I started selling on Poshmark almost a year ago, as I was looking for a way to turn my clutter into extra money. I have made almost $15K in sales so far, which may not sound like a lot but it’s actually not bad considering that I only spend a couple of hours each week taking pictures and listing. It seems to me like it’s an amazing way to make an extra $1K a month (or even more!) with stuff from your closet or your house that you are not even using.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore why you should consider selling on Poshmark, what you can sell, how to get started, and some useful tips and tricks to help you succeed in this thriving online marketplace. This is the guide I wish I had when I started selling on Poshmark.
Why sell on Poshmark?
Turn your clutter into extra money
Have a closet overflowing with clothes you no longer wear? Poshmark is the perfect platform to sell these items and make some extra cash. Whether it’s designer pieces or gently used clothing, Poshmark allows you to monetize your pre-loved fashion. As your Poshmark store grows and if you decide you want to get more seriously into reselling, you can start looking for other ways to source inventory.
Listing is easy
Poshmark simplifies the listing process, making it accessible for beginners. You can easily create listings for your items, including descriptions, prices, and photos, all within the app. Personally, I spend a few minutes every night listing some new items while watching TV from my couch.
No need to have big following
Unlike some other social selling platforms, you don’t need a large following to succeed on Poshmark. The platform’s algorithm promotes your listings to potential buyers, leveling the playing field for everyone.
Streamlined shipping process
Poshmark streamlines the shipping process by providing prepaid shipping labels. This means you won’t have to worry about calculating shipping costs or generating a label at the post office. If your item is small enough to fit in a USPS drop box, you may not even need to go to the post office as you already have a label.
Poshmark support with returns
Poshmark does not normally allow buyers to return items, but returns requests happen. Poshmark offers support for returns, ensuring that both buyers and sellers have a smooth experience. I have found that they do a pretty good job managing return requests by asking the buyer for material proof before approving a return. During my time selling on Poshmark, I have only accepted a return once because I had missed a small stain on a coat I sold.
What are some drawbacks to selling on Poshmark?
Poshmark fees
While Poshmark offers a convenient platform for selling, it does come with fees. Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95 for items sold under $15 and a 20% commission on items priced at $15 or more. That is pretty high compared to what other platforms like Mercari or Ebay charge. However, I still prefer Poshmark as I find it more convenient.
You need to share your listing (a lot!)
Sharing your items frequently is crucial for them to show up at the top of search results. That’s how the Poshmark search algorithm works. This can be time-consuming, so be prepared to invest some time sharing your items, at least in the beginning. Once you become a Posh Ambassador, you get access to a bulk sharing tool that is truly a game changer.
What can you sell on Poshmark?
Poshmark primarily focuses on fashion and accessories, including clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and beauty products. While these are the most popular items, you can also sell home goods, pet products and electronics. So if you have some home décor items to declutter, don’t hesitate to list them on Poshmark too.
How to start selling on Poshmark?
Now let’s get to the important part: how to get started.
1. Download the app and create an account
Begin by downloading the Poshmark app and creating your account. You can go to this link to download the app: https://posh.mk/vNWSSbJbZCb
If you use the invite code UNEXPECTEDSTYLE you can save $10 on your first order (Disclosure: I also get $10 off)
2. Set up your profile, choose your store name and customize your storefront
Create a compelling profile, choose a name for your store and customize your storefront with a unique cover photo and profile picture that represent your style. Do not stress too much about your store name, you can always change it later. For the cover photo, I’d recommend using Canva to create your own design. I have found that a 2:1 ratio rectangular design works best for the mobile experience, as most people shop on their phones. Here is an example of a banner you can design in Canva.
3. Choose items to sell
If this is your first time selling on Poshmark, start by decluttering your closet to find some inventory to sell. Once you have exhausted your own closet, you can ask your friends and family if they have some items they would want to get rid of. As your store grows, you can start looking at other ways to source inventory.
4. Have an inventory system
You may be able to get away with not having an inventory system when you only have a few items in your inventory. However, once you start listing more items, you need to have a system to keep track of your inventory. You don’t want the clothes you are selling mixed up with the clothes you actually wear in your closet – it can be very overwhelming. To create a basic inventory system you will need:
Dedicated storage for your Poshmark inventory: This can be a box or multiple boxes where you keep your Poshmark inventory. I recommend you assign an SKU to each item to always know in which box it is. For example: Box 1 has items 1-10, Box 2 has items 11-20. I love these clear poly bags and SKU stickers I found on Amazon. I pack each item in a clear bag, put a sticker on it and store it in one of my Poshmark boxes, also from Amazon (these are the cheapest ones I found!)
An inventory tracker: This can be a spreadsheet or a notebook for example where you should list all your items and details such as category, brand, price. You can also use this tool to keep track of what has sold.
5. Check items for damages and make sure they are clean
Thoroughly inspect your items for any damages or flaws. Ensure they are clean and ready for listing. If an item is damaged this does not necessarily mean you cannot sell it but you need to disclose the flaws.
6. Take pictures
Take high-quality photos of your items with good lighting. Showcase them from multiple angles to provide buyers with a clear view.
7. Take measurements
Provide accurate measurements for clothing items, including bust, waist, and hip measurements.
8. Check for comps
Research similar items on Poshmark to determine competitive pricing for your listings. You can actually take a look at sold items in Poshmark to see what similar items sold for. Just look for the item you want to sell on Poshmark and filter by “Availability” = “Sold Items”. For example, here I’m looking for comps for “J Crew Cocoon Coat”
9. Create your listing
Write detailed descriptions, including brand, size, color, and any unique features. Set a competitive price. Upload your photos and publish.
10. Send offers to likers and share
Engage with potential buyers by sending offers to those who have liked your items. For example, I like to send a 20% off + $4.99 shipping offer to anybody who likes an item. Continue sharing your listings to increase their visibility.
11. Wait for sales to happen
Be patient. Sales may not happen immediately, but consistency and sharing will improve your chances.
12. Ship fast
Once an item sells, package it securely and use the provided prepaid shipping label. Ship promptly to maintain positive reviews. Poshmark recommends you ship within 2 days but I’d say shipping the next day will increase your likelihood to get a great review.
13. Get paid
After the buyer receives and accepts the item, Poshmark will release your earnings into your account. You can then withdraw the funds to your bank account.
What sells well on Poshmark?
Designer clothing, popular brands, athleisure brands, vintage items, and unique or hard-to-find pieces tend to sell well on Poshmark. Keep an eye on current fashion trends to maximize your sales. But ultimately, anything can sell at the right price and if you have a clear listing.
Becoming a Posh Ambassador
As you become more active and successful on Poshmark, you will have the opportunity to become a Posh Ambassador, which comes with benefits like increased visibility and access to exclusive events and features. But in my opinion the main benefit of becoming a Posh Ambassador is that you get access to the “Bulk sharing” tool which ill save you a lot of time when you want to share items in your closet.
There are a few requirements you have to meet before you become a Posh Ambassador:
- Have 50 available listing
- At least 15 sales
- Average purchase rating of > 4.5 stars
- Average ship time of < 3 days
- Leave a minimum of one love note. This means you need to buy from someone else’s closet a leave them a review.
- At least 5000 self-shares. This is the number of times you are sharing items from your own closet. You will get there eventually if you are sharing a lot like you should.
- 50 shares from new closets.
- At least 5000 community share. This was the hardest requirement to meet because it takes time! You need to share 5000 items from other closets.
Selling on Poshmark is an excellent way to declutter your closet, make extra money, and connect with a vibrant community of fashion enthusiasts. By following this beginner’s guide and putting in the effort to create compelling listings and engage with potential buyers, you can start a successful Poshmark journey. Happy selling!