Mission: Covid-19 Clean Up Your Closet Solution: Poshmark
We are all trying to stay productive during this upside down time, and as the season changes, there is no better time than now to clean out your closet.
I started my closet clean out pre-Winter. I knew I had a few items that I could make a few dollars on and my closet was filled with pieces that were too big, too small or I simply didn’t wear so I started my mission to declutter and clean out.
A news segment caught my eye right when I was looking for a solution to make this process easy: Poshmark – a mobile app that allows you to shop and sell your gently used or unworn clothing, accessories and home items. There are closets for women, men, kids, home and luxury items. Right from your home, right from your phone.
An Alternative Way to Sell
My consignment history includes hauling my closet to several consignment stores, only to have them send me away with arms still full of rejects, taking half the sale of the profits, making me wait for the item to sell and if it doesn’t, having to return to the store to pick it up. On Facebook Marketplace, the community was rude, took too many messages to set an appointment, the potential buyer would come to your home and often not even make the purchase. Even if you have had a better experience, consignment retail stores are closed and charity drops discouraged, so Poshmark is even a better choice.
Bonus: Also great regardless of where you live. Your small town may not have consignment stores. This allows you to shop from your sofa, regardless of where you are.
I’ve been using the app for a couple months and have already made nearly $1,000 selling items from my closet.
How it works
- Sign up and create a profile to make a virtual closet. The interface is much like Instagram so it’s very user friendly to start your account.
- Begin to upload photos from your smartphone and share the details of each item that you want to sell.
- Adding an item is easy and takes just a few minutes!
Make Me An Offer
Shoppers will make an offer on your item, you can then accept, decline or counter the offer. Easy and no ongoing messages. To the point, which I love. The barter is a good thing to keep in mind when establishing your listing fee.
Price it out
You share what you paid for the item, and you set the selling price. The app will calculate your earnings, after the Poshmark fee, which is small. Some consignments stores take 50% so this is a well earned fee.
See more here https://poshmark.ca/faq
Shipping
- One of the best features of Poshmark is that they provide you with a prepaid mailing label after you make a sale. So you can just package up your item and attach the label. The mailing label allows the package to be tracked, which is on the app so removes any questions between buyer and seller.
- Tip: Do package up your products nicely. I always wrap my item in tissue and include a personal thank you note card
- The buyer will give you a star rating based on your item and experience
- Once the item is received, the buyer has a few days to inspect and then confirm the sale. As soon as they do this, the money is available on your Poshmark app to direct deposit.
Selling Tips
- Share your items in “Posh Parties” to keep your closet fresh and noticed. Posh parties happen several times a day, promoting a category. Share your items to these parties for great exposure!
- You develop a following who will receive your new listings, but the parties expand your audience
- Do share the love and share other buyers listings
- Take a lot of photos – all views!
- Take nice bright and vivid photos, especially for the cover photo
- Describe your products honestly and include measurements
- Be responsive to questions from users or on offers
I’m just a beginner and there are so many more tips to learn and increase your sales frequency. Some have turned Poshmark into a job! Share your tips if you’re on Poshmark or your thoughts if you sign up! It’s so easy so I warn you, it’s a little addictive. You’re going to want to keep selling, and shopping.
If you are not yet signed up for Poshmark, please feel free to use my invite code for a C$15 credit you use on your first order. Just download the app onto your phone (Apple Store or Google Play), then use invite code LAURAD321 when signing up.
For more FAQ, information on feeling protected and shopping tips, visit https://poshmark.ca/
Editor’s Note: Laura was on our weekly radio show discussing her experience with Poshmark. Watch our Video Podcast for the scoop!
