Poshmark Review: Is Poshmark Legit For Buying & Selling?

Wondering whether Poshmark is the real deal? Stay tuned for my deep dive into the bustling world of this popular fashion marketplace in “Poshmark Review: Is Poshmark Legit For Buying and Selling in 2024?”

With a community boasting over 80 million users and transactions involving more than 300 million items, Poshmark promises a unique blend of social selling and shopping nirvana.

But does it live up to its glossy promises, or is it wrapped in digital smoke and mirrors?

In this revealing review, I’ll navigate through the maze of Poshmark’s features, success stories, and user grievances to unearth the truth.

Whether you’re looking to declutter your wardrobe or snag a fashion find, this is one exposé you won’t want to miss. Ready to uncover the reality of selling and buying on Poshmark in 2024?

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Quick Poshmark Review

The best

• Simple to use
• No Listing Fees
• Large Audience
• You Set the Prices
• Sell New and Used Items
• Unlimited Earnings Potential
• Free Shipping Labels
• Features to Attract Buyers

The worst

• Customer Service Issues
• High Commission Fee
• Delayed Payments
• Manipulative Traffic Tactics
• Slow Sales in Certain Categories

Starting from

• Buyers pay flat shipping fee of $7.67; For sales under $15, they charge a flat fee of $2.95. For sales over $15, comission fees take 20%;

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What Is Poshmark?

Poshmark is a top online marketplace for buying and selling fashion that thrives on a lively and engaged community, offering live social experiences.

This site boasts more than 100 million users in the US and Canada alone.

It has made over $6 million for its sellers. With over 300 million items sold, Poshmark helps keep clothes in use and reduces waste by avoiding landfills.

Founded in 2011, Poshmark started as a small startup in a garage, similar to many other companies of its era. Now, it has grown to over 80 million users, making it one of the biggest sites for clothing sales.

Although it’s mainly known for clothing, Poshmark also offers a variety of other items like home goods, electronics, and more.

How Does Poshmark Work?

Poshmark makes selling super simple – just snap, describe, and price! Take a picture of what you want to sell with your iPhone or Android, jot down some details, set your price, and you’re all set.

You’ll find a wide range of styles, brands, sizes, and prices to choose from. Looking for something brand new or gently used? Poshmark is the place to find great deals.

When you sell something, Poshmark takes care of the shipping for you. They send you a pre-paid, pre-addressed shipping label. Just pack your item, stick it on the label, and you can drop it off at a USPS mailbox or have it picked up from your house for free.

Plus, the app hosts Posh Parties – online events where you can buy, sell, and even list items alongside friends. These parties feature various themes and brands, offering something fun for everyone.

Is Poshmark Legit?

Yes, Poshmark is a trustworthy and legit company that went public in 2021. It’s a genuine online platform for buying and selling pre-owned clothes.

I found numerous sellers’ and buyers’ reviews on Quora claiming Poshmark’s legitimacy.

Thus, the users talk about their low costs, great buyer base, no shipping obligations, etc.

However, I found a bunch of negative comments on Trustpilot about Poshmark, and the rating is pretty low, and claiming about their bad customer service. Also, I got several reviews about paying and not getting anything.

Who Should Sell On Poshmark?

And, before I start my Poshmark review, let’s see who is it for.

If you have at least 30 items to sell, especially if they’re new or almost new and from popular brands, then you might enjoy using Poshmark.

This platform could be a great fit for you if you take pleasure in making listings and photographing your clothing. Moreover, it offers a straightforward way to turn your fashion sense and organizational skills into profit.

Poshmark Review: Key Features

Products

Poshmark’s product category is huge. You have numerous choices as a buyer. And, as for seller, you can offer products in numerous categories, like:

• Clothing
• Jewelry
• Skincare
• Home décor
• Kitchenware
• Office Supplies, and many more.

Plus, you have products for men, women, and kids. Thus, the prices of their products can range from $10 to over $500.  What’s more, you have items that can be shipped for free. And, there are discounted prices all the time.

For sellers, you can offer items in collections that feature various sizes and colors. As you list these items in your shop or personal sales area, you set the prices yourself.

For example, you could purchase 5 pairs of sunglasses at a total cost of $100(breaking down to $20 per pair) and then sell each pair for $30.

Also, you can narrow down your search based on product availability, and product type, like whether you want closet or boutique products, etc.

Brands

Next on this Poshmark Review- the brands! The platform has over 11,000 brands, organized in alphabetic order.  Hence, here you can find even the most popular brands you love, like:

• Nike
• Michael Kors
• Louis Vuitton
• lululemon athletica
• PINK Victoria’s Secret
• Coach
• Chanel, and many more.

💡 Tip: Read about Louis Vuitton Dropshipping: How To Start Dropshipping LV Products.

Poshmark App

The Poshmark app is a social commerce platform designed for buying and selling new or used clothing, shoes, accessories, and even home goods. It combines elements of e-commerce with social networking to create a community-driven marketplace.

The Poshmark app is available on both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to a vast number of users across different platforms.

Initially launched in the United States, Poshmark has expanded to other countries, including Canada, Australia, and India. However, its availability continues to grow, reaching a wider international audience.

Shipping Times & Seller Fees

Shipping on Poshmark is really simple. As a seller, your main task is just to drop off your item at the post office.

The buyer pays a flat shipping fee of $7.67, and once your item sells, Poshmark will send you a shipping label via email.

The service only uses USPS Priority Mail and Canada Post for shipping, accommodating any package up to 5 lbs. Orders are delivered within 1-3 days.

Thanks to Poshmark’s partnership with USPS, you can use Priority Mail boxes and mailers for free. You can pick them up from any USPS location or have them sent directly to you. However, Express Mail boxes aren’t covered by their shipping label.

As for fees, Poshmark’s cut varies. For sales under $15, they charge a flat fee of $2.95. For sales over $15, they take 20%, which is a significant portion but can still lead to profitable sales, especially for more expensive items.

Return Policy

When a purchase is made on Poshmark, payment to the seller is withheld until the buyer confirms that the order has been received as described. So, let’s discuss the return policy on this Poshmark Review.

Buyers have a window of 3 days after delivery to report any discrepancies, such as misrepresentation of the item, through the Poshmark app or website, accompanied by supporting photos.

If Poshmark verifies the claim, a return label is issued for the item to be sent back to the seller, and a refund is processed for the buyer. It’s important to note that all returns must be shipped back within 5 days of the return approval to qualify for a refund.

The policy covers instances where the order:

• Has undisclosed damage.
• Includes incorrect or missing items.
• Does not match the description provided.
• Is not authentic.

However, if no claim is filed within 3 days of delivery, Poshmark automatically releases the payment to the seller. Following this, all sales are considered final, and no refunds will be issued.

On the other hand, the policy does not cover returns based on:

• Items that do not fit or were purchased by mistake.
• Dislike of the item’s style.

In such cases, buyers are encouraged to re-list the item on Poshmark.

Posh Protect

Poshmark’s protection, known as Posh Protect, does not extend to trades or transactions conducted outside of the Poshmark platform.

 If the full value of the items is not exchanged through Poshmark, there is no guarantee from Poshmark that both parties will fulfill their shipping and transaction commitments. Buyers and sellers engage in off-platform transactions at their own risk.

Live Shopping

Poshmark Live is a feature that lets you participate in live shopping events right on the Poshmark app. Thus, this feature is one of those that I am really amazed by and I will discuss it in this Poshmark review.

Think of it as attending a virtual shopping party where hosts showcase their items live, allowing you to see what’s on sale in real time.

 You can interact directly with the hosts, asking questions about the products, like their condition, size, and pricing, and get immediate answers. It’s a more interactive and engaging way to shop, giving you the chance to discover new finds, learn more about the items straight from the seller, and even make purchases on the spot.

It’s all about making the shopping experience fun, personal, and direct, where you can connect with sellers and snag deals as if you were there in person.

Gift Cards

You can buy a Poshmark gift card without needing a Poshmark account, but to use the gift card, you must have an account on the platform.

Here’s how to redeem your gift card:

1. Open the Poshmark app and navigate to the Account tab.
2. Choose Gift Cards.
3. Tap on Redeem Gift Card.
4. Enter the 16-digit gift card number and the 4-digit PIN.
5. After adding, your gift card balance will appear on the My Balance page.

When making a purchase, the amount on your gift card is used before any available Posh Credits. You’re allowed to redeem and have up to 5 gift cards in your account simultaneously.

This way, you’re all set to make the most of your gift card for shopping on Poshmark, using it for a range of items before tapping into any Posh Credits you might have.

How To Start Selling On Poshmark in 2024?

Next in this Poshmark review, I will lead you through my step-by-step guide on how to start selling on Poshmark.

Step 1 – Choose Your Product Niche

The first thing you need to do is choose the products you want to sell. So, highly recommend you to do good market research and see what is selling well, and what customers mostly demand.

Thus, the first thing you can do is navigate to the Poshmark website and check on what is trending there. They have a section of trending brands and products in Poshmark, so you can use that to start.

Next, you can check on Google Trends results and see the interest over time in the specific niche or product.

Let’s say you want to sell sneakers like “Nike Air Max”. So, I will just type the keyword into Google Trends and check on results.

Moreover, I also use product research tools like Minea to check on product costs, suppliers, customer engagement, competitors, and more.

Step 2 – Download the Poshmark App or Visit the Website

Next, you need to download the Poshmark app on your smartphone or visit the Poshmark website on your computer.

 Hence, as I already mentioned, Poshmark is available on both iOS and Android platforms, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Step 3: Sign Up for an Account

Once you have the app or are on the website, look for the “Sign Up” option. So, let’s learn this in my Poshmark review.

You will be prompted to provide some basic information, such as your name and email address.

Hence,  you can also sign up using an existing Facebook, Google, or Apple account for convenience.

After signing up, check your email for a verification message from Poshmark.

Click on the verification link to confirm your email address. This step is crucial for ensuring the security of your account and enabling full access to Poshmark’s features.

Step 4: Set Up Your Profile

Now, it’s time to customize your profile. Go to your profile page on the app or website. Here, you can add a profile picture and a short bio.

So, make sure your bio includes key information about what you plan to sell or any specific brands or items you specialize in. This helps potential buyers understand what to expect from your closet.

Step 5: Link Your Bank Account

To sell items, you’ll need to link a bank account or set up a payment method to receive your earnings from sales.

Poshmark provides a secure platform to enter your banking details. This step is essential for facilitating transactions and ensuring you get paid.

Step 6 – List Your Items

Next in this Poshmark review, I will show you how to list items whether you use the app or the website.

Here’s a simple guide to help you get your items up for sale.

Using the App

First, open the Poshmark app and tap the ‘Sell’ button at the bottom of your screen.

Next, you’ll want to show off what you’re selling by taking or picking photos from your gallery. You can add up to 16 photos for each item, so make sure to show every part of it.

Then, it’s time to tell buyers about your item. You need to give it a good title, describe it, set a price, and share details like size and color. Being clear and detailed helps buyers know exactly what you’re selling.

After that, hit ‘Next’. You can tell your friends about your listing if you want. Finally, press ‘List’ to put your item up for sale on Poshmark. If you need to change anything later, you can always edit your listing.

On the Website

To start on the website, click on “Sell on Poshmark” at the top right. You must be logged in to do this.

The next step is to add photos of your item.

Hence, you can drag the photos to a spot on the page or click “Upload photos” to pick them from your computer. Like with the app, showing lots of photos is a good idea.

Then, you fill in the blanks about your item. This means writing a title, setting a price, and adding details like what it looks like and its size. This info helps buyers decide if they want your item.

To finish, after you’ve put in all the details, click “Next” to make your listing live. Now, people all over Poshmark can see what you’re selling.

Whether you use the app or the website, Poshmark makes it super simple to start selling. Just show what you’ve got, tell people about it, and you’re ready to go.

Poshmark Review: Buying on Poshmark

Now in this Poshmark review, I will show you how to buy on Poshmark.

Starting with Perfecting Your Search

First off, the key to a successful search on Poshmark lies in the specificity of your search terms.

For instance, typing detailed descriptions like “vintage long sleeve Ralph Lauren polo shirt” will narrow down your results significantly more than vague terms like “vintage shirt.”

Once you have your search results, don’t hesitate to refine them further by applying filters such as category, brand, size, color, and price. This step is essential in pinpointing the perfect item for you.

Moving on to Choosing Your Item

As you explore the listings, you’ll find that you have a few pathways to consider. So, scroll down into the specific category of your search and click on the item you want to buy.

Also, if you’re still mulling it over, simply adding the item to your likes might lead the seller to entice you with a private discount offer. This approach can often lead to unexpected savings.

Progressing to Making Your Purchase

When you’re ready to make a purchase, the process is straightforward. For a direct buy, just click ‘Buy Now’ on the listing page, input your payment and shipping information, and confirm.

An email confirmation will follow promptly. If you’re inclined to negotiate, select ‘Offer’, suggest your price, and after adding your payment details, wait for the seller’s response.

 They have 24 hours to make a decision. Upon acceptance, your purchase is confirmed, and you’ll be notified via email.

Following Up After Your Purchase

In the period following your purchase, staying updated is crucial. Watch for emails or app notifications for shipping and tracking information.

With Posh Protect, you can rest assured your payment is securely held until you verify the item matches its listing description.

It’s worth noting that you have three days from when the item arrives to inspect it and confirm acceptance.

Moreover, Poshmark provides a variety of payment methods for your convenience, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and Affirm.

Poshmark Review: Pros & Cons

Pros:

✅ Simple to Use

 Navigating Poshmark is a breeze, even for beginners. So, you can list an item in minutes, and there are plenty of guides if you need extra help.

✅ No Listing Fees

You won’t pay anything to list your items. Hence, Poshmark does take a commission on sales, but you don’t face upfront costs.

✅ Large Audience

With millions of users, your listings are likely to be seen, increasing your chances of making a sale.

✅ You Set the Prices

 You have the freedom to decide how much to charge for your items, unlike some platforms that may suggest or control pricing.

✅ Sell New and Used Items

Poshmark lets you sell both new and used items across various categories, not just second-hand goods.

✅ Unlimited Earnings Potential

Your earnings depend on your effort and the quality of your items.

Thus, there’s no cap on how much you can make.

✅ Free Shipping Labels

Shipping is straightforward with free USPS Priority Mail labels for every sale, simplifying the process.

✅ Features to Attract Buyers

Tools like the ‘Bundle’ feature and special offers for likers help boost your sales.

Also, comprehensive sales reports and authentication services add value for both sellers and buyers.

Cons:

Next in this Poshmark review, let’s discuss some of its downsides.

❌ Customer Service Issues

Some find Poshmark’s customer service lacking, with slow response times and unresolved inquiries.

❌ High Commission Fee

A 20% commission on sales can significantly impact your profits, especially on lower-priced items.

❌ Delayed Payments

Payments are only released after the buyer confirms receipt, which can sometimes lead to delays.

❌ Manipulative Traffic Tactics

Sellers have reported that Poshmark might lower listing visibility to encourage price reductions, affecting profits.

❌ Slow Sales in Certain Categories

While some items sell quickly, others, like skirts, may linger, requiring sellers to optimize their listings for better visibility.

This comparison will give you a clearer view of how these platforms differ, specifically in terms of what they offer, shipping costs, and seller fees.

Poshmark Review: Alternatives

So, if you don’t see Poshmark as your best fit, here are some of their main alternatives.

Mercari vs. Poshmark

What They Offer:

• Mercari offers a broad marketplace for a variety of items, including electronics, toys, home goods, and fashion. It’s known for its user-friendly app and a wide range of categories.
• Poshmark focuses more on fashion, beauty products, and home decor. It emphasizes a social shopping experience with features like Posh Parties and a more engaged community of buyers and sellers.

Shipping Costs:

• Mercari allows sellers to choose who pays for shipping (buyer or seller) and offers discounted shipping rates. Shipping can be customized based on weight, with the platform facilitating the process by providing shipping labels.
• Poshmark offers a flat shipping rate for buyers, simplifying the process for sellers who don’t need to calculate shipping costs. The shipping cost is paid by the buyer, and Poshmark sends a prepaid shipping label to the seller.

Seller Fees:

• Mercari has a flat 10% selling fee on the final sale price, with no listing fees, making its structure simple and attractive for smaller sales.
• Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95 for sales under $15 and takes a 20% commission for sales of $15 or more, which might affect sellers of higher-priced items more significantly.

Best For:

• Mercari is great for sellers who deal with a wide range of products, not just fashion, and prefer a straightforward approach to shipping and fees.
• Poshmark is ideal for fashion enthusiasts, people looking to sell high-end clothing and accessories, and those who enjoy social interactions within a shopping app.

eBay vs. Poshmark

What They Offer:

• eBay offers an extensive range of products, from vintage items and collectibles to the latest electronics and fashion. It supports auction-style listings in addition to fixed-price sales, reaching a global audience.
• Poshmark specializes in fashion, beauty, and home decor, focusing on a social selling experience with a strong sense of community among its users.

Shipping Costs:

• eBay provides sellers with flexibility in determining shipping costs, allowing them to set their own prices or offer free shipping, and offers discounted rates for shipping labels.
• Poshmark simplifies shipping for sellers by charging buyers a flat rate and providing a prepaid shipping label, making it hassle-free for sellers.

Seller Fees:

• eBay has a more complex fee structure, with insertion fees for listings (after the first 50 free listings per month), final value fees (around 10%-12% of the total sale price, including shipping), and potential additional fees for enhanced listing tools.
• Poshmark has a simpler fee system, charging $2.95 for sales under $15 and a 20% commission for sales $15 and over, with no listing fees or additional costs.

Best For:

• eBay is suitable for sellers looking for a wide audience, including international buyers, and those selling items beyond fashion, such as collectibles, electronics, and more.
• Poshmark appeals to sellers and buyers in the fashion and beauty sectors, offering a platform that’s easy to use for those without experience in online selling and those who value community engagement.

Real-Life Examples of Selling on Poshmark

 Next in my Poshmark review, I will share with you two remarkable stories of success from selling on Poshmark.

Story 1: Kyle’s Success on Poshmark

Kyle, a computer science graduate from California State University, Northridge, embarked on his Poshmark journey with a blend of curiosity and enthusiasm.

In a landscape crowded with online marketplaces, Kyle’s exploration wasn’t limited; he delved into Depop, eBay, and a myriad of other platforms, seeking the perfect fit for his selling style.

His dedication to understanding each platform’s nuances eventually led him to Poshmark, a platform that stood out for its unique blend of social interaction and e-commerce.

With over 9,000 followers and hundreds of sales, Kyle’s Poshmark closet, aptly named “Kyle’s Closet,” became a testament to his hard work and savvy marketing strategies.

Unlike other platforms that demanded face-to-face meetups—a prospect Kyle found unsafe and unreliable—Poshmark offered the convenience and safety of shipping directly to buyers. This, combined with no listing fees and the ability to constantly promote listings, made Poshmark an attractive option.

Kyle’s strategy was multifaceted: leveraging Poshmark’s social features like parties, dressing rooms, and the “closet clear out” events, he engaged with the community, driving sales and increasing visibility for his listings.

The platform’s built-in promotional tools allowed him to stay atop search results, significantly boosting his sales. Kyle’s story is not just one of success but of strategic adaptation, turning the challenges of online selling into opportunities for growth and profit.

Story 2: Her Poshmark Journey to $77,000

And, this story on my Poshmark review, really got my attention. So, keep reading.

Diving into the world of Poshmark in 2016 with a blend of hope and determination, her journey is a vivid illustration of what perseverance in the Poshmark universe can accomplish.

Initially attracted to the platform for its straightforward approach to selling, the lack of listing fees, and the efficient shipping process, she quickly grasped the potential for significant earnings by selling gently used clothes.

Over the years, she meticulously curated her offerings, focusing on quality and appeal. The social facets of Poshmark, such as the capability to share listings and engage in themed parties, were key components of her strategy, enabling her to connect with a broad audience and provide tailored recommendations through the dressing room feature.

Her dedication to photographing, listing, and shipping items was relentless, but the rewards were tangible. Waking up to new sales became a routine delight, a testament to the “make money in your sleep” potential of Poshmark.

Her journey wasn’t just about selling clothes; it was about building a community, understanding consumer behavior, and leveraging the platform’s features to maximize visibility and sales.

Having earned over $77,000, she stands as a beacon of possibility, demonstrating that with the right approach, Poshmark can be more than just a marketplace—it can be a lucrative venture.

 Inspired by her success, she created a course to share her insights, helping others navigate the world of Poshmark and unlock their own potential for profit.

Her story encapsulates not just financial success but the empowering journey of sharing knowledge and inspiring others in the Poshmark community.

Poshmark Review FAQs

1. How Does Poshmark Handle Disputes Between Buyers and Sellers?

Poshmark takes disputes between buyers and sellers seriously, utilizing a comprehensive resolution center.

When a dispute arises, either party can report the issue to Poshmark within the app.

The platform then reviews the case, often requesting photographic evidence or additional information to understand the situation better.

Posh Protect plays a crucial role here, as it covers cases where items are not as described, ensuring buyers can receive refunds for misrepresented items.

For disputes outside of this scope, Poshmark’s customer service team mediates to find a fair resolution, though the specifics of this process can vary based on the complaint’s nature.

2. Can Sellers Set Up Their Own Shops or Boutiques Within Poshmark?

Yes, sellers can create their own boutiques within Poshmark, which allows for a more branded selling experience. By setting up a boutique, sellers can curate their listings into a cohesive collection, making it easier for buyers to browse through their offerings.

Poshmark provides additional features for boutique owners, including promotional tools and the ability to highlight brand stories.

This setup is ideal for sellers looking to establish a distinct presence on the platform, offering them a way to stand out and attract more customers.

3. What Are the Most Effective Strategies for New Sellers to Get Noticed and Make Their First Sales on Poshmark?

For new sellers aiming to make their first sales on Poshmark, engagement and presentation are key.

Actively participating in Posh Parties and sharing other sellers’ items can increase your visibility within the community. High-quality photos and detailed descriptions of each item will help your listings stand out.

Additionally, pricing items competitively and being responsive to potential buyers’ questions can improve your chances of making a sale.

Utilizing social media to promote your Poshmark closet can also draw more attention to your listings. Implementing these strategies can significantly boost a new seller’s profile and lead to successful sales.

Conclusion

In conclusion, after navigating the ins and outs of Poshmark in 2024, it’s clear that this platform offers a unique and vibrant marketplace for fashion enthusiasts looking to buy or sell.

With its vast user base and an impressive array of items, Poshmark stands out as a legitimate avenue for those aiming to refresh their wardrobe or make some extra cash from unused clothes. However, like any online marketplace, it comes with its set of challenges.

For sellers, while the potential for profit is significant, the competition is fierce, and the 20% commission fee on sales over $15 is something to consider carefully. Additionally, the platform’s reliance on social features for visibility means sellers must invest time and effort into engaging with the community and marketing their closets effectively.

Buyers, on the other hand, should be diligent in researching sellers and items to ensure the quality and authenticity of their purchases, keeping an eye out for the platform’s return policies.

Despite these challenges, if you’re willing to navigate the learning curve and engage actively with the Poshmark community, the platform can be a lucrative and enjoyable venture for selling and an exciting treasure trove for buyers. Whether Poshmark is right for you ultimately depends on your goals, preferences, and how much effort you’re willing to invest.