador: A program that recognizes and rewards active and engaged members of the Poshmark community.

In a Nutshell: Poshmark is like a giant online consignment shop with a strong social component.

How much does Poshmark take?

Poshmark's fee structure is pretty straightforward. Here is the summary:

• For sales under $15: Poshmark takes a flat fee of $2.95. You keep the rest.
• For sales of $15 or more: Poshmark takes 20% of the final sale price. You keep 80%.

Important things to remember:

• These fees are only charged when an item sells. It's free to list items and create an account.   
• The fee is deducted from your earnings after the sale is complete.
• There are no other hidden fees for sellers on Poshmark.

Essentially, Poshmark makes money by taking a cut of each sale. This allows them to operate the platform, provide customer support, and offer features like prepaid shipping labels and secure payment processing.

If you want to know how much it cost to sell on Poshmark, then note that it's free to list items on Poshmark, so you only pay when you make a sale. Tap here for more details.

What to Sell on Poshmark to Make Money:

Poshmark is a great platform to make money by selling items from your closet or sourcing new finds. Here are some of the best things to sell to maximize your earnings:

1. Popular Brands:

• Designer and Luxury Brands: Items from brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Prada hold their value well and are always in demand.
• Mid-Range Popular Brands: Brands like Free People, Anthropologie, Lululemon, Nike, and Adidas are consistently popular and have a strong resale market.
• Trending Brands: Keep an eye on what's trending in fashion and athleisure. Brands like Skims, Reformation, and Vuori are currently hot sellers.

2. Specific Item Categories:

• Women's Shoes: Shoes are a top-selling category, especially those from popular brands or in-demand styles like boots, sneakers, and sandals.
• Handbags: Designer handbags and trendy bags from popular brands are always a good bet.
• Dresses: Dresses for all occasions, from casual to formal, sell well on Poshmark.
• Jeans: Well-fitting jeans from popular brands are a closet staple and have a good resale value.
• Activewear: Athleisure and workout clothes from brands like Lululemon, Nike, and Adidas are in high demand.   

3. Trending Styles:

• Vintage Fashion: Y2K and vintage styles are currently trending, including jeans, tops, dresses, and accessories.
• Oversized Silhouettes: Loose-fitting and comfortable styles are popular in both clothing and outerwear.   
• Bold Colors: Vibrant colors like lime yellow and cherry red are currently in vogue.
• Athleisure and Cozycore: Comfortable and stylish clothing suitable for both workouts and casual wear.

4. Other Factors to Consider:

Items in excellent or like-new condition will always fetch higher prices.

Sell seasonal items in the appropriate season (e.g., winter coats in the fall, summer dresses in the spring).

High-quality photos are crucial for attracting buyers.

Research similar listings to price your items competitively.

By focusing on these popular brands, item categories, and trends, you can increase your chances of making money on Poshmark. Remember to take great photos, write detailed descriptions, and price your items competitively to maximize your sales.

How to Sell Fast on Poshmark:

Want to see your Poshmark closet flying off the virtual shelves? Here is the inside scoop on how to sell fast and make some serious cash:

1. Capture Attention with Killer Photos:

• Light it Up: Natural light is your best friend. Shoot your items near a window or in a well-lit area to show their true colors and details.
• Angles Matter: Showcase your items from multiple angles; front, back, sides, and close-ups of any special features or flaws.
• Style it Out: If it's clothing, consider modeling it or using a mannequin to give buyers an idea of the fit.
• Clean Background: A plain, uncluttered background helps your item stand out.

2. Craft Irresistible Descriptions:

• Be Specific: Include the brand, size, color, material, and condition. Don't forget to mention any imperfections.
• Highlight the Good Stuff: What makes this item special? Is it super soft? Does it have a unique design?
• Use Keywords: Think like a buyer. What words would they use to search for this item? (e.g., "vintage Levi's jeans," "silk blouse," "leather crossbody bag")

3. Price it Right:

• Do Your Research: Check out what similar items are selling for on Poshmark.
• Be Competitive: Price your items slightly below the average to attract buyers.
• Consider Offers: Be open to negotiating and accepting reasonable offers.

4. Stay Active and Engaged:

• Share, Share, Share: Regularly share your listings with your followers and to Posh Parties.
• Follow and Interact: Follow other Poshers, participate in parties, and engage with potential buyers.   
• Respond Quickly: Answer questions and offers promptly.

5. Offer Great Customer Service:

• Ship Fast: The sooner you ship, the happier your buyer will be.
• Package with Care: Wrap items nicely and include a thank you note for a personal touch.
• Be Friendly and Helpful: Positive interactions can lead to repeat customers.

Bonus Tips for Speed Selling:

• Offer Bundles: Encourage buyers to purchase multiple items with a discount.
• Run Promotions: Host a flash sale or offer a discount to your followers.   
• Promote on Social Media: Share your Poshmark closet on your other social media platforms.
• List Regularly: Keep your closet fresh by adding new items frequently.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a Poshmark selling pro.

Takeaway:

Before selling on Poshmark, you have to fully grasp the importance of high-quality photos and detailed, keyword-rich descriptions, as they are crucial for attracting buyers.

You should also learned that competitive pricing based on thorough research is key, and that consistent sharing and engagement within the Poshmark community are essential for visibility.

Understanding the fee structure and prioritizing excellent customer service, including fast shipping and careful packaging, are equally vital for success.

Finally, learn to be patient and persistent, as building a successful Poshmark closet takes time and effort.