How to sell on Poshmark successfully

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With its unique blend of social networking and shopping, Poshmark is a popular go-to platform for individuals looking to buy and sell with flair. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur seeking new avenues or a closet curator ready to turn your fashion finds into financial gains, selling on Poshmark offers an exciting opportunity to strut your stuff in the digital marketplace.

Looking to learn more about how to sell on Poshmark? Then you’re in the right place! In this handy guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from customer demographics and getting set up to mastering the art of promotion and customer engagement. 

So, dust off those designer duds, polish up your prose and prepare to embark on a stylish adventure where fashion meets selling finesse!  

What is Poshmark and how does it work?

Founded in 2011, Poshmark is a fashion-forward community with a stylish twist. Sellers, or “Poshers,” can list their pre-loved fashion items – from haute couture to everyday essentials – while buyers, AKA “Poshmarkistas,” can browse and shop from an endless array of curated closets.

The standout difference between Poshmark and other online channels is the way it operates as a social marketplace, blurring the lines between commerce and community. Users can interact, share styling tips and even host virtual shopping parties

Poshmark’s evolution over the years has mirrored the ever-changing landscape of fashion and technology. From its humble beginnings as a platform for women’s clothing, Poshmark has expanded its reach to include men’s and children’s fashion, accessories, beauty products and select electronics and pet items.

Who shops on Poshmark? 

The platform has over 80 million registered users across the US and Canada, although the number of active users buying and selling on Poshmark is estimated to be around the 16 million mark. 

From fashion-obsessed millennials to seasoned fashionistas and Gen Z trendsetters, Poshmark attracts individuals of all ages who share a passion for style and savvy shopping. Furthermore, the Poshmark appeal extends beyond gender boundaries, with both men and women actively participating in buying and selling on the platform. 

All of that said, a recent WorldMetrics Report pulled out some useful stats that are handy to know for those looking to master the art of how to sell on Poshmark:

  • 50% of consumers are from Gen Z and almost 38% are millennials.
  • 91% of all sales on Poshmark are made via the mobile app.
  • Users spend an average of 27 minutes per day in-app.
  • The platform retains 90% of its users from the first to the second year.
  • Over 75% of purchases on Poshmark are made by repeat customers.
  • 79% of users stated that Poshmark helped them to be more environmentally friendly.

How do you sell on Poshmark: Getting set up

Because the platform runs on an intuitive, easy-to-use smartphone app, selling on Poshmark is much more straightforward than on many other channels. However, to maximize earnings, you’ll need to familiarize yourselves with the basic rules, fees and payment structures:

  • Prohibited items include furniture, appliances, used personal care products and underwear, uniforms, health and wellness products, electronic items that deviate from their original factory settings and any clothes or accessories in breach of the Coalition Prohibited Wildlife Policy Framework
  • Creating an account is free, but Poshmark takes a $2.95 cut for sales under $15 (yes, even if the item only costs $3) and a standard 20% on anything that sells for over $15. 
  • You can list as many items as you like. However, you can only include a maximum of 50 items in live Posh Shows, including shared listings from other sellers across the community.

Step-by-step guide to creating a Poshmark account

Getting set up really couldn’t be easier. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Download the Poshmark app — Poshmark is available on both iOS and Android devices. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store to get started. 

Step 2: Sign up for an account — Follow the prompts to sign up. You can sign up and sign in using your email address, Facebook, or Google account and registration is usually complete within a few seconds.

Step 3: Complete your profile (the app calls this your closet) — Add a suitable profile picture, write a brief bio and customize your closet to reflect your personal style.

And that’s it. You’re good to go! All that’s left to do now is keep hold of your smartphone, strike a pose and start selling! 

Top tips for selling on Poshmark: a 101 sellers guide

Ready to unleash your inner sales superstar? For many sellers, Poshmark serves as a cornerstone of their second-hand sales strategy, offering a handy platform to declutter while simultaneously contributing to the circular economy and satisfying consumer desires for more sustainable shopping practices. 

But how do you sell on Poshmark if you have limited experience? If you’re new to the game, fear not! We’ve compiled this handy 101 guide to how to sell on Poshmark, complete with all the tips and tricks you need to shine and succeed. 

Got your trusty notepad handy and ready to learn? Then, let’s dive in. 

Preparing your Poshmark items

While virtually anything can find a buyer, some categories perform better than others. So, taking stock of your inventory and prioritizing items that align with current fashion trends and consumer preferences is a no-brainer. The list of best-selling categories on Poshmark includes:

  • Bikinis
  • Tank tops
  • Blouses
  • Mini-dresses and skirts
  • T-shirts
  • Leggings
  • Athletic shorts
  • Sandals
  • Sneakers

Got some bangers to add to your online sales closet? Awesome! But before you start snapping photos and activating listings, it pays to inspect each item thoroughly and address any imperfections with a little TLC. This may involve spot cleaning, mending loose threads, or even investing in professional repairs for valuable pieces.

Creating Poshmark listings that pack a punch

With your items selected, prepped and primed, it’s time to craft compelling listings that entice buyers and drive sales. Here’s some top tips for selling on Poshmark like a pro.

Write clear descriptions

Be descriptive yet transparent, providing essential details like size, color, material and condition. Use engaging language to highlight unique features and benefits – and don’t forget to mention any special care instructions or styling tips.

Pro tip: Nobody can buy your fabulous finds if they can’t find them! So, optimize search visibility by including keywords in your title and description that incorporate brand names, style keywords and descriptive phrases.

Take high-quality photos

When it comes to presentation, staging is key. You’ll need plenty of light, a clean background and a keen eye for proper framing. Be sure to take photos from multiple angles to showcase features and conditions accurately, with close-up shots of any noteworthy details like fabric texture or designer labels.

Pro tip: Consider investing in a smartphone tripod or additional lighting equipment to elevate your photography game.

Strategies for competitive Poshmark pricing

How do you sell on Poshmark in an environment packed with millions of other sellers and items? Start by researching similar items to gauge market value. To find the right balance, you’ll need to consider factors like brand, condition and demand. Try to resist the urge to get greedy for easy, high-value sales. Pricing slightly below market value is often the best strategy for attracting more buyers and encouraging them to hit that all-important ‘buy now’ button.  

Items still not selling? Don’t fret it! Here’s another couple of top tips to help you seal the deal:

  • Learn when to hold firm on price and when to accept offers — Evaluate offers on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like item demand, buyer engagement and your own sales goals. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but also know when to hold out for the right offer.
  • Utilizing Postmark’s offers and bundling features — The ability to send offers to likers and create bundle discounts can be useful in increasing your overall sales volume by encouraging buyers to make multiple purchases.

Promoting your Poshmark listings

It’s time to shout it from the rooftops that your listings are live! Here’s a few ways to increase your visibility, spread the word and attract potential buyers.

  • Participate in Poshmark parties to reach a wider network of buyers.
  • Share other sellers’ listings to foster goodwill and reciprocity within the community.
  • Promoting your listings on other social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
  • Utilize hashtags and geotags to increase discoverability from outside the Poshmark ecosystem.
  • Actively engage with other users to increase your exposure and establish yourself as a trusted seller.

Managing Poshmark sales and customer interactions 

As sales start rolling in, providing excellent customer service ensures smooth transactions and more revenue. After all, happy customers = repeat business!

Check out these best practices for managing Poshmark sales and customer interactions: 

  • Communicate promptly and professionally with buyers, from initial inquiries to post-purchase follow-up. 
  • Be responsive to questions and requests, providing clear and concise answers to ensure a positive buying experience.
  • Approach negotiations with a positive, friendly attitude, remaining open to compromise while advocating for your item’s value.
  • Pack your items with care in quality, sturdy packaging to ensure they arrive safely and in pristine condition. 
  • Ship orders promptly and provide tracking information to keep buyers informed and reassured.

How to grow your Poshmark business

With the basics of how to sell on Poshmark covered, it’s time to look at how to grow your second-hand sales empire. 

Ready to scale your Poshmark closet with confidence and panache? Then let’s round off with a few advanced tips for growing your business like a boss: 

  • Use the copy listing feature – This will save you a heap of time manually uploading new photos and rewriting your descriptions. 
  • Switch up your pricing strategies – Don’t be afraid to experiment. Consider implementing dynamic pricing tactics like periodic price drops or limited-time promotions to create a sense of urgency and drive sales. 
  • Dig into your sales data — Take advantage of Poshmark’s built-in analytics tools to track sales performance, analyze customer behavior and identify trends to keep sourcing and selling items that sell like hotcakes. 
  • Learn from the best – Study successful Poshmark closets and analyze their strategies and tactics. There’s also no harm in reaching out to experienced sellers to ask for insights, tips and best practices. If you don’t ask, you don’t get, right? 

Ready to become a second-hand sales maestro?

Ready to build an epic Poshmark closet and take the second-hand sales market by storm? We hope so! But, why limit yourself to just one platform when there’s a world of opportunity out there and countless other sales platforms waiting to be explored and conquered?

We know what you’re thinking: how do you manage multiple platforms efficiently without getting overwhelmed? We’re glad you asked, because that’s where Lineworks comes in! 

Linnworks offers seamless integration with a wide range of leading ecommerce platforms like eBay, Refurbed and Wish, allowing you to streamline your operations and expand your reach without breaking a sweat.

Request a demo today to learn more and get ready to grow, grow, grow! 

Selling on Poshmark: FAQs

Think you know how to sell on Poshmark, but have a few lingering questions? Well, we’ve got the answers! From guest buyers to shipping woes, we’ve tackled the most frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of Poshmark like a champ.

Q: What is a Poshmark guest buyer?

A: Guest buyers are people who found your item via a Google search but didn’t make an account to check out. But don’t worry, these buyers are safe. Plus, they usually pay full price and don’t start any drama!

Q: Should I email buyers who leave contact details in comments on my listing? 

A: No, never engage with spam or potential scams. Plus, taking transactions off the platform breaches terms of service. It’s better to report the account and hit the light grey flag on the comment to alert the Poshmark team. 

Q: How does Poshmark shipping work?

A: Unless you make a free shipping offer, the buyer foots the bill for delivery. Always use the official Poshmark shipping label that’s emailed to you. Otherwise, you won’t be covered if it’s lost or reported as unreceived.

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Linzi Trafford

Author

Linzi Trafford is a SaaS-loving, self-professed grammar nerd. She’s written for industry leaders like Crunchbase and Spotify, tech-for-good firms like UpMetrics and Recite Me, and a whole heap in between. When not hammering away at her keyboard, you’ll find her hiking with her rescue dog, singing with her band, or getting stuck into a good old-fashioned whodunnit novel.