Attitude Adjustment

Sometimes a little thing changes my attitude from good to bad or bad to good.

It's the last day of the month.  I was focused on end of the month review of my bills and my closet stats.  In the middle of it all, my husband (married 40 years) asks me if I want anything on the grocery list. 

How am I supposed to know on the spur of the moment when I am totally into what I was doing.  I don't know.  There's always too much food here.  He's more about having an item and two back ups and I'm happy with this is what I have now and not getting anuyhing until I absolutely need or want it.  I do not need four boxes of cereal, fifteen yogurts, and three different pastries as choices for breakfast! I do not need two heads of lettuce and so many tomatoes or cucumbers that they go bad before I can eat them in a salad.  In fact, I do not eat lunch every day so having umpteen choices is ridiculous. I won't even get into dinner!

However, this blog is about my Poshmark experience not about my marital challenges.  

As I said, I was in the middle of totalling out January.  Now, I am not one who makes a living on Poshmark but I do make enough to take a friend out for coffee or lunch. It's about how much fun I have and not about what I make.  At my age after 45 years of teaching and 40 years married, I need a distraction.  But, I also need to feel I am doing something not just for myself but for someone else.

The items I bought for January average cost per item was $2.95.  The averaage per item sold was $14.  I'm ok with that.  I received all 5 star ratings from those who rated the tiems.  No negatives.  Several positive comments.  All that makes me feel good about what I am doing.

Poshmark does give me something important.  I feel a purpose and I have hope for the future.  I do not want to sit around all day watching useless television or surfing the internet. When I was teaching, I had plenty to keep me busy.  When I took care of my grandsons, I was constantly doing something.  I miss the good parts of that once in a while until I remember how hard it was to get up at 4 am! 

Thank you, Poshmark and all Poshers who have supported my closet. You keep me busy and feeling a sense of purpose. I feel a little better now. I think I'll go do my own grocery shopping!

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

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. 

 An unexpected frustration!

The other day I read a few articles on how to share my blog with social media and hopefully attract some attention.

Instagram, no problem.  I made an Instagram just for posting things from my closet separate from my personal one.  I did not want to mix the two.  I doubt my friends and family would appreciate all my posts about items in my closet. I do not post often but when I create something on Canva, it's easy to share on Instagram.

The problem was Pinterest.  Yes, Pinterest.  The never in the news, never controversial Pinterest.

I've had a Pinterest account forever.  Before AI and all the many sites on the internet to help teachers, I used Pinterest for finding ideas for bulletin boards, saving my favorite pictures, and dreaming about living in the South of France, Provence to be exact.

One article suggested making an ad for my blog and posting it on Pinterest.  I first explored what was already on Pinterest to see what other people had done.  Then, I went to my trusty Canva site and created an ad.  

I posted it to Instagram and Pinterest.

 Later that day, I received an email that my Pinterest account had been deactivated because I had violated the Community Guidelines.  I am one who likes to do good things.  I am not a bad person and when I get called out on something, I feel awful, like a criminal.  I feel like my dog, Nipper, does when she knows she's in trouble.

I had no idea what I did and still have not received a full explanation.  I am not even sure my ad caused the issue.  All they told me was that I may have been flagged for spam and directed me to read the review on my account.

Funny thing, when your account is deactivated, you cannot get into it to read the review!  Great system!

I emailed not once, not twice, not even three times!  The fourth time was the charm in this case.  I asked every time for an explanation about what happened so I would not repeat the same thing.

They did finally reactivate my account.  I immediately went in to read the report.  All I found in the review was:

Status:  Reactivated

Reason:  Spam

That was it.  Nothing else.  No report.  No explanation.

So, I read the Community Guidelines section on Spam.  Best I can figure is that Google Blogspot is not an approved partner and since I included the link, maybe that triggered it to flag as spam.

So, now what?  If I post again, will they deactivate my account again? Since they have not explained why other than to say "spam", I am very hesitant to post any other ads about my blog.

Here's a kicker.  This post about sourcing had more traffic than any other!!!

Man, sometimes you just can't get a win!  Maybe the traffic came from Instagram!

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

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. 

 

Success at the Salvation Army vs Goodwill Disappointment

Let's start with the positive.  Saturday, I decided to go out of town to another Salvation Army.  I found a few good items including a few brand new cosmetic bags from Estee Lauder.  I can either list them or hold on to them to use as giveaways, if I ever get the nerve to do a live show.

Then, on Monday, I went to my usual Salvation Army.  What luck!  The manager decided to try to get rid of all the Zara items at $5.99 each!  Most had issues like broken zippers or missing buttons.  However, I did find three good items:  1 pair wide leg shorts; 1 faux leather 5 pocket jeans; 1 flat front flare leg faux leather pants.

 Also, on Saturday, I decided to go stay at my Mom's house.  A little alone time is nice once in a while.  There are several thrift stores near her house.  I went to the one that supports a local organization called the Curiosity Shop.  Ihey were having a 50% off sale on all clothes, shoes, and purses.  I found a Liz Claiborne purse for $4.00.  It is new with tags and in excellent shape.  

Now for the disappointment.  On Sunday, I met my sister at a Goodwill near her. Yet another town!  I look forward to going on Sunday because they are supposed to have 50% off a certain color tag.

The last few times and this one included all the certain color tags are few and far between! Apparently, what they do is remove all the outdated items of the speacial color and take them to the back to be discarded. 

What sense does that make?  Why not let it go one more day so people can take advantage of the 50% off?

None of our Goodwills within decent driving distance have bins.  The least they could do is put the outdated items in a bin for a few weeks and then discard them.

My idea- put them in bins and mark them 99 cents!  I mean really.  What do they have to lose?  I understand they need to keep new merchandise coming in and need to make room for it.  But, do they have to throw perfectly good stuff away when it could be something we could use?  I wouldn't think so.

All in all, a successful sourcing weekend.  Today, I'm taking pictures and making listings, a little at a time.

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

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. 

The sun is shining!  Madison Keys won the Australian Open.  I only missed the opening point.  It was a great match.  Very happy for her.  She has been trying for a Grand slam win since she was a teenager.  

It's Saturday.  I am going to go sourcing today and tomorrow.  Changing it up a bit and going out of town to a different Salvation Army today and a different Goodwill tomorrow.

I am also excited to get out of the house and spend the weekend at my mother's house.  My sister, retired Navy Captain, owns it and I stay there a few times a month to keep it clean and lived in.  My mom passed in 2011.  Her house has helped me so much.

One, I know she is with me still when I stay there.  Two, it has come in handy many times.  

When I retired from the classroom and was hired to lead the speacial Middle School language programs, I traveled to Middle Schools all over the state to teach or observe others teaching.  I stayed at my mom's when I taught at one of the schools. That turned out to be two to three times a week.

Next, it was awesome to have it when my son suddenly became a single dad with two small boys.  It is a very long story but the end result was he bought a home in a town only seven miles form my mom's.  I had to be close to him to help with the boys.  I lived at my mom's for the two and half years I helped with the boys. It was a blessing to have the house because I live about seventy minutes away from my son and when you have to get up at your son's by 6:15 am, living only seven miles away is so much better!

Now, I go stay there a few times a month.  It gives me a break from being "stuck at home" and my husband will finally watch what he wants on TV and get a break from tennis.  He is not the fan I am.

I'll visit with my older sister, a retired elementary teacher, and give her something to do.  I've sold some of the items she gave me for my closet.  She earned $11 recently!  Woot! Woot!

Other people, friends or family, are a great way to source for items to sell in my closet.  Our arrangement is that I receive 60% of the amount earned on each item and they get 40%.  All totalled, my sister has earned about $40. Friend A- about $75  Friend B- about $40  Friend C- about $50.  Not bad for passive income.  

Also accomplished today:  Listed 4 items; shared; followed; shared; followed........... and it is just 10am.  I guess the early bird really does get the worm, or, at least  get something done.

In good spirits today and not going to stress the small stuff!

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

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. 

Why I engage in my Poshmark app several times a day!

It is simple, really.  Algorithms.  

Poshmark’s algorithm is designed to match buyers with the items they may like.  It uses keywords to find listings that shoppers are looking for. (I do not like ending with a preposition)  It is important to be clear in your listing and use keywords which help the algorithm understand what you’re selling.

Just calling an item a cute dress does not cut it.  Make sure to include the brand, color, size and as many words as you can to describe the item. You have 80 characters available, so use them!

Which one of these descriptions will get matched to buyers better?

LC Lauren Conrad faux suede pink jacket size Medium. Long sleeve Button front 

Or,

Nice pink jacket

Fairly obvious, yes?

The algorithm also promotes active sellers.. So, share often and answer questions quickly. If you want your stuff to be seen more, try to be on the app every day. (https://selleraider.com/poshmark-algorithm/ )

This morning, I woke up in time to see American Madison Keys win the Aussie Open Semi final.  What a match!  It was over two hours. She won in the third set tie-break!

I shared all 600+ items in my closet several times while I watched the match and held my dog Nipper in my lap.  An aside- Nipper thinks she is a lap dog but she is medium sized but likes to stay closr to me especially in the morning.

I also went through all bundles and made new offers on those I could.  After a month or so, expired bundles are available again to make new offers  Don't ask why or how, I simply accept that they are. Plus, some bundles may have items that have sold since they were created.  If you remove the sld items, then you can make a new offer on the bundle.

I find it easiest to go to my closet and click the bundle icon.  Then, go through all those for sale.  It will either say "Unable to make an offer" or it allows a new offer. I do this about once a month and whatever is available, I make an offer.

Bottom line- I do not spend precious time tryng to figure out the algorithm and how to hack it, I just engage as much as possible every day by doing some or all of the following:

1. Share

2. Follow

3. List

4. Update offers

5. Run a silent show

6. Message buyers

7. Welcome new Poshers

8. Check out other Poshers' shows

9. Add to stories (I use Canva to create these)

10.  Check progress

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

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. 

Today is Wednesday, I think.  When you are on Melbourne, Australia time because you are trying to watch as much of the Aussie Open  in real time, you lose track of what day it is.

I love tennis.  I'm very excited that there is one American woman and one American man in the semis! My one and only favorite tennis player retired recently.  Rafa Nadal!  Rafa never broke a racquet! He will always be the GOAT in my eyes.

Now an update on what's happened for my closet recently.

I went to Goodwill this past Sunday.  It's 50% off on a certain color.  I found no dresses because I found out that around noon they start taking the 50% off color off the racks!  Why, I asked.  They take the oldest items to the back to discard them.

I suggested they have bins of .99 items so what they toss will instead go to good use.  Besides, it would be a good deal for me.

Anyway, I found several tops at 50% off.  Most had original tags!  I also found two joggers that were in excellent shape.  One is Under Armour and one is Calvin Klein.

I did find one top that I paid the full price of 5.99!  I could not resist.  It turned out to be a good thing. It is a J. Crew halter style lined lace top with a bow tie in back.  There's a subtle shine to the lace.  Very feminine, very beautiful.  It has the original tags but no price and has never been worn.   I had to do some research but the original price had to be at least $89!  I listed it for $39.  I may have been able to ask for more but I feel this price is fair.

This is what picks up my spirits- shopping for the real thing that turns out to be a great deal! Every aspect of Poshmark is fun for me. 

I love the "hunt" for great items.  I love doing the research on those items.  When I find out how much it is worth, I jump for joy, figuratively speaking.

I enjoy listing the item because I am full of hope that it will sell and bring joy to someone else.  

I share and follow and share and follow and then one day, it happens.  It sells and I get the e-mail that it sold.

I love packaging the item and writing a thank you card with a personal touch.

Then, I take it to the post office and I can pass by the line and leave it on the counter because it has a prepaid label!

Yes siree! I love doing this.  It's fun, it keeps me active.  It makes me feel good that people buy my items and are happy too.

It may not be a million dollar business but it is worth so much more to have something worthwhile to do when you are my age!  I taught for 45 years.  I am not one to sit around and do nothing! Posh gives me purpose!

It is gray and cold!  It makes me feel very lazy!

I have taken a few steps toward doing a Live show.  Yesterday, I numbered every item in my closet and have number cards to put on the items when I use them in a live show.

I rearranged the racks and made more room so I can set up better when I do go live. Of course, all the lifting and moving had an impact on my ankle which hurt the rest of the night.

Watching other peoples' Live shows has helped some.  Not everyone has a big room with perfect lighting, three devices, complete organization, and an assistant though.

Now, it's raining.  Normally, I would go to  Salvation Army and see if they have reinstated the 99 cent colors!  But, I do not have the gumption to get up and go.

Instead, I did a silent show that resulted in no sales but I did get a nice offer from another Posher to share host so I could dip my toe in the Live show realm without having to dive in on my own. I might do that.

I'll list a few items today.  Listing on Wednesdays and Saturdays may result in winning a bit of cash or Posh credit!  What the heck, right?

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

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. 

Poshmark has given me something to do and fill my time, especially after not only losing my job in Decemeber 2024 (downsizing)  but also after totally wrecking my ankle and having to be a couch sitter for 3 months!

It started as a hobby but now the extra income is helpful.

I could read- but I don't particularly like to.  

I could get another job but I cannot stand on my ankle for very long.  I do not want to go through the hassle of getting recertified as a teacher. Plus, it would cost more to take 90 credit hours to fulfill requirements than another job could repay in a decent amount of time.

Yes, I know, I could volunteer.  That's a good possibility.  I was thinking of the ASPCA.

With Poshmark, I get a very good feeling that I am helping others by providing good items that make them happy.  

It also helps my friends who give me items to sell for them.  They appreciate the extra bit of money.

One big thing it does is to help my older sister.  She loves helping others.  She has some health concerns and I take her thrifting which takes her mind off things.  She enjoys finding things for my closet.  

So, Poshmark gives me hope and purpose.  Hope - that the future will be active and beneficial.  Purpose - that I am helping others.

So, I chickened out on doing a Live show.  I will get there, eventually.

Here are three little things I have discovered that I have not seen anywhere.

1.  If you edit a listing, check that you've included the discounted shipping.  It often disappears when any change is made to the listing.

2.  Sharing items from your closet?  If you are sharing all items, the app will only select the first 40 items. Select all then scroll to the last item you want to share so it includes more than the first 40.

I often filter and share by categories so I can arrange the items in my closet the way I prefer.

3.  Type your own style tags.  It does not have to come from the list.

Now, three questions I have.

1.  What is the advantage of a tag list and how do you do one?  Is it worth the time?

2.  When you do a silent or live show, it is recommended that you mark all items in your show "Not for Sale".  This has to be done one at a time and takes what seems like forever.  Is it absolutely necessary?  Why can't the items in a show automatically be marked as "in a show" or something.  It would be easier for the seller.

3.  One of the reasons I hesitate to do a live show is because I do not know if I can multitask between the phone and laptop.  Why can't we control the show from the laptop so the phone can be used just as a camera?

I've noticed that some sellers have 2 phones and a laptop or a phone, laptop, and tablet.  Does it need to be that complicated?

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

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 had it set up but throughout the process of selecting, numbering, and prepping, I became so nervous that I could not follow through.

 So, I went to Salvation Army instead.  Only found three items.

I was most afraid of not being able to see comments on my laptop and respond to participants. Plus, the multi-tasking is a bit of a challenge too.  Yet, I did plenty of that as a classroom teacher.

My sister told me to pretend I was in front of my classes.  If I did that, I'd do the whole thing in French.

Tomorrow is another day.  

 Ok, I am going to give it a go! 

I am going to try a live show.  I'm so scared because of all my insecurities with my appearance, age, and lack of tech savvy.

However, nothing ventured; nothing gained.

I have numbered every item in my closet because I read that it helps so buyers can ask to see a certain item and you can find that item faster.

I selected about 40 items that show the diversity of my closet in sizes, styles, and purpose.

Next, I will need to find these items, attach the numbers, and get them organized.

I have to test my set up.  I do not have the ideal space or lighting but I am going to do the best I can with what I have.  I'll have my phone in my ring light, one of the extras I felt would help.  My laptop will be on the seat next to me. 

I am still a little clueless on how in the world you can pay attention to the phone, the laptop, and take notes all at the same time but I guess it will become clear as it is happening.

I plan to beg for patience!!!!! A lot of patience.

From watching other people, I see it is helpful to show and talk about the item like the story behind it, measurements, what I like abut it.....then put it up for auction.

I am NOT going to give my stuff away.  I'll start the auction lower than my list price but not so low I do not make any money.

One more thing, I have to mark all the items I plan to show in my closet as "Not for Sale" so no one buys it while it is in the show.  I wish Poshmark would find a way for this to be done automatically because it takes time to set them before and undo it after.

Maybe I'll watch one more video before I get going!  

I'm so afraid. My online job required a video as part of the interview process.  I was scared they'd take one look at me and say "forget her".  We also had to attend zoom meeting and conferences but I managed to get away with keeping my camera off.

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

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. 

It's been a few busy days.  It's amazing how much time I can spend working on my closet.  Lately, I've been numbering and recording the items in my inventory or running a silent show.

I hope to get up the nerve to run a live show but being on camera is very intimidating. Yet, I've watched a few shows and YouTubers explain but they seem to have no worries about being on camera.

As I update my inventory and prepare myself to do a live show, I think more and more about the To Measure or Not to Measure debate.

I have over 600 items in my closet.  Redoing all those items and adding pix with measurements to each one would take a lot of time.  

At the moment, I have no items to list so I could do 5 items a day which would keep my closet fresh and "new" which may contribute to it being seen by potential buyers.

The question is, will it make a difference?  Will I sell more?  I really want to make more sales.  I miss the online job I had.  It was awesome. 

What did I do you ask?  I was an online French teacher and Academic Integrity Coach for a prominent online Education company.  When Chatgpt and AI burst on the scene, it became very difficult to prove cheating.  So, my Academic Integrity coach job was eliminated.  I could have stayed on as a part time French teacher but if enrollment went down, I may have been "let go"!

So, I just said, retirement it is then.  

Poshmark gives me plenty to do and I hope it gives me a good extra income.  

I suppose Live shows would help and adding measurements may also.  I guess I'll do it!

Major accomplishment today and a first step toward actually doing a Live show.

I rearranged some items in my Posh room (formerly my son's bedroom) and decided on a way I may be able to do a live show even in the tiny space I have available to me.  Not so great lighting either but hey, I am doing the best I can with what I have  and having fun in the process.

Next, I continued to update my listings by making sure they are numbered (also in case I do a live show) and include as much info as I can to help buyers know what they are getting.

One controversy I have not yet resolved is To Measure or Not to Measure. That's a discussion for another day.

So, resolving the issue, rearranging my room, and updating listings filled my day.  Another day of what would have been boring retirement has been filled with purpose and accomplishment thanks to Poshmark.

 Today started with a bit of an issue but now I know what to do.

An offer on an item had expired and the buyer asked me to resend it.  Well, that is not something you can do, apparently.  

First, I asked Google and found a Reddit answer.  The suggestion was to edit the original listing's size, list, and then edit it back.  Then, offer it in a bundle. 

Didn't work.

Next, I made a copy of the original and tried adding it to her bundle.

Didn't work.

Finally, I asked the buyer to like the Copy and I'd send her an offer she could accept.

That worked.

Any editing ends the active offers and that is probably what messed everything up.

I'm just glad it worked.  The buyer was very patient and understanding.

Lesson learned!  If an offer has expired and the buyer wants another offer, any editing you do will end all active offers.  Making a copy of the original, deleting the original, and asking the buyer to like the copy may be the only way to resolve it.

I did contact support to ask what to do on the future.  I'm looking forward to seeing what they say.

 The snow is on its way!

I had plans today to take pictures of many items and adding those listings to my closet. Then, I was going to see if it is feasible for me to do a live show.

Things did not go as planned.

Instead, I woke up around 3am.  I had left the TV on the Tennis Channel so, of course, I became interested in the matches.  My husband and Nipper get up around 4 or 4:30 so there was no going back to sleep then.

I just did not have the energy to follow through on taking pictures.  In fact, I kept falling asleep for a few minutes on and off until noon!

All I have accomplished today is to update about 50 listings and take Nipper outside several times.

Oh well, it's Sunday after all.  It's ok to rest.

I'll not be going anywhere for a few days- a snow storm is arriving tonight and more later this week.

When I was teaching, I loved snow days!  Unexpected days off!  Now, in retirement, one day is just like any other.  I have nowhere I need to go.

So, I'll work on my closet tomorrow while I admire the blanket of snow on our lawn. 

Tips:  Or, what I've learned throgh trial and error Part 2

Tip 5:  USPS is my best co-worker, other than my husband and my dog Nipper!

The Post Office has every size box or envelope imaginable FOR FREE!  Yes, you can order from USPS or pick them up in your local Post Office. I use only Priority mail boxes or envelopes.  

Also, you do not have to wait in line with a gazillion other peoplw to mail your sales. I usually go inside the Post Office and put the packages in the drop box.  Or, I place them on the counter the cashiers have designated as a drop off. I have had a few people look at me like "What makes her so special?" but then they realize my package already has a label.

You can also arrange for package pick up through the USPS website if you prefer.

Poshmark makes it so easy to prep your package for mailing.  If it weighs more than 5lbs, you need a different label.  I've never had to do this but Poshmark provides directions if you ever need them.

Tip 6:  Package the sale nicely but no need to go overboard.  I wrap the item in tissue paper and include a nice thank you card that I try to personalize.  Occasionally, I will add a little surprise.  If I sell a purse or wallet, I'll add a penny for good luck.  Recently, I sold a tea light holder so I included a couple of tea lights.  Once, I knew I had screwed something up so I added some costume jewelry as a way to say, "I'm sorry." 

Tip 7:  Always have what you need to package an item on hand.  I keep everything on or under my desk.  All USPS mailers, packing and regular tape, lots of tissue paper, bubble wrap, any saved stuff from packages we have received like heavy duty paper, filler, etc., scissors, pens, and thank you cards.

Where to get the best deal on these items?

I have found Dollar Tree and Amazon to have the best prices.  It is also great that my husband has bought supplies for me.  It's a long story but he handled mailing items for me while I was taking care of my grandsons.  Since my Dollar Tree tissue paper and tape did not seem adequate to him, he bought tons of tissue paper, tape, and some bubble wrap from Amazon.  Thank you dear husband!  

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

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. 

Tips or  "What I've Learned Through Trial and Error"!  Part 1

There truly is plenty of trial and error but whenever a mistake is made, no biggie.  Just don't sweat the small stuff- it's all small stuff.

Tip 1-  Spend some time watching YouTube videos where Poshers explain "How to's"  and share their finds from rummaging the bins at Goodwill or even big pallets.

You may need to do some searching before you find someone you like and who is reliable. 

You can tell who is serious about sharing what they know and others who are not.  I did not need to buy anything from any of these YouTubers to start my closet nor have I to this day.  Just watch and learn.  Yes, I'm that nerdy person who took notes!

Tip 2-  You do not need all the fancy smanchy equipment to have a Poshmark closet. At least, not right away.   So, when you see other Poshers with all these fantastic gadgets, remember that you want to make a little money first not invest more than you make in fancy equipment.  Yes, I may be jealous slightly of those with a big room devoted solely to their inventory and housing a photo room, lights, mannequins, racks for shows and on and on.  But, I can maintain a decent closet without huge expense or space. I mean, I do have two racks, a gazillion hangers, and no closet space left. But, none of this cost me more than I had made.

However, do take your pictures in a well lit area.

Extra hint:  remove any lampshades.  They tend to "yellow" the light some and that is reflected in the picture.

Tip 3:   Photoroom is an extremely helpful app.  Download the app and use on your phone.  Start from a pix of the item you want to list and presto the app removes everything around your item. It has Marketplace oprtions.  I almost always use the Poshmark one. Export it from the app to Gallery on your phone and you have your cover photo for your listing.

Guess what? You now have a pix that is very nearly the same as if you took the pic in a photo box.

Tip 4:  Canva is a FANTASTIC site!  I do pay the 12.95 a month for this because I use it for much more than my closet.  I am a retired teacher so I used it for presentations, projects, creating bulletin boards....  I also use it for digital greeting cards, Instagram pics and stories, and, my favorite, creating digital "books" and projects with my grandsons.

You do not need to pay the subscription.  There's plenty you can do with the free version.

You will see in a person's closet where people have added a listing that is not for sale but provides information for the shopper.  For example, I have a listing welcomng you to my closet.  I have one that explains my offer on a bundle. I made all of these using Canva.   Also, in the closet, you can create a story just the same as in Instagram.  These are easily added by clicking the + sign on your profile pic.  Upload your item and then you can add text and up to five of your items.  They can also be used as the cover pick for your Posh Show if you choose to do one.

So, Canva is great for creating ads and stories for your closet.  It is awesome for creating original or using ready-made cards, invitations, flyers, presentations.... Well, you get the idea.

I recommend exploring Canva and you will see how easy it is to create your own content.  

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 off your first purchase:

LEPROF_74

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. 

 Sourcing Part 2!

The second way I get items for my closet is the kindness of my friends.  It's a good arrangement.  They find items they no longer want and I list them in my closet!  We agreed that I receive 60% of the net earnings and they receive 40%.

I keep a record of what sells from their items and calculate their earnings.  When it gets up to $20 or more, I give it to them.  

It's so much fun to know I have money for them and they are not expecting anything.  We usually meet for dinner once a month and that's when I surprise them with their earnings.

It's a win-win.  They get a little bit of money and I add items to my closet that cost me absolutely nothing! 

I could go on forever about how fun it is to sell on Poshmark and all the ins and outs.  I have to be patient and show some restraint so I will have something to add tomorrow or the day after.

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

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. 

 My favorite part of Poshmark- everything.

One very important thing is to have a good inventory.  But, once you've exhausted all your items you no longer want, what to do?

Sourcing!  I truly love going to thrift stores and finding treasures to sell in my closet.

In my area, there are two Goodwills and a Salvation Army.  Recently, I discovered a thrift store whose proceeds all go to the ASPCA in my town.  I love that.  Not only am I finding items for my closet but I am helping those animals hoping for a new home. (It's a no kill shelter)

Sometimes, I travel to nearby towns so I can see "new" stuff.  There are three Goodwills in nearby towns and another Salvation Army.

It is simple really if you are willing to be patient and root through the racks.  

I look for brand names or items that are New With Tags.  That is a thrill!  I have found items with tags that show the original price as high as $225!

Our Goodwill has 30% off on Wednesdays for Seniors and Military and 50% off a certain color tag on Sundays.  Salvation Army has two or three different color tags each week that are 50% off.  They used to have one color tag is .99.  So sad they stopped that.  

It takes some restraint sometimes but I try to spend $5 or less on any one item.  After all, the goal is to make some money!  Occasionally, I find that one item I just cannot resist and I go for it even if it is not discounted.

 How Poshmark keeps me busy! Daily basis:

I absolutely enjoy every aspect of "doing" Poshmark.

I do not have all the fancy equipment nor the space in my house to set it all up.  However, I manage to sell a few things every week and have more fun than a little bit!

The initial set up was so easy.  Just follow the directions and all you need is your Smartphone.  If you check out my closet, (https://poshmark.com/closet/leprof_74)

you will see the evolution from my humble beginnings to much better listings now.  I relied on several Poshers' YouTube videos on how to do whatever before I dove in and set up my account. That helped tremendously.

What I do on a daily basis:

First thing I do is look to see if anything sold while I was sleeping! It's always fun to see the email notification saying "Congratulations. So-n-so purchased....."

I share my closet items three times a day, at least.  I share other people's items too because they in turn will share mine, I hope. 

I am in two groups where the hostess chooses a few closets to feature on a daily basis.  I share several items from each of those featured closets and follow any of their followers.  Sometimes, I am featured and all those in the group share 10-15 items from my closet.

Sharing and following are the two best things to do everyday.  The more you share of others' the more of yours get shared.  The more you follow, the more will follow you. Since it is on your phone, you can share and follow anywhere!  Do it while:

waiting for an appointment

waiting for your friend to show up for lunch.  

watching TV

riding (not driving) on a trip

listening to music

pretending to be engaged in a meeting

or, while your significant other is going on and on and you're not really listening! 

Sharing your closet and sharing and following others helps to keep your closet fresh and seen.

Next, I check to see if anyone has liked any item in my closet.  If so, I send an offer on that item.  If they have created a bundle, same thing, I send an offer. 

Finally, on a daily basis, I either add a few listings or take an existing listing and create a new one of the same item.  That sounds a bit confusing.  It really isn't.  

Adding listings keeps your closet fresh and tops in the algorithm.  If you don't have new items to add, you can take an existing listing, make a copy, delete the original, and list the copy.  Just make sure it is not already in an active offer to a potential buyer.

I can honestly say that when I add new items or create a new one from a copy, I get more likes or even offers on my closet listings.

How much time does this take?  No more than washing the dishes or doing a few loads of laundry! 

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

 Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a nice, relaxing holiday season.  Personally, I am extremely glad it is all over.  In the past, there was so much pressure- buy for the kids on behalf of both my mother and my mother-in-law.  Each wanted their present to be the best! Ugh, poor Santa had a tough time coming out on top!

These days, it is the complete opposite of all that chaos and pressure. It's just plain boring.  As a retiree and a recuperating broken ankle victim, I've very little to do.  Fortunately, physical therapy has given me my freedom to drive and walk but I still get tired very easily.

So, that is the main reason Poshmark has become so important to me.  It's not the income.  That's just a by-product of it all.  Poshmark gives me something to do.  Keeps me active and makes me feel like I am helping others too.  I love it when a shopper is happy with the item they bought from my closet.

My next post, I'll share what I do to maintain my closet and fill in my time with purpose.