Poshmark gives me more of a chance at sales. Just stay active!

There have been some changes lately but so far it feels like it is all good for a little seller like me. I've had sales every week and it is fairly steady.  I'm not out to make a fortune or realize a minimum income every week.  I'm just enjoying the process and keeping busy.

Now, buyers can search easier for the items they want and all items in my closet may be easier to find rather than just being shared to my followers. 

All I need to do is stay active.  So, how do I do that?

One:  I share my items at least three times a day.

Two:  I either list a new item or update listings that are over 90 days old every single day.

Three:  I still share from the two follow games I have been in for months.  It may not do anything to move items to the top of the search (I do not get all that algorithm stuff)  but it does update when I am active.

Four:  I check for likes, bundles, and comments often so I can respond in a timely fashion.

I also stay busy creating Canva ads that I can either post in my closet or post on Instagram and, hopefully, drive traffic to my closet.

For example, today I created Mystery Box ads and I will share them on Instagram with links to my closet and this blog.  Maybe someone will check it out and visit my closet and/or blog.  Then, maybe, they will sign up using my code and I will benefit from it.

Here are the ads:

My inventory is huge!  I have over 800 unsold items.  I have a ton of stuff to add so I need to thin it out a bit.  I'm hoping to make someone's day by sending them a great deal.  I will select 6 to 8 items from my closet in the sizes indicated and include a gift (probably a sample of a facial care product or a cosmetic bag).   All items will be excellent and the buyer could keep for herself/himself or use them for resell.  Maybe they will have more luck than I have.

One guarantee:  I will NOT send crappy stuff!  When I first started selling, I bought a mystery box and BOY, was I disappointed!  It was stuff I wouldn't even take to Goodwill!  From the little girl's Micky Mouse dress to the dirty t-shirt, I fussed at myself for falling for the deal.  BUT, lesson learned, I will never do the same to someone else. 

Please visit my closet soon and I hope you will find a deal you cannot refuse.

Want to join Poshmark?

It's easy.  I recommend downloading the app and it will lead you through the steps.  Be sure to use this code to receive $10 of your first purchase:

LEPROF_74

My closet: https://poshmark.com/closet/leprof_74?sort_by=added_desc&all_size=true&my_size=false 

See something you like in my closet? Comment that you read my blog and I will give you at least 25% off your item or bundle. 

What is happening on Poshmark?  What's it mean for me?

  More changes on Poshmark!  Once again, no need to panic.  

Poshmark, I believe, is trying to help everyone have a chance to get their items seen at a fair rate when those using bots are sharing vastly faster than I can.  

First, they changed the following feed with a "For you feed" that has shown it is easier for your items to be seen.  If buyers may see my items better, then bring it on!  This may open it up to more than "My Followers".

Second, starting November 3rd, the banner at the top of my closet will show items sold, last active time, and average ship time.  I really like this change because who cares about how many followers I have or how many shares I have made.  But, my buyers will be able to see that I am a fast shipper and that I am active regularly.  This, hopefully, will build trust with buyers.  They can be confident I am available to answer any questions (active) and that they will receive their purchase in a timely fashion.

Here's what Poshmark suggested to increase visibility of my closet and items.

1.  Keep titles simple.  Eliminate the "stuffing" in the title.  I have a lot of work to do on this because before it was encouraged to use as many words as possible.  But, now brand, size and condition conceivably will do the trick. 

2. Continue to write detailed descriptions and good photos. 

3. Log in regularly.  No problem for me.  I check many, many times a day.

4.  List new items.  Again, not a problem.  I have plenty to get listed and can always update items that are over 60 or 90 days old.  Plus, I need to pare down the titles.

5.  Respond quickly to shoppers and offers.  Use the tools Offer to Likers and Price Drops.

"Active, responsive closets are prioritized in Discovery" This is really good to know.  Now, my hard work in being active on the app often will be rewarded by my items getting seen or easily found.

Sharing and following count toward being active.  It's important to continue doing it but sharing others items and them sharing yours will not help promote the items but will keep you active and supporting the community. My opinion, it can't hurt!

Sharing my own has always and still is very important.  I try to share at least three times a day.  It will refresh my listings and they will show in the Just shared search.

Once again, no panic.  Adjust and accept and all will go well.

Just keep on keeping on.

I still find Poshmark to be easy to do and it provides a way for me to keep busy, feel like I am doing something useful, and provides a lot of fun for me from sourcing to sale.

Want to join Poshmark?

It's easy.  I recommend downloading the app and it will lead you through the steps.  Be sure to use this code to receive $10 of your first purchase:

LEPROF_74

My closet: https://poshmark.com/closet/leprof_74?sort_by=added_desc&all_size=true&my_size=false 

See something you like in my closet? Comment that you read my blog and I will give you at least 25% off your item or bundle. 

When something goes wrong- unexpectedly.  A Poshmark story

So, my friend who takes impeccable care of her clothing gave me two cashmere sweaters that are absolutely gorgeous.  I took pics, listed them, stored them.  I saw absolutely no issues.  They are beautiful.   

A buyer offered $50 for both and I accepted it.  Why not?  That meant $40 profit.  I get 24 and my friend 16.

All went well with shipping.  The sweaters arrived and the buyer messaged that there were moth holes in the pink one.  They are so very tiny I never saw them.  No one else would either but the buyer did.  

Another return!  I do not like when a mistake happens or when I sell something where I did not see an issue but the buyer finds it. 

I got curious and Googled "What happens if you have too many returns on Poshmark".  Apparently, not much unless they determine they are not honest mistakes and you are selling erroneously described items on purpose.  I will get an email reminding me to be careful.

I did not think I needed to look for minute holes in these gorgeous sweaters because I know my friend is very meticulous about her clothes and would not slip me something to sell that had issues. 

I did go back and look at my pictures and did see what could be holes but it could also be shadows in the pic.  The buyer marked them with post it notes and uploaded a pic.  Ok, I guess.

Nothing I can do about it now.  Just try to be fair and do it better.

Want to join Poshmark?

It's easy.  I recommend downloading the app and it will lead you through the steps.  Be sure to use this code to receive $10 of your first purchase:

LEPROF_74

My closet: https://poshmark.com/closet/leprof_74?sort_by=added_desc&all_size=true&my_size=false 

See something you like in my closet? Comment that you read my blog and I will give you at least 25% off your item or bundle. 

I do Poshmark as a hobby- not for the money!

First, I have received all my free Ground Advantage supplies from USPS!  They are even better than Priority.  Thank you Poshmark for making the change.

I do this reselling as a hobby.  I do not know how some people make 10,000 dollars a year.  I have earned over 3,000 since I started a few years ago but I have not spent more than I have earned.  So, I am in the black every year.

I like to source for items in any and all thrift shops.  I like listing those items for sale.  I love when an item sells and I love it more when someone buys a bundle.  I enjoy getting a little bit added to my bank account here and there.  It covers coffee at Dunkin' and a few lunches with friends.  It's not a second income! Certainly not my only income, thank goodness.

I spend a few hours a day usually following, sharing, listing, shopping, or doing a silent show.  I do not know how many hours these 10,000 dollar people spend in shows and doing the other stuff.  I know some have bots but I am not spending more of my profits to get one of those.

Am I content?  Yes,.  Does it provide a distraction? Yes.  Does it make me feel like I am doing something good? Definitely.  No for the money but when buyers leave a 5-star rating and a nice comment, I feel great.  In all this time, I think I have had only 3 or 4 disgruntled customers.  One was because the buyer did not read the description and said it was the wrong color.  One, I completely missed a flaw, and one where I mixed up two orders.

All in all, not bad.  All my rating are high.  I have a lot of 5 star ratings.  Thank you all who take the time to rate me.

Ans, I provide a service that helps save the environment!  Second hand is new to you clothing and that's just like new!

Want to join Poshmark?

It's easy.  I recommend downloading the app and it will lead you through the steps.  Be sure to use this code to receive $10 of your first purchase:

LEPROF_74

My closet: https://poshmark.com/closet/leprof_74?sort_by=added_desc&all_size=true&my_size=false 

See something you like in my closet? Comment that you read my blog and I will give you at least 25% off your item or bundle. 

 Staying calm worked!  Update on Poshmark shipping changes

So, the British mantra worked.  Stay calm and carry on!  That's what I did in reaction to the changes in Poshmark shipping.  I'm glad I did.

I usually avoid phone calls at all cost because I really do not like being on the phone.  Maybe its roots are in my childhood.  If a friend called me after school, my grandfather would say, "You can talk for a few minutes but not more than 5.  You see each other all day at school what do you need to say now?"  Yes, sometimes it was to gossip about so-n-so or if a boy had said anything to us but usually it was someone who wanted help with their homework.  I was that kid- the nerdy miss goody two shoes.  At least, until my later high school years.

Postage is the real topic.  As you may know, Posh changed their shipping from Priority to Ground Advantage reducing cost to $6.49.  This was great news but the uproar was that we could no longer use Priority mailers/boxes and would have to find our own.  Fortunately, Posh arranged a deal where Posh Sellers could get Ground advantage supplies for free.  All you needed to do was to call a number and give your closet info along with your name, number...so they could verify that you had a closet with Posh.  Simple right?  Nope!

I called the number and the customer service person had no clue.  At least I got through.  I read posts where many said they were on hold forever or simply could not get through.  To avoid calling, I sent an email.  I sent it three times over the course of five or six days and on the third attempt, I received a response.  My order was on the way. Finally.

I did buy some envelopes and boxes at Wal-Mart but did not overdo.  I spent less than $10.  This proved to be a good decision. I made a few sales and used a few of these supplies.  Fortunately, it carried me over until my Ground Advantage supplies arrived.  The whole process was about two weeks but all's well that ends well.  No need to panic!  Poshmark gave directions on what to do and USPS came through with the supplies, eventually.

Initially, it was a shock but staying calm and waiting for the bruhaha to settle down was the right move. 

https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=40419&picture=keep-calm-and-carry-on 

Want to join Poshmark?

It's easy.  I recommend downloading the app and it will lead you through the steps.  Be sure to use this code to receive $10 of your first purchase:

LEPROF_74

My closet: https://poshmark.com/closet/leprof_74?sort_by=added_desc&all_size=true&my_size=false 

See something you like in my closet? Comment that you read my blog and I will give you at least 25% off your item or bundle. 

 A recent mix-up - two different reactions!  

Recently, I made a big mistake and somehow mixed up two orders.  One reaction was rather unpleasant (probably my perception that hurt my feelings) and one was kind and welcomed.  No one was mean or nasty, thank goodness.  

It's just that I would like buyers to remember that some of is are just normal folks trying to enjoy a side hobby.  So, when something goes wrong, it is so nice to have an understanding person who says, "No worries" The other reaction made me feel very bad. I did not intentionally make a mistake and did not deserve a hit on my record under "item not as described".  

You see, I did describe the items well.  The best selection when this happens is received wrong item.  

It's all over now though.  The understanding buyer bought the item again and it is on the way to her along with another item included for free as an apology for my mistake.  She's happy and so am I.

I made a generous offer to the other buyer and left a note explaining it (jacket and skirt for what was originally charged for the jacket).  These items together retailed for about $100!  But, I've no response yet and others have liked the items, unfortunately at the low price originally offered for the jacket.  If they sell, they sell.

I have to give kudos to Poshmark support.  They are very helpful, non-accusatory, and generous in resolving the issues.

Thank you for checking out my blog!

Want to join Poshmark?

It's easy.  I recommend downloading the app and it will lead you through the steps.  Be sure to use this code to receive $10 of your first purchase:

LEPROF_74

My closet: https://poshmark.com/closet/leprof_74?sort_by=added_desc&all_size=true&my_size=false 

See something you like in my closet? Comment that you read my blog and I will give you at least 25% off your item or bundle. 

Stay calm and postage on!  What's the buzz about shipping and postage with Poshmark? 

I have found that when something changes and everyone is up in arms complaining that it is best to take a step back and wait and see.

Poshmark sent out a notice that they were changing the shipping from 8.27 to 6.49.  AND, that we could no longer use Priority packaging.

Posh negotiated a deal with USPS so they could lower shipping costs for our customers.  It meant giving up priority shipping and switching to Ground Advantage. 

The worst part is we can no longer use our priority packaging materials which have been totally free and would have to use our own materials.  Personally, I do not have mailers and boxes lying around and I like not having to pay for boxes and such. I sis not want more cutting into my slim profits!

Just a side note:  Priority was taking longer than 1-3 days anyway and a few times packages ended up in Puerto Rico before getting back on track.  So, what dif does it make to switch to GA?

Don't panic.  Posh also negotiated with USPS to provide Posh sellers with GA packaging materials.  

I called the number provided.  It didn't work and apparently USPS customer service knew nothing about it.

That was day one- give up and wait.

Day two- More info from Posh.  Now, there is an email or a phone number to contact to order our free supplies.  Hopefully, this will work better.

If you are selling on Poshmark, you will see a notice in the app or check the Poshmark blog and you should find all the info you need.  Apparently, when I was writing this, the Poshmark site could not be reached, guess they are experiencing a very high volume right now.

Bottom line_  Like everything else, things eventually work out.  Just give it time.

So, I'm off to do my Wednesday thing.  Salvation Army and Goodwill 1 and 2 if my energy holds up. Sadly, my arthritis is acting up today.  My medication had to be stopped because of dealing with another health issue.  I also want to go to Dollar Tree which isn't a dollar anymore.

I had hoped to work with a friend on joining Poshmark but we need the sunshine to take outside pictures and it is a gray day.  Definitely the weather contributes to my arthritis acting up.

I hope you all have a great day.  If you are a seller and cannot find what you need, just contact support.  They respond in a timely fashion and have helped me in every situation I have brought to them for help.

BTW, if you visit my closet ( My closet ), create a bundle and comment "I read your blog", I will give you a great deal on all your likes.  

Want to join Poshmark?

It's easy.  I recommend downloading the app and it will lead you through the steps.  Be sure to use this code to receive $10 of your first purchase:

LEPROF_74

My closet: https://poshmark.com/closet/leprof_74?sort_by=added_desc&all_size=true&my_size=false 

See something you like in my closet? Comment that you read my blog and I will give you at least 25% off your item or bundle.