What is Poshmark? Here's how to use the online marketplace to buy and sell clothing and accessories (2024)

Poshmark launched in 2011 as an e-commerce platform where users could buy and sell used or new clothing and accessories. Poshmark quickly became a multimillion-dollar retailer, rising up to the ranks of eBay and Etsy at a time when social networking apps were just gaining traction. In 2019, Poshmark doubled its revenue paid to sellers from $1 billion to $2 billion in one year.

Poshmark is a social commerce platform and mobile app for buying and selling garments, founded by Poshmark CEO Manish Chandra. Fashionistas and entrepreneurs alike take to the platform to buy, share, and sell clothing and accessories, joining a community of seven million sellers and 40 million total members. Unlike eBay, Amazon or thredUP, Poshmark offers a social networking feature where users can follow others, as well as like, share, and comment on clothing listings.

Poshmark also hosts daily virtual "Posh Parties" where you can list your qualifying item in a live party for a chance at more eyes on your listing. For example, if there is a party just for Nike attire, you could list your Nike shoes, leggings, or accessories for more exposure.

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Selling on Poshmark

If you have a few unworn items in your closet that you'd rather swap for a piece that will be more useful, listing them on Poshmark is simple and convenient.

First, sign up or log in using the mobile app. At the bottom, select the Sell icon, depicting a camera.

What is Poshmark? Here's how to use the online marketplace to buy and sell clothing and accessories (1)

Take a couple photos of your item, edit them how you'd like using the photo tools and filters, then select Next. Under Listing Details, fill out as much information as you can about the item. Be sure to include a description of what you are selling, a title, category (for example: shoes, skirts, dresses, etc.), the quantity, size, brand, color, and price. While it is free to list an item, once that item has sold, Poshmark will take a fee. For items listed under $15, Poshmark will take $2.95. For all items listed above $15, Poshmark will take 20%.

What is Poshmark? Here's how to use the online marketplace to buy and sell clothing and accessories (2)

Other users can make offers on your listing — offers you can either accept or deny. You will be notified of offers in the "News" tab at the bottom of the screen.

Once an item has sold, meaning a user has agreed to pay for your item at its listing price, you will get a notification to pack up your item for shipping. Poshmark will email you a prepaid shipping label. You will get your money deposited into your preferred payment method only after the user who bought your item receives it and marks it as received in the app.

Buyers have three days to notify Poshmark if they want a refund.

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Buying on Poshmark

Buying clothing and accessories on Poshmark is an easy and safe process.

Poshmark has many categories and sections to browse through, as well as a search function if you know you want a specific item. The main feed on the app also shows various Posh Parties happening, as well as new listings and listings catered to your search history. You can also "like" an item you're interested in to refer back to it at another point.

You can filter your search results to show your desired size, brand, category type, condition, price, and color. Poshmark also has a "My Size" feature where you can pre-set all your size requirements, ranging from sweaters to shoes.

What is Poshmark? Here's how to use the online marketplace to buy and sell clothing and accessories (3)

Once you find an item you'd like to purchase, you can either extend an offer or buy it. If you want to make an offer, select Offer. Next, type in your offer amount. All offers are bids, which expire within 24 hours. If a seller accepts your bid, the amount you offered will be charged to your payment method. A seller can also respond with a counter offer.

What is Poshmark? Here's how to use the online marketplace to buy and sell clothing and accessories (4)

However, if you'd like to buy an item there and then, the payment will be deducted. Sellers are encouraged to pack and ship their sold items within 72 hours. You should get notifications of an order confirmation, shipping confirmation, and tracking number within the app,or go to your account (the tab with your username at the bottom) and select My Purchases.

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When you receive the item in the mail, make sure to go into the app and mark it as such. You will then have three days after delivery to make a claim to Poshmark for a refund or return if the item you received did not match its listing description. If Poshmark approves your claim, you will be emailed a shipping label and issued a refund.

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  • How to track an eBay order if the seller has provided tracking information, or contact the seller for updates

  • How to sell items on Amazon like used books, unwanted gifts, and other products

Meira Gebel

Meira Gebel is a freelance reporter based in Portland, Oregon. She writes about business, culture, and technology for Insider. Her work has been featured in Digital Trends, Willamette Week, USA Today, and more.She is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and San Francisco State University. Feel free to reach out to her on Twitter, where she can be found most of the time,@MeiraGebel.

What is Poshmark? Here's how to use the online marketplace to buy and sell clothing and accessories (2024)

FAQs

What is Poshmark? Here's how to use the online marketplace to buy and sell clothing and accessories? ›

Poshmark is a popular online marketplace where individuals can buy and sell new or used cheap and expensive products, like clothing, accessories, and other everyday items. It's a platform that allows people to set up virtual "closets" where they can sell their household and fashion items directly to other users.

What is the downside to Poshmark? ›

Disadvantages of Poshmark

Dependence on rating - Negative ratings and reviews can significantly affect an online store and the seller's reputation. Payment wait time - Delays in payments are common, and users need to wait until the buyer receives the item to receive their earnings.

What is the 30 minute rule on Poshmark? ›

The 30mm is still used by many as their daily 30 minute Poshmark routine. Here is a summary of the routine: Share 30 items from your closet. Share 30 items from the feed.

What not to do on Poshmark? ›

Poshmark strictly prohibits the sale of illegal items, including but not limited to, replicas or fakes, products derived from threatened or extinct species*, anything requiring a prescription, medical products / items making medical claims (for example N95 masks), live animals, food, misrepresented Native American or ...

What is Poshmark and how does it work? ›

Poshmark is an online marketplace and social community for clothing, shoes and fashion accessories. Think of it as Instagram for your closet. Users can follow one another, scroll through a shoppable feed and “like” and comment on posts. Poshmark operates as a website and app.

What is the controversy with Poshmark? ›

Brandalene “Brandy” Horn, 42, was arrested Wednesday over the alleged scheme that netted her more than $750,000 in profit, according to federal prosecutors. She allegedly peddled the stolen clothes from her Poshmark account, where she went by “cashhorn,” between April 2022 and February 2024.

What I wish I knew before selling on Poshmark? ›

Make sure you're pricing the clothes based on how much it's been used, the condition, and the original price. I always try to look at other people selling the same or similar items to gauge what I should list it for. Poshmark also gives you a ballpark estimate of what you should list your item as, which is helpful.

What is the 3 day rule on Poshmark? ›

If the buyer receives an item that is not as described within the listing, is sent the wrong item, or is in some other way not as described, the buyer can report their problem to us within 3 days of delivery through the app or on the web.

What happens if I sell more than $600 on Poshmark? ›

The IRS recently issued guidance delaying the implementation of the new $600 gross sales reporting threshold by another year. For the 2023 tax year, Poshmark is required to provide any seller with $20,000 or more in gross sales and 200+ transactions on our platform during the 2023 calendar year with a Form 1099-K.

What is the waterfall method on Poshmark? ›

Hamel on Instagram: "Waterfall offers involve sending the highest offer possible to the most buyers. You send 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 offers to likers. 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘥: • PosherVA sends automatic OTL at 15% within 2 minutes of each like. Once a week (sometimes, biweekly) I send offers at 25%, 35%, and 45%.

What items are banned on Poshmark? ›

Below is a list of items we do not support. Nail polish, perfumes, and aerosols, health and wellness products (ex: diet supplements, protein powder, body wraps and breast pumps) and items making medical claims (i.e. N95 masks). Items must be new, alcohol-free and aerosol-free.

What are the risks of Poshmark? ›

What are the Scams on Poshmark that You Need to be Aware of
  • Transacting Outside Poshmark.
  • Buyer Claiming that Item is Damaged.
  • Authenticity Issues with Designer Goods.
  • Buyer Complaining About One Item in a Bundle.
  • Cashiers Check Scam.

What is the secret to Poshmark? ›

Remember, Poshmark is all about fashion, so focus on clothing, shoes, and accessories that are in good condition and on-trend. Take high-quality photos of your items, making sure to capture any details or flaws. Write clear and enticing descriptions, highlighting key features and providing accurate measurements.

Is Mercari or Poshmark better? ›

The best sellers on Poshmark are generally products from big brands; while you may be able to sell a generic pair of jeans, you probably won't be making big money. In contrast, Mercari is more like an upmarket garage sale. The platform lets you sell almost anything, from collectibles to beauty products.

Who pays shipping on Poshmark? ›

What are the shipping rates on Poshmark? Poshmark provides a flat rate of $7.97 for expedited shipping on all orders. This shipping fee is paid for by the buyer. All orders are shipped using United States Postal Service 1-3 day Priority Mail, excluding electronics.

How to sell on Poshmark for beginners? ›

How to start selling on Poshmark
  1. Create a free Poshmark account.
  2. Take photos of the item.
  3. Add a title and description.
  4. Set your pricing.
  5. Package, ship and get paid.
  6. Respond to comments quickly.
  7. Attend Posh Parties.
  8. Send offers to likers.
Oct 5, 2023

Is it really worth it to sell on Poshmark? ›

There is definitely money to be made if you're willing to put in the time and effort, but keep in mind that making a profitable closet on the platform takes work. Since there is no listing-fee, there's no harm in trying out the app–except losing the time it'll take you to list.

Who is better than Poshmark? ›

ThredUp is the best Poshmark alternative if you have a lot of clothing you want to sell but don't want to go through the work of posting and shipping every item yourself. Additionally, you shouldn't be too fussy about how much money you make since ThredUp is very low-effort.

Is it better to sell on Mercari or Poshmark? ›

The best sellers on Poshmark are generally products from big brands; while you may be able to sell a generic pair of jeans, you probably won't be making big money. In contrast, Mercari is more like an upmarket garage sale. The platform lets you sell almost anything, from collectibles to beauty products.

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