Poshmark is an ecommerce marketplace that allows individuals to buy and sell new or gently used clothing, accessories, and home decor. It is an excellent way for people to declutter their closets, earn extra money, and find unique and stylish items at a fraction of the retail price.
This article will provide an ultimate guide on how to sell on Poshmark, including the platform’s features, the pros and cons, and information on competitors.
About Poshmark
Poshmark revolutionized the e-commerce landscape in 2011, enabling users to buy and sell used or new clothing and accessories. In a matter of years, Poshmark propelled itself up to become a multimillion-dollar retailer, competing with powerhouses such as eBay and Etsy at a time when social networking apps were gaining traction.
By 2019, their extraordinary success was cemented into place by doubling its revenue paid out to sellers from $1 billion to an incredible $2 billion within one year alone! Style mavens and business owners come together on Poshmark to buy, share, and sell trendy clothing pieces and accessories.
Joining a community of seven million Poshmark sellers with 40 million members makes this platform stand out from the rest, like eBay, Amazon, or ThredUp. As if that weren’t enough – Poshmark users can follow others and comment about listings for an even more interactive shopping experience.
Features of Poshmark
Poshmark is an easy-to-use platform that allows you to list and sell your items in just a few simple steps. Here are some of the key features of Poshmark:
Listing items: To list an item on Poshmark, you first need to create an account and download the Poshmark app. Once you have done this, you can take a photo of the item you want to sell and upload it to the app. You will then need to add a description, specify the size and brand, and set a listing price.
Promoting items: Poshmark offers several ways to promote your Poshmark items and increase their visibility on the platform. You can share your listings on social media, join Posh Parties (virtual events where users can browse and shop for specific categories of items), and participate in Poshmark’s Share Your Style program, which allows you to earn credits for sharing your listings with your followers.
Communication with buyers: Poshmark makes it easy for buyers to contact sellers with any questions they may have about an item. You can communicate with buyers through the Poshmark app, and you can also use the app to track your Poshmark sales and manage your inventory.
Shipping and payment: When a buyer purchases an item from you on Poshmark, the app will provide you with a prepaid, pre-addressed label that you can use to ship the item. Poshmark handles all of the payment processing, and you will receive your earnings directly into your Poshmark account. You can then transfer your earnings to your bank account or use them to make purchases on the app.
Pros of Selling on Poshmark
There are several benefits to selling on Poshmark, including the following:
Convenience: Poshmark is a convenient platform for sellers, as it allows you to list and sell items from the comfort of your home. You don’t have to worry about setting up a physical storefront or meeting with buyers in person, as everything is done through the app.
Low fees: Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95 for items sold for $15 or less and a 20% commission on items sold for more than $15. This is much lower than the fees charged by other online marketplaces, such as eBay and Etsy, which can charge up to 10% or more in fees.
Easy payment and shipping: As mentioned earlier, Poshmark handles all of the payment processing and provides prepaid shipping labels, making it easy for sellers to ship their items to buyers.
Supportive community: Poshmark has a large and active community of buyers and sellers. Many users have found the platform a great place to connect with like-minded people and build relationships.
Bargaining is encouraged: The negotiating process on Poshmark is part of the fun, and it can help you get better deals for your items. With Poshmark, buyers can make offers on items, and sellers can accept or reject these offers.
Tax remittance is included: Poshmark will automatically calculate and remit sales tax for all items sold, which is a huge time-saver for sellers. Tax remittance can be complex and time-consuming, but Poshmark takes care of it for you.
No listing fees: Unlike other online marketplaces, Poshmark does not charge a listing fee for items. This means you can list as many items as you want for free, and you won’t have to worry about paying extra fees for each item.
No returns:This is an excellent benefit for the Poshmark seller as once the buyer has accepted an item or after three days have passed since its acceptance window, you’ll receive your sales proceeds and can use them however you want. That also means that there’s no need to worry about having to provide a return/refund afterward.
Poshmark Ambassador status: Poshmark Ambassadors are users who have achieved a certain level of sales on the platform. Ambassadors get access to exclusive offers and even more promotional tools to help boost their sales.
Cons of Selling on Poshmark
While Poshmark has a lot of benefits for sellers, there are also some potential downsides to consider:
Competition: Poshmark is a popular platform with millions of users, so that you may compete with many other sellers for buyers’ attention. This can make it more challenging to stand out and sell your items, especially if you are selling popular brands or items in high demand.
Limited control over pricing: Poshmark allows buyers to make offers on your items, and as a seller, you have the option to accept or decline these offers. This can be a great way to move inventory that has yet to be sold, but it also means that you may have to accept lower prices than you initially hoped for.
Buyer disputes: While most transactions on Poshmark go smoothly, there is always the possibility that a buyer may have an issue with an item they have purchased. Poshmark has the policy to handle these types of disputes, but as a seller, you may still need to invest time and energy into resolving any issues that may arise.
Time-consuming: With Poshmark, it’s essential to stay socially active to see higher sales returns. Post your listings, and interact with other users and customers by sending out offers and responding to inquiries quickly. You can also increase visibility by sharing others’ items, attending virtual parties on the platform, and routinely listing/relisting products – all of which could take up quite a bit of time if allowed!
Shipping costs for items under 1 lb: As previously stated, shipping is an excellent bargain for products weighing over 1 lb; however, if Poshmark offered first-class commercial service as an option, items under 1 lb would be able to ship much more affordably. Unfortunately, though, this can make the cost of shipping small, lightweight items quite expensive.
Step-by-step guide To Sell On Poshmark
Poshmark makes it easy to get started selling on the platform. Here is a step-by-step guide for how to sell on Poshmark.
Create a Poshmark Account
Creating an account on Poshmark is as easy as pie! Sign up in seconds by either making a new login and password or connecting through Google or Facebook. Subsequently, you will be asked to select three of your favorite brands – rest assured that this helps them curate profiles for you that match the companies you’ve chosen.
Afterward, they automatically suggest sellers whose products are related to your selected brands – all tailored just for YOU!
Take photos of your items
Once you have an account, you can start listing items for sale. To do this, you must take photos of the items you want to sell. It is essential to use good lighting and a plain background and to take close-up shots of any details or imperfections.
Images should be clear and in focus, but it is also essential to ensure that your photos accurately represent the item’s condition. You should avoid using filters or editing the photos in any way, as this may give buyers false expectations of what they will receive.
Write descriptions
In addition to photos, you will also need to provide a detailed description of each item you are selling. Be sure to include the size, brand, material, and any other relevant information. Your title will help shoppers decide if they are interested in the item, so include any keywords that would help them find it.
Properly written descriptions will help buyers understand the condition of your item and give them an idea of what to expect when they receive it.
Set your price
Poshmark allows you to set the prices for your items. It is a good idea to research the prices of similar items to get an idea of what you can expect to sell your item for. Price your items competitively, as this will help them sell faster. You can also offer a shipping discount or bundle items together to increase the appeal of your listings.
List your items
Once your photos and descriptions are ready, you can list your items for sale on Poshmark. To do this, upload your photos and enter your item’s details into the app. Listing items on Poshmark is free, so you don’t have to worry about up-front costs.
Promote your items
Poshmark offers several tools to help you promote your items and increase their visibility. You can share your listings on social media, participate in Posh Parties, and use the Share Your Style program to earn credits for sharing your items with your followers.
Communicate with buyers
When someone expresses interest in one of your items, you will receive a notification through the app. You can then use the app to communicate with the buyer and answer any questions they may have.
Ship your items
When someone purchases one of your items, Poshmark will provide you with a prepaid, pre-addressed shipping label that you can use to send the item to the buyer. Package the item and drop it off at a USPS location.
Get paid
Poshmark handles all the payment processing, so you don’t have to worry about collecting payments from buyers. You will receive your earnings directly into your Poshmark account, and you can then transfer them to your bank account or use them to make purchases on the app.
Poshmark Alternatives
Poshmark is not the only platform for buying and selling clothing and other items. Here are some other popular options that you may want to consider:
Amazon
Amazon is one of the world’s largest and most popular online marketplaces. They offer a wide range of products for sale, including clothing, accessories, electronics, and more. Amazon has a strong presence in the e-commerce space, with several features that make it easy for sellers to list and sell their items.
eBay
eBay is one of the oldest and most well-known online marketplaces, allowing individuals to sell various items, including clothing, accessories, and home decor. eBay charges a fee for each item sold, typically around 10% of the sale price, plus a small listing fee.
Etsy
Etsy is a platform specifically geared towards handmade and vintage items, and it is popular with sellers who create their clothing, jewelry, and other items. Etsy charges a listing fee for each item and a transaction fee of 5% of the sale price.
Depop
Depop is a social shopping app popular with younger users and features a more curated selection of items. It is an excellent platform for finding unique and stylish items and charges a 10% fee on each sale.
ThredUp
ThredUp is an online thrift store that allows individuals to sell gently used clothing and accessories. It is a convenient option for those who want to avoid going through listing and shipping supplies themselves, as ThredUp handles all logistics. ThredUp pays sellers based on the value of the items they sell, and it takes a commission on each sale.
Tips for Selling Successfully on Poshmark
If you are considering selling on Poshmark, here are a few tips that can help you be successful:
Attend Posh Parties
Hosted by Poshmark multiple times throughout the day, Posh Parties are a unique opportunity to attend real-time virtual events highlighting specific product categories. If your items fit into the party’s theme, take advantage of this excellent chance to share them with shoppers and potentially cultivate loyal customers!
Additionally, you’ll have an outstandingly beneficial prospect to build a following on Poshmark through sharing other Poshers’ listings—chances are those same people will follow you right back.
Respond promptly to inquiries
Outdoing the competition in Poshmark’s dynamic and swift-paced marketplace is contingent upon responding quickly to shoppers. Offer a stellar experience, unparalleled customer service, and buyer support while promptly responding to comments left on your listings.
For an extra personal touch, tag users when replying to their remarks – type “@” followed by their username (e.g., @john). Doing so will send out a notification directly to them! This straightforward move significantly elevates your customer service game plan.
Provide detailed descriptions
In addition to good photos, it is essential to provide thorough and accurate descriptions of your items. Be sure to include the size, brand, material, and any other relevant information. Detailed descriptions will help buyers better understand the item and give them an idea of what to expect when they receive it.
Price competitively
Poshmark is a competitive platform, and buyers often look for the best deals. Be sure to research the prices of similar items and adjust your pricing accordingly. To research prices, you can search for similar items on Poshmark or other online marketplaces. Offering discounts or bundling items together are also great ways to increase the appeal of your listings.
Be open to offers
As mentioned earlier, Poshmark allows buyers to make offers on your items. While you don’t have to accept every offer you receive, it can be helpful to be open to negotiation and consider offers that are close to your asking price. This is a great way to move inventory that has yet to sell items or make a sale that may have otherwise been lost.
Utilize Poshmark’s promotion tools
As a seller on Poshmark, you have access to several tools that can help you promote your items and increase their visibility. Use features like Posh Parties, the Share Your Style program, and the option to share your listings on social media. Sharing your Poshmark closet with friends and family isn’t get you tons of sales. Promotion is crucial to success on Poshmark, as it helps attract more buyers and increase your sales.
Keep your inventory fresh
One of the keys to success on Poshmark is to keep your inventory fresh and up-to-date. Consider adding new items regularly and retiring items that need to be selling better. This will help keep buyers interested and give them a reason to return.
Provide excellent customer service
Providing excellent customer service can go a long way in building a positive reputation as a seller on Poshmark. This includes responding to inquiries, accurate product descriptions, and handling any issues that may arise promptly and professionally.
Watch the trends
Finally, staying up-to-date on current trends and knowing what shoppers are looking for is crucial. You should also be aware of upcoming holidays or seasons that may affect demand for particular items. With this knowledge, you can adjust your inventory accordingly and ensure you have the right.
What Sells Well on Poshmark?
When it comes to selling on Poshmark, certain items sell well. One of the most popular categories on Poshmark is clothing, particularly designer and high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. These brands hold their value well and are in high demand among buyers on Poshmark. Similarly, other high-end clothing and accessories, such as luxury handbags, designer shoes, and watches, also tend to sell well on the platform.
Another popular category on Poshmark is trendy and stylish clothing and accessories. Items like vintage Levi’s jeans, cute sundresses, and statement jewelry are often in high demand on Poshmark. Additionally, trendy items such as statement earrings, tops, and sneakers are selling well.
Home decor and furniture items can also sell well on Poshmark, especially if they are unique, vintage, or retro. You can find unique furniture or home decor items that are rare and hard to find, which are popular among buyers.
Another thing to consider when selling on Poshmark is seasonality. As seasons change, certain items may become more popular. For example, summer items such as sundresses and sandals may sell well during summer, while coats and sweaters may sell well in winter. It is important to consider the time of the year and list items accordingly.
Lastly, another tip is to keep an eye on items trending in pop culture or fashion. For example, if a designer launches a new collection, items from that collection are likely to be in high demand. If an actress or celebrity is seen wearing a particular designer or style, that can spark a trend and make similar items in high demand. It is always helpful to keep an eye on the latest trends and styles in fashion and pop culture and adjust your inventory accordingly.
Poshmark Photo Tips
Good photos are essential when selling on Poshmark, as they are often the first thing buyers will see when browsing listings. Here are some tips for taking great pictures to help you sell your items more easily on Poshmark.
- Use natural light: Natural light is the best for taking photos of clothing and other items. Try to take pictures near a window or outside during the daytime to get the most natural and flattering light. Avoid using flash or artificial light, as it can create harsh shadows and make colors appear washed out.
- Use a plain background: The background of your photos should be as simple and uncluttered as possible. This will help the item you’re selling stand out and make it easier for buyers to focus on the item itself.
- Show close-ups of details and imperfections: Be sure to take close-up shots of any details, such as buttons, zippers, or embroidery, as well as any defects, such as stains or scratches. This will give buyers a more accurate idea of what they are buying and help to avoid any issues with returns.
- Take multiple photos: Take multiple photos of the same item from different angles to give buyers a better idea of what the item looks like. This will also help buyers see imperfections that may not be visible in a single photo.
- Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation: It’s essential to adjust your photos’ brightness, contrast, and saturation to make them look the best they can be. This will help your item stand out and attract more buyers.
- Use editing apps: Many editing apps can help you enhance your photos and make them look more professional. Some popular options include VSCO, Lightroom, and Snapseed.
Poshmark Shipping Tips
Shipping on Poshmark can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips for shipping your items successfully and quickly:
Offer packaging with a personal touch and small gifts
Consider adding a personal touch to your packaging by including a hand-written note or small gift. This will help buyers feel more connected to the item and your brand, which can increase customer loyalty. You can also offer discounted shipping with bundle orders.
Pack items securely
Ensure you package your items securely to avoid any damage during shipping. You should also include bubble wrap or other protective materials to ensure the item arrives in its original condition.
Choose the right shipping service
Poshmark offers a variety of USPS Shipping options, and you can choose the option that best fits your needs. Consider delivery speed, cost, and convenience when selecting a shipping method.
Print labels from home
Poshmark has a feature that allows you to print shipping labels from home using your computer and printer. This is a great way to save time, as you won’t have to go to the post office whenever an item needs to be shipped.
Track your packages
Be sure to keep track of your packages by using tracking numbers or other methods. This will make it easier for buyers to know when their items will arrive and help avoid confusion or disputes regarding delivery times.
Final Thoughts
As for whether or not selling on Poshmark is worth it depends on your goals and circumstances. Poshmark is a popular platform with millions of users, and many sellers have succeeded on the app. However, it is important to know that there is competition and that building a successful business on the platform may take time and effort.
If you want to declutter your closet and earn some extra cash, Poshmark can be a convenient and effective way to do so. Just be prepared to work to stand out and make sales.
Poshmark is an excellent platform for selling gently used clothing and accessories and making some extra cash. Still, it is essential to be aware of the competition and willing to work to stand out and succeed on the platform.
Poshmark FAQs
How does Poshmark work?
Poshmark is a peer-to-peer marketplace, which means that individuals can buy and sell items directly with each other. To sell on Poshmark, you first need to create an account, take photos of the items you want to sell, write descriptions, and set a price. Once you list your items, buyers can find them through the Poshmark app and make purchases. Poshmark handles all the payment processing and provides prepaid, pre-addressed shipping labels for sellers.
How much does it cost to sell on Poshmark?
Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95 for items sold for $15 or less and a commission of 20% on items sold for more than $15. This means that the more you sell, the less you pay in fees. Poshmark also offers a free app version but includes a limited number of listings and features.
How do I ship items on Poshmark?
When you make a sale on Poshmark, the app will provide you with a prepaid, pre-addressed shipping label that you can use to ship the item to the buyer. Package the item, apply the label, and drop it off at a USPS location. Poshmark also encourages sellers to use their packaging materials and to be eco-friendly when shipping.
How long does it take to get paid on Poshmark?
Poshmark handles all the payment processing, so you don’t have to worry about collecting payments from buyers. Once an item is marked as sold, Poshmark will transfer the funds to your account within three days. You can then transfer the funds to your bank account or use them to make purchases on the app.
Can I use Poshmark to sell my handmade items?
Poshmark is primarily used to sell clothing and accessories, but you can also sell other items such as home decor, vintage, and handmade items. As long as the items you sell are legal and in line with Poshmark’s terms of service, you can sell them on the platform.