10 Top Tips for Poshmark Success!

As mentioned in my saving money article, my favorite side hustle is Poshmark.  Poshmark began around five years ago as an app only used clothing platform.  Since then it has grown to include a website and new features daily.  My best friend constantly mentioned the ease of listing and selling.  I took the plunge in the Fall of 2015 and listed my first ten items.  Since then I have made over $800 dollars on the side with very little effort.

Besides the extra cash, I find it satisfying to give old clothes new life.  Americans waste over 15 million tons of textiles each year according to The Balance.  By reselling and shopping thrift I am at least slowing the process however  slightly.  When I find a nice item while thrifting that is not my size I will sometimes place it on Poshmark in order to see it go to someone with a similar style to me.   It is also nice to see quality thrift pieces go to a happy home.

I also sell things that no longer fit or interest me.  Flipped thrift finds also make their way to my shop.  My highest profit margin was over fifty dollars for one item!  The biggest downside of Poshmark is their take on items is high. Usually three dollars and more depending on the items selling price.  However, I decided the time price ratio over the years has been well worth it.  Below, are my top 10 tips for success on Poshmark.   Please feel free to sign up using my referral code MANDYLHORNSBY, and get to poshing!

 

1. Pictures are key.

Post clear pictures in good light that show different views of the item.  I will post a front, back, tag, and detailed picture.  If the item has an imperfection photo that as well.  You are allowed 8 pictures per post so use them!  I think a simple background with the item on the hanger works.  Some poshers style their items with accessories or use a fancy backdrop which can be cute or busy depending on preferance.  I personally am not a fan of items laying flat.  Using a hanger allows the person to view it as if they are in a shop.  You are also welcome to model the item as well!  (Some buyers will request this or a specific type of picture.)  Below are some examples of past sold listings.

Example of a clear and simple listing picture.

2.  Titles and descriptions galore.

Make use of your adjectives in both titles and item descriptions.  Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is the brand, size, and color of the item?
  • What is the material?  Any special measurements?
  • Are there any rips, tears, stains, etc.?
  • What makes the item unique?
  • Where and when can you wear the item?

Be as thorough as space allows in the description.

Detailed photograph of the patter and fabric.

 

3. Share your items multiple times a day.

When you “share” your items they are refreshed in the search by going to the top.  Unlike other sites, this is free and can be done an unlimited amount of times.  I make a point to share my items several times a day usually morning, lunch, and evening.  It is great to do it on weekends as well.  However, just doing this  a few times a week is effective as well.  I went through a sales slump after my first Christmas season, and realized that was my problem after speaking with a friend.  My items were sitting at the bottom of the search results.   It is an easy fix, and only takes a few seconds.

Show off the whole item in your listing.

4.  Participate in the community.

This is something else I did not do when I first began.  I would ignore my feed when other poshers followed me and shared my items.  What a mistake!  I now follow back all who follow me and share their items.  If someone I do not follow shares my item, I follow them and share their listings as well.  The more your items are shared the more they are seen, and have a chance to be purchased.  The posh parties that happen three or more times a day are also great opportunities.  Every time I share relevant items in a party it is shared and liked multiple times.  Take time to admire and comment on other shops.  It is usually much appreciated.  So get going, and make new friends!

Flat photos are not the best for selling.

5.  be willing to negotiate.

The “make offer” feature is the most annoying and useful seller tool on the site.  The offers can be ridiculously low!  However, nearly eighty percent of my sales are through an offer.  Clothes once purchased are like cars.  Their value plummets even if the tags are attached and they are not worn.  So be open minded, and counter any insulting offers with something more reasonable.  Try to keep in mind the cut that Poshmark takes and how much the buyer has to pay in shipping costs.

Don’t forget to photograph the back of items as well!

6.  follow trends.

I often try things both successfully and unsuccessfully to sell.  Even though I think it is unique or I would wear it does not mean I can sell it.  Keep track of items that have sold recently by limiting your search.  For example: last year LuLuRoe was selling like crazy, and now it has slowed considerably.  Vera Bradley used to be popular, and now I have to basically give it away.  Surprisingly kitschy items like a My Little Pony tshirt and Invader Zim blanket have sold well.  You can also take the approach of curating a closet to a specific theme like color, brand, or style to attract a certain type of customer.

Follow trends in styles and brands.

7.  Keep your active listings SEPARATE from your sold.

Another genius idea from my posher guru.  As items sell in your shop, share the ones below that have not sold. This way all your sold items are not mixed in with the items still available.  Customers can view all by scrolling your available listings without items getting lost.  Buyers can also bundle more than one item together to buy at one times.  You want to maximize these opportunities!

8.  use the free seller tools.

Going to be out of town?  No problem! You can put your shop on hold to where it can be viewed, but nothing purchased while you are away.  You also have a stats page that keeps a running tally of items sold, ratings, and shares.  Bundle discounts can be made for customers that purchase more than one item from your shop.  These features are all complementary with the site.

9.  Drop the price like it’s hot.

When you drop the price an item it is placed on sale on Poshmark.  They will  offer reduced or free shipping to the poshers who have liked the item.  I will wait until an item has multiple likes, usually over ten, to drop the price.  Doing this on Fridays and Saturdays after most people are paid can increase sales.  Reducing the price if no one likes the item can also assist in generating interest.

10.  Package your items cute and cheap!

All buyers expect a nice package that is shipped within three days.   Keep packs of  thank you cards from the Dollar Tree and Michaels to write a nice and personalized card to the buyer. For color, I will stuff my box with cute tissue paper for shipping.  I have always received good reviews for this, and it takes little money.  Some will wrap items like a gift or tie them with ribbon. That is fine as well!  You can get the boxes used for shipping for free from your local post office or order them online.  You need the Priority Boxes.  (NOT the flat rate ones that look exactly the same.)  I even schedule the postman to pick up my item the day after it sells from my porch after packaging and adhering the shipping label they e-mail.  There is no need to spend time or gas to go to the post office.

Closet Items


 

 

Do you use Poshmark?  What is is your shop’s name, and top posher tip? 

**Special thanks to @muddymermaid for all her awesome tips for Poshmark that has made mine so successful!**

Disclosure:  Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission is you click through and make a purchase.

Fun Finds: Unique Christmas Mugs

I always  keep a look out for interesting mugs.  The more random the better.  It is a bonus if the mug is Christmas themed!  Throughout the holiday season, I indulge on hot drinks.  Cider, chai, tea, hot chocolate, egg nog, and flavored coffees I love them all!  I cherish the few cold nights we have in South Mississippi.  You can see the extent of my love on my December Daily Instagram feed.

This fun finds is a gallery of Etsy Christmas mugs that I admire, and would love to have on my coffee table this holiday season!

This stackable tupperware set could last for many Christmas parties to come!

This stackable tupperware set could last for many Christmas parties to come!

All is merry and bright with these mugs!

All is merry and bright with these mugs!

Saw a mug like this at a Thrift Store in Ohio, and was immediately curious. These work for New Years and Christmas.

Saw a mug like this at a Thrift Store in Ohio, and was immediately curious. These work for New Years and Christmas.

Milk glass is so classically vintage, and so are the Christmas trees.

Milk glass is so classically vintage, and so are the Christmas trees.

Cannot go wrong with a vintage cup of egg nog.

Cannot go wrong with a vintage cup of egg nog.

These classy holly mugs would look great next to the coffee maker on Christmas morning.

These classy holly mugs would look great next to the coffee maker on Christmas morning.

This holly set is made by a brand called Termocrisa that is as durable as pyrex.

This holly set is made by a brand called Termocrisa that is as durable as pyrex.

It is not the holiday's in the Hornsby house without a santa mug!

It is not the holiday’s in the Hornsby house without a santa mug!

Another great santa mug with character and charm.

Another great santa mug with character and charm.

Thank you to my new friends on Etsy for allowing me to feature your shops this week!

Fun Finds: Ceramic Christmas Trees

Last week, my grandmother gave me one of her many vintage ceramic Christmas trees.  It is photographed in my last post and is so cute on our buffet.  These trees are such great nostalgic reminders of the past.  When I started looking at them awhile back on Etsy, I realized they come in any style imaginable. Here are a few of my favorites from my new friends on Etsy just click the picture to get a closer look!

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Who does not love a classic flocked tree?

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Red and Green perfect for the holidays

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This one makes me think of all the trees on a Charlie Brown Christmas

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I chose this one because it reminded me most of my own ceramic tree

What a sweet white tree with a variety of lights.

What a sweet white tree with a variety of lights.

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I know this tree is not technology ceramic, but it is vintage adorable!

Thank you to the following shops for allowing me to feature their products in this post:  CindysCozyClutter, beadsbymavis, DeliciousCastle,  MyBarn, PherdsHolidayFinds, and RedsRustyRelics.

Fun Finds: Dollar Thrift Store Haul

Today I ran some errands around D’Iberville since it is a holiday.  I was excited to discover that the Goodwill had a book sale going on today.  The deal was ten books for a dollar!   My book buying problem has begun to reach legendary proportions over the past year.  I just cannot say no to ten cent books….

Also my Etsy shop is exclusively vintage books as of the moment.  Therefore, I am always on the hunt for new inventory.  A figured I would take a few moments to showcase today’s deals.
I got the following three books for my own personal enjoyment.  Visiting Verona in northern Italy is on my bucket list, and I could not pass up the compilation to the movie Letter’s to Juliet about the legendary balcony from Shakespeare’s play.  I also got a creative writing guide book that I hope will give me some good advice and prompts.  Laura Conrad’s book Style has been suggested on several beauty channels on Youtube.  This copy is in excellent condition and would make a great coffee table book.  
These three volumes are for my shop and donation.  The Descents of Thomas and Samantha will be given a new home with my friends at Biloxi’s Local History and Genealogy Library off of Howard Avenue.  Anytime I find items they can use for their genealogy and Mississippi collection I pick it up to do my part.  The facility only becomes better with community support. 
I was thrilled to find this 1940s edition of Ulysses by James Joyce.  I noticed this on the counter next to the register, and started flipping through it in excitement.  It will be at home with my vintage copies of Faulkner, Fitzgerald, and others in my craft room.  
This is a compilation of German Short Stories published in 1931, and are in the German language.  This looks like just the book for my friend Melissa at Double-Stacked Bookshelves

Follow more of my thrift hauls on my Instagram.  

Fun Finds in May

       I am baffled that it is already June!  Where did our spring go?  The weather has begun to heat up, and it has rained every day for the past four days on the Gulf Coast.  Early in May, my best friend graduated from USM with her masters.  Since she shares my love for vintage goodies, I decided the best place to find a graduation gift was the Centuries Antique Mall in D’Iberville.  Even though it is huge on Automall Parkway.  I always forget to check it out!

      So after work I cruised down there, and was not disappointed!  I was able to find a cute clutch and necklace for my friends as well as some great finds.

Fun Finds ~ Southern Cooking by Mrs. S. R. Dull

I found this great vintage cookbook at the Goodwill in North Gulfport today.  This is the 1968 edition, but the original was published in 1941.  The author Mrs. S. R. Dull is a legendary culinary expert from Georgia.  Southern Cooking is my type of cookbook because over half of it’s contents are desserts!  It even subdivides cakes from the rest of the dessert section.  

Here are some of the recipes I would like to try: 
  • Miss Cora’s Spanish Gumbo
  • South Georgia Ice Box Rolls
  • Boston Pumpkin Pie
  • Snow Balls (Merengue Dessert)

Fun Finds: Gulfport

I found some great items at the Goodwill in Orange Grove yesterday afternoon.  Here is a quick snapshot of the fun things available.  I did make off with this awesome silver plated coffee pots!  
Samsonite Silhouette Carry On 
Vintage Anchor Tea Cups
(I wanted the whole set!) 
Great if you had the punch bowl pattern!
Silver Platted Coffee Pots
With a pineapple on the lid.  

Fun Finds Christmas Edition!


My husband surprised me this Christmas with a childhood classic.  When I was a little girl, I was delighted to find and read a book titled with my first name.  It is an extra bonus that it is written by Julie Andrews herself.  It is a 1971 first edition with a dust jacket in great condition.  

The book is about a young orphan girl who sneaks into the woods by the orphanage to play house in an abandoned cottage.  It is a sweet tale, and I am excited to have my own copy! 

Fun Finds~Smokey Mountain Tennessee

Snowy morning the day we left.  
My friends and I took a long weekend to Tennessee to visit the Smokey Mountains.  We camped for two nights, but came down from the mountain so we would not get stuck in the park.  On our way home, we stopped at some antique stores in Severville along the highway.  We found some sweet looking items.  So here is a peek…
Sweet star coffee pot by pyrex.  

Old Fashion Coffee Grinder

Great collection of Brooches and Pins 

Old fashioned metal Coke Cooler

1970s Owl Figurines

Great set of colorful mugs