Source: Instagram user Poshmark
You know that impulse purchase that you never got around to wearing? Now you can find it a fashionable new home while lounging on your couch and enjoying a glass of bubbly. Poshmark is a mobile app, available on iOS and Android, that allows you to buy and sell fashion. This mobile marketplace provides an intimate peek into the closets of women across America and allows you to shop for designer handbags, shoes, and so much more.
I have been Poshing since 2012 and am completely addicted. While it took some patience at first, I got the hang of it, and I currently have 64,000 followers! Although I must admit I shop more than I sell, I have no complaints. Poshmark is a hub for great deals on designer items and eclectic fashion. I've purchased a pair of Tory Burch Reva Flats, new in box, for $70; a Rebecca Minkoff Croc-Embossed Belle Shoulder Bag, in pristine condition, for $80; and a Tory Burch Amanda Zip Continental Wallet, brand new, for $100 - and yes, they were all 100 percent authentic. Poshmark has allowed me to make space in my closet for all these new finds. I have sold clothing I no longer wear and handbags I no longer use. For example, my dozens of Juicy Couture bags are now being put to use and cared for in other people's closets. My sister currently works at Poshmark, so I've gathered some great tips over the years on how to sell and would love to share them with you.
First, let's talk about getting started. After downloading the Poshmark app here, follow these steps to create your first listing:
List the item. You can take photos directly within the app and use them for your listing.
Describe it, and price it. Keep in mind that Poshmark keeps 20 percent of your earnings, so price accordingly.
Once your item has sold, ship it. Print out the prepaid shipping label that Poshmark sends you, package the item, tape the label onto the package, and drop the item in a mailbox.
All right, now here's the moment you've been waiting for. Here are some tips to help you make a sale (and a few to help you buy):
Put time into your photos. Show off your items with clear photos and good lighting. Some users display their items on mannequins, and others model theirs. Try styling your cover shot. I once stacked a Michael Kors watch with a few of my favorite baubles, and it sold within a matter of days. Giving your cover shots your own personal flair will make people more inclined to buy.
Source: Instagram user Poshmark
Share listings, and spread the love. The app is a great community of supportive people. Many times, when you share someone's listing, the user will reciprocate the love. Your goal is to get your listings out there. When people share items from your closet, your listings will appear in their followers' news feeds. So start sharing, and people will do the same.
Make sure what you're selling isn't TOO well loved. Everyone loves a good deal, but if something is too defective or overused, throw it in the donate pile to maintain a certain standard for your closet's inventory. However, if there is a small defect or stain, that's OK. Just describe your item accurately so there is no confusion when your customer receives her purchase.
List quality things. People will come back to your closet if they know you continually list items that are on trend and well kept.
Source: Instagram user thecityconfidential
Share theme-appropriate listings to parties. Posh Parties are themed virtual parties that happen three times a day, seven days a week. Thousands of users sift through parties in hopes of finding good items, so get yours out there!
Offer good customer service. Think of your closet as your own personal shop. People will come back to shop with you if you are thoughtful and polite, offer them deals, reserve listings for them, and respond and ship quickly. In my closet, I offer a discount of 15 percent on the total if users buy more than one item from me. I reserve listings for 24 to 48 hours if a customer can't buy right away (even though sometimes a user flakes out, which happens). I also like to leave little notes in the packages thanking them for their purchases. Remember, a little bit goes a long way.
Source: Instagram user Poshmark
Tag users when you respond to them. Don't forget to do this, or you may lose a sale. By tagging them (using the @ symbol followed by their username), your comment will go straight to their notifications. If you forget, they will have to check back on their own for your response, and they may not remember to do so.
Be open and flexible. Keep in mind that people will bargain. So think about your flexibility when pricing your item. If you want some tips on pricing, then check out this post. Also, stay consistent. Make sure to offer the same prices to every customer when bargaining to avoid any bad blood.
Organize your closet. Make it easy for people to shop your closet by sharing all your items that haven't been sold. In doing so, you'll sort sold items to the bottom of your closet. That way, they won't have to sift through what is and isn't available.
Source: Instagram user thecityconfidential
When purchasing something, beware of fakes. Although Poshmark is on the prowl for counterfeit items, make sure you ask the user about authenticity before buying. However, if you receive your item, only to find that it's a replica, simply go to your order page, and open a return case.
Ask about lowering the price. It never hurts to ask! But be reasonable. Be polite, and don't lowball the seller.
Utilize the search bar, follow users you like, and shop the showrooms. When you find an item you like, search the item name, and make sure you're getting the best deal. When you find a closet you like, follow that user so her fashionable listings will pop up in your news feed. And shop the trendiest, most sought-out items all in one spot with the showrooms under the shop tab. They are filtered for personalization, so you don't need to worry about looking through items that aren't your size. You'll be able to kick back and scroll through items you love with ease.
Source: Instagram user Poshmark
Personalize your experience. Under your profile tab, there is a section that's labeled "My Size." You'll be given a list of categories to fill out, and you can add up to four sizes for each. This will make it easier to filter through the app and view products that are only your size. (Of course, you can always turn off the filter if you're searching for someone else.) Completing the "My Size" section personalizes your experience by filtering parties, showrooms, individual closets, and search results.
Do not use PayPal. Poshmark allows you to buy and sell with protection and ease. It keeps your payment safe until you've received your order and acknowledges that the item matches the description. And it refunds your payment if it does not. It makes it easy for you to ship sold items with its prepaid PoshPost labels and provides great customer service, so 20 percent of your earnings is a small price to pay. (Not to mention, you run the risk of losing your closet if you don't play by the rules.)
Now that you have the tools of the trade, go out and sell. And by go out, I mean lounge around at home, snap a couple of pictures, and get ready to earn some cash. Maybe even find yourself something nice . . . After all, you're making room in your closet, so why not?