The Complete Guide to Buying on Poshmark: Tips, Tricks, and FAQs

Are you looking to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank? Or maybe you’re hunting for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that you won’t find anywhere else? Then look no further than Poshmark, the online marketplace for buying and selling new and used clothing, shoes, accessories, and more. Poshmark is a fantastic way to score deals on designer brands, uncover hidden gems, and shop sustainably. To guide you through your Poshmark buying journey, we’ve tapped into the wisdom of 22 seasoned Poshmark sellers, gathering their best tips and tricks for finding the best deals and navigating the app like a pro.

Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started on Poshmark
  2. Navigating the Poshmark App
  3. Understanding Likes and Bundles
  4. Purchasing on Poshmark
  5. Receiving Your Order
  6. Posh Authenticate
  7. Additional Tips & Tricks
  8. FAQs

Getting Started on Poshmark

Your journey into the world of Poshmark begins with a few simple steps:

  1. Download the app and create an account:

The Poshmark app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Download it from your respective app store and sign up using your email address, Facebook account, or Apple ID.

  1. Use a referral code for a discount:

Before you make your first purchase, be sure to enter a referral code during signup. This will grant you a sweet discount – $10 off in the US and Australia, or $15 off in Canada – on your very first Poshmark purchase.

  1. Set up your profile:

To make your Poshmark experience smoother, enter your size details in the “My Size” section. This allows Poshmark to filter search results based on your preferences, ensuring you see items that are more likely to fit. You can add and edit sizes for various categories like clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Navigating the Poshmark App

The Poshmark app is user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for beginners. Here’s a breakdown of the key sections you’ll encounter:

  • Home/Feed:

    • Your personalized feed displays items and brands curated by Poshmark based on your browsing history and preferences. It’s a great place to discover new items and sellers.
    • You can find your Home tab on the bottom left corner of the app.
  • Search:

    • Use the search bar to find specific items, brands, or styles.
    • Refine your search with filters for size, price, recently shared/listed items, shipping discounts, and condition.
    • You can access the search bar from the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen.
  • Shop:

    • This section houses your liked items, favorite brands, recently viewed listings, and Posh Shows. It’s a convenient hub for managing your shopping activity.
    • The Shop tab is located on the bottom of the screen next to the Home/Feed tab.
  • Posh Parties:

    • These are themed virtual events where sellers share items relevant to the chosen theme. Poshmark leverages sales data to create these parties, indicating that the featured brands and item types are likely in high demand.
    • Pay attention to party themes and featured brands to identify trending styles and potentially score better deals.
  • Finding a Specific Seller (Posher’s Closet):

    • To shop from a particular seller, you can navigate to their Poshmark closet. This is especially beneficial for bundling items and getting shipping discounts.
    • Use the “Find People” feature within the left-most tab (the person icon) to search for a specific seller using their username.
  • News Feed:

    • This tab is your notification center, displaying updates on likes, comments, offers, purchases, and more.
  • My Profile:

    • This section allows you to manage your profile and settings. You can edit your personal information, size details, payment methods, and notification preferences.
    • The profile tab is located at the bottom right corner of the app.

Understanding Likes and Bundles

  • Liking an item:

    • Liking an item indicates your interest and saves it for later reference. It can also signal to sellers your potential interest in purchasing, leading them to send you offers.
    • Manage offers from sellers by declining, messaging them directly, or adding the item to a bundle.
  • Bundles:

    • Bundling allows you to combine multiple items from a single seller into a single purchase, often granting you a shipping discount and potentially bigger discounts on the overall bundle price.
    • To add an item to a bundle, click the bag icon with the plus symbol on the listing you’ve liked from a specific seller’s closet.
    • Be aware of bundle limitations:
      • You cannot edit a bundle with an open offer.
      • You cannot bundle items from different sellers.
      • There is a 30-item limit per bundle.
    • Sellers might add items you haven’t liked to your bundle (known as “styling”). Generally, ignore these unless you need help finding a specific item.

Purchasing on Poshmark

  • Sending and accepting offers:
    • Poshmark’s offer system allows buyers to negotiate with sellers for a lower price. Don’t hesitate to send offers, especially on bundles.
    • Consider an aggressive offer strategy, starting with 20-30% off the asking price and gradually increasing your offer over time (e.g., 30% off weekly, 50% off monthly).
    • Before sending an offer, ensure your payment information is updated to avoid any payment issues.
    • Once a seller accepts your offer, Poshmark automatically deducts any available Posh Credit from your balance and charges the remaining amount to your chosen payment method.
    • Poshmark provides a prepaid shipping label for your order – USPS Priority Mail in the US, Canada Post Expedited in Canada. Sellers are responsible for shipping costs, even when offering discounted shipping.
    • You can find shipping rates by clicking on the “Shipping” section within a listing.

Receiving Your Order

  • Shipping timelines:

    • Shipping times vary depending on the platform, your location, the seller’s processing time, and the shipping carrier’s efficiency.
    • In the US, the standard ship time is three business days, but sellers often aim for quicker delivery.
    • In Canada, shipping can take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the distance between you and the seller.
    • If you need an item shipped faster, contact the seller to inquire about expedited shipping options.
  • Order expectations:

    • Poshmark sellers are expected to describe items accurately and disclose any flaws both in photos and the description.
    • If an item arrives damaged or not as described, open a case with Poshmark for a resolution. Remember, “fit” is not a valid reason for returning an item.
    • Request measurements from the seller to ensure a proper fit, especially for clothing.
  • Accepting your order:

    • Accepting an order confirms to the seller that you have received the item as described. Leave a rating for the seller as it helps provide valuable feedback and build their reputation on the platform.

Posh Authenticate

Poshmark offers an authentication service called Posh Concierge for luxury items. Here’s how it works:

  • Eligible Items: Items priced at $500 or more and falling under certain luxury brands qualify for Posh Concierge.
  • Seller Ships to Poshmark: After a purchase is made, the seller ships the item to Poshmark for authentication.
  • Poshmark Experts Verify Authenticity: Poshmark’s team of experts examines the item to ensure its authenticity.
  • Item Shipped to Buyer: Once authenticated, Poshmark ships the item to the buyer.
  • Buyer Protection: Posh Concierge offers buyers peace of mind, guaranteeing the authenticity of high-value purchases.

Additional Tips & Tricks

  • Follow your favorite sellers: Stay updated on new listings and potential sales by following sellers whose style you admire.
  • Negotiate respectfully: When sending offers, be polite and respectful in your communication. Lowball offers are often ignored.
  • Take advantage of Closet Clear Out: During Closet Clear Out events, sellers offer shipping discounts on bundles.
  • Check for flaws: Carefully review item descriptions and photos for any mentioned flaws or signs of wear and tear.
  • Read seller reviews: Before making a purchase, take a look at the seller’s ratings and reviews to gauge their reliability.
  • Be patient: Finding the perfect item at the right price might take time. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt!
  • Have fun! Poshmark is a great platform for discovering unique pieces and expressing your personal style.

FAQs

Is Poshmark only for women’s clothing?

No, Poshmark features a wide range of categories, including men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods, and even pet supplies.

How much does Poshmark charge sellers?

Poshmark charges a commission fee on each sale. For sales under $15, the fee is a flat $2.95. For sales of $15 or more, Poshmark takes a 20% commission.

What payment methods does Poshmark accept?

Poshmark accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Affirm financing.

What if I have a problem with my order?

If you encounter an issue with your order, contact Poshmark support within 3 days of delivery. Poshmark has a buyer protection program to help resolve issues fairly.

Conclusion

Poshmark offers a fantastic opportunity to refresh your wardrobe with unique finds at great prices. By following these tips and utilizing the platform’s features, you can confidently navigate the world of Poshmark and become a savvy buyer. Happy Poshing!