I haven't updated this blog in years, as I've been quite busy with a new job as well as a few new hobbies. One new hobby I've added alongside getting free stuff and reviewing products is selling online with Poshmark.
I knew almost nothing about selling online before I signed up. It's completely free to join, and very easy to sign up.
If you are currently signing up, make sure to use my code: CLAIRELYNNP143 when prompted to receive $5 in credit.
Whenever I'd go through my closet to find an outfit I'd notice many pieces of clothing that I hadn't worn in months, some years. I knew people sold their clothes on eBay, though I'd tried selling things on eBay a couple times, and while I was able to sell a couple items, it was more difficult for me to figure out. I don't remember how (possibly Google searching?) I came across Poshmark, but I'm so glad I did.
I started on Poshmark in January, 2016. I didn't quite understand how it all worked but as I made sales I understood more. Once you make a sale, Poshmark emails you a label to print and place on a regular Priority box or mailer (or any plain cardboard box/mailer), and you can drop it off at the post office. You don't have to pay to have it shipped as that's included with the label, though they do take 20% commission on anything over 15 dollars. Some sellers up the prices a little due to the commission.
Poshmark is unique from eBay and other sites, because they only allow fashion-type items, such as women's, men's and kid's: clothing, accessories, shoes, swimwear, brand new makeup, and jewelry. Selling other items like household items, toys, food, electronics, used makeup (yes, even swatched), perfume etc are considered "non compliant" and will get you reported which can get your account removed.
Poshmark works sort of like Instagram. In order for people to view your items, you need followers.. and lots. You get a little bit of a boost as a new user on Poshmark, though, as you are added to a list of "New" people to follow, and many people follow new people. Sometimes new people have a shipping discount for their items as well which makes it more appealing to shop from them. I personally think one of the best ways to gain followers is to follow as many people as possible. Most people are trying to get as many followers as possible so most will follow you back. Some will even click on your username and browse your shop. Followers = exposure. Another way to gain exposure is to share your items.
There are two types of sharing: sharing your own items, and sharing other people's items. It's definitely very important to share all of your items at least once a day. But, it's also important to share other poshers items. Lots of poshers will share back some of your items, exposing your items to
their followers. If someone has, let's say, 100k followers and they share some of your stuff, that's a ton of exposure! Plus, if you up your numbers in both followers and shares, you are more likely to become a Posh Ambassador (as well as having good ratings). I became a Posh Ambassador a few months ago, and since then I've gained a HUGE amount of followers, and I believe it's helped my sales a little too.
When I first started Posh 2 years ago, I didn't really know what I was doing. I still don't know some things. I've learned a ton though, especially since becoming an Ambassador. Here are a few helpful tips I've came across that work for me:
- Always be listing your items. If they haven't sold in over a couple of months, re list them.
- Keep your prices a little above what you want for the items. There is an "offer" button on Poshmark and many buyers like to use it. If they send you an offer that you find too low, counteroffer with another price you're more comfortable with; don't decline.. and please don't block them either. Don't turn away customers!!
- Take clear photos of your items with a solid background, if possible. Buyers seem to love the fluffy white backgrounds, solid white backgrounds, and wood backgrounds. I have all three, and sometimes use an App like Snapseed to remove the background of an item. Try to take your photos in daylight.
- Use all 8 slots for photos of your item. Take a picture of all angles of the item as well as photos of the tags, if any. Take photos of the flaws if any as well.
- Be VERY descriptive. Include the brand name in the title of items. In the description, describe what condition they're in, what size they are, what brand, style, and measurements! I just started adding measurements to every listing and it's helped a ton in sales.
Some people are on Poshmark full-time and make tons of money from it. If you put enough time and effort into sourcing, as well as following and sharing, you can make a ton too. I haven't made a ton since I only do this part-time/whenever I have time, but it's a lot more than no money. It has probably paid for all of my not-extremely-necessary trips to Starbucks.
I'm still no Poshmark expert, but I hope this helps get you started and some sales on Poshmark!
Here's my closet:
https://poshmark.com/closet/clairelynnp143 or @clairelynnp143
(it's currently on vacation mode since I'm across the country, so nothing is for sale atm)
Add my closet on
instagram:
@clairesposhcloset
and remember to use my code CLAIRELYNNP143 while signing up for $5 free!
