Selling on Poshmark : 7 Things Beginners Should Know to Start Selling Today

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What is Poshmark

Selling on Poshmark is all about turning your closet clean-out or love for fashion into cash in a super-easy and social way. Poshmark is a popular online marketplace where you can list new or gently used clothing, accessories, and some home goods for sale, all while connecting with a huge community of buyers and sellers. The process is simple: snap a few photos, write up a quick description, and set your price—Poshmark takes care of the payment and shipping labels for you. What makes it especially fun is the social vibe; you can share listings, join virtual “Posh Parties,” and chat with fellow fashion lovers, making it feel more like hanging out with friends than just selling stuff online

How Does Selling on Poshmark Work? 

Selling on Poshmark is straightforward: first, create an account and pick items you want to sell. Then, list them by uploading photos, adding descriptions, and setting prices. When your item sells, Poshmark emails you a prepaid shipping label—just print it, package your item, and drop it off at the post office or mailbox. The buyer covers shipping costs, unless you offer free or discounted shipping on your listing. Once the buyer receives the item, you get paid via direct deposit or check within a few days. Plus, you can share your listings and engage with the community to boost sales.

 

1. What to Sell on Poshmark

If you’re wondering what to sell on Poshmark, the platform is a goldmine for fashion lovers and sellers alike! The best things to sell are trendy clothes that match the current season—think cozy sweaters in winter or breezy dresses in summer. Vintage clothing is also a hot commodity because unique, retro pieces attract buyers seeking one-of-a-kind finds. Athleisure wear, including leggings and yoga pants from popular brands such as Lululemon and Athleta, consistently sells out quickly. Plus-sized clothing is another niche with high demand since stylish, well-fitting options can be hard to find.

Don’t overlook shoes—sneakers from Nike or Adidas, and designer shoes from brands like Gucci are always popular. Accessories like handbags, jewelry, scarves, hats, and belts sell well too because they’re lightweight and easy to ship. Beauty products, especially unopened skincare and makeup from well-known brands, also have a strong following. Lastly, home goods such as decor, bedding, and small furniture pieces can add variety to your shop and attract a diverse range of buyers. Focusing on these categories can help you maximize your Poshmark selling experience and increase your profits.

2. Is Poshmark Legit?

Is Poshmark legit? Definitely! I know this firsthand because I’ve sold numerous items on the platform with great success myself. Poshmark is a well-established marketplace that’s been around since 2011, trusted by millions of buyers and sellers worldwide. It offers secure payment processing, prepaid shipping labels, and even authentication services for luxury goods, which helps protect both buyers and sellers.

Additionally, Poshmark holds your payment until the buyer confirms receipt of the item, ensuring you’re not left hanging. Of course, like any marketplace, you should be cautious of scams by adhering to Poshmark’s guidelines, such as never paying outside the platform and carefully monitoring shipments. But overall, my positive selling experience and the platform’s strong reputation prove that Poshmark is a safe and reliable place to buy and sell fashion and more.

3. Is Poshmark Safe?

Selling on Poshmark is safe. However, like anything online, where anyone can view what you’re putting up for sale and have access to your items, there will always be a risk. The risk, in this case, is that people may attempt to persuade you to discuss your items for sale outside of the Poshmark platform. The other risk is selling expensive items, only to have the buyer open a case against you, accusing you of selling them a damaged item, thereby allowing them to obtain the item for free.

4. Poshmark Fees You Need to Know

Poshmark’s selling fees are straightforward and based on the sale price of your item. For sales under $15, Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95. For sales of $15 or more, the fee is 20% of the sale price. This means you keep 80% of the sale amount for items priced $15 and above.

In October 2024, Poshmark introduced a new fee structure with lower seller fees, based on a combination of a fixed dollar amount ($1, $2, or $3, depending on the order total) plus 5.99% of the order total (including shipping and taxes). However, due to seller and buyer feedback, Poshmark reverted to the original fee structure (20% for sales over $15 and $2.95 for sales under $15) as of October 24, 2024.

Additionally, Poshmark does not charge any fees for listing items, only for completed sales. There are no separate payment processing fees, as these are included in the selling fee. Bundles are also subject to the same fee structure, calculated on the total bundle price

5. Poshmark Shipping

Shipping Method and Rates

• Poshmark uses USPS Priority Mail for most orders, which typically delivers within 1-3 days in the U.S. This applies to all items except electronics, which ship via USPS Ground Advantage (2-5 days).
• The standard shipping label covers packages up to 5 pounds. If your package exceeds 5 pounds, you can easily upgrade the label within the app for an additional fee.

Who Pays for Shipping?

• The buyer usually pays a flat shipping fee, currently set at $7.97 for most orders. This fee is not deducted from your earnings as a seller.

Shipping Labels and Packaging

• Once you make a sale, Poshmark emails you a prepaid, pre-addressed shipping label. Simply print it and attach it to your package—no need to buy postage separately.
• You can use any box or padded envelope for packaging, but USPS Priority Mail, Priority Mail Flat Rate, and Priority Mail Regional Rate boxes are all acceptable.
• For items or bundles weighing more than 5 pounds, request a heavier label through the app and pay the corresponding additional cost.

Shipping Process

• After packaging, drop off your shipment at any USPS mailbox or post office, or schedule a free pickup from your home using USPS.
• For electronics, ensure proper packaging and use the special USPS Ground Advantage label provided.

Key Points

• You must use the Poshmark-provided shipping label for all orders; using your own label is not allowed.
• The process is designed to be simple: print the label, package your item, and ship it out—Poshmark handles the rest.

This streamlined structure makes shipping on Poshmark easy and efficient for sellers of all experience levels.

6. Poshmark Return Policy You Need to Know

From a seller’s point of view, Poshmark’s return policy means that all sales are generally final, which is beneficial because once the buyer accepts the item and the 3-day return window passes, payment is typically made. However, if a buyer reports an issue within those three days, such as the item being damaged, not as described, missing parts, or not authentic, Poshmark steps in to review the claim. You’ll be notified and can communicate with the buyer through the app to help resolve things smoothly.

If Poshmark approves the return, they provide the buyer with a prepaid shipping label to send the item back to you. Once you receive the returned item and it matches the buyer’s claim, the buyer gets a full refund, including shipping costs. It’s essential to be honest and detailed in your listings, accompanied by clear photos, to minimize returns. While returns can be a hassle, Poshmark’s system protects both buyers and sellers, helping keep transactions fair and secure. In all the years I’ve been selling on Poshmark, I’ve never had a return.

7. Can I Sell Men’s Items on Poshmark?

Yes, you can definitely sell men’s items on Poshmark! The platform features a dedicated section for men’s fashion and accessories, making it a popular spot for buying and selling a wide range of items, from casual tees and hoodies to dress shirts, pants, shoes, and even accessories like watches and belts. In fact, many sellers, including myself, report that men’s athletic wear and casual clothing sell extremely well, and there is a solid community of buyers specifically looking for men’s items. So, whether you’re clearing out your guy’s closet or starting a men’s fashion shop, Poshmark is a great place to sell men’s items and reach a lot of interested buyers.

Poshmark vs. Mercari

Selling on Poshmark vs. Mercari comes down to what kind of selling experience you want and what you’re selling. Poshmark is great if you’re focused mainly on fashion, especially big-name or designer brands, because it has a large, engaged community that loves trendy clothes and accessories. It’s a bit more social—you’ll spend time sharing your listings, joining Posh Parties (only if you want to — I personally don’t), and interacting with other users to boost your sales. Shipping is simple with prepaid labels, but the fees are higher (20% on sales over $15), so you’ll want to adjust your pricing accordingly.

Mercari, on the other hand, feels more like a laid-back online garage sale where you can sell almost anything—from clothes and beauty products to electronics and collectibles. That’s the part I like. It’s less about social interaction and more about quick, straightforward listings. Mercari’s fees are lower (around 10% plus a small processing fee), and it offers more flexible shipping options, which can save you money. If you want a simpler, less hands-on selling experience and have a variety of items beyond just fashion, Mercari might be a better fit.

So, if you enjoy engaging with a fashion-focused community and don’t mind putting in some extra effort to promote your items, Poshmark is a great option. However, if you prefer a quick and easy way to sell a wider range of items with lower fees, Mercari is worth considering. 

Ready to Start Selling on Poshmark?

Thanks for sticking with me through these seven quick tips to get started selling on Poshmark today! With great photos, detailed descriptions, and a little community love, you’ll be turning your closet into cash in no time. Ready to jump in? Sign up with my REFERRAL CODE and get $10 off your first purchase, and start your Poshmark journey with a little bonus. Happy selling and happy shopping!