OH, la Chaleur !

When I was in Grad school, my prof could not stand the heat.  She would constantly fan herself and exclaim Oh la chaleur, oh the heat!

It was really hot but not as oppressive as the last few days here. Thankfully,  we had a storm and it is much better now 

I've had a few successes lately  I just sold a pair of leggings for $31 that I bought for $2

I found a Chadwicks leather skirt for $4.  

Overall, it's been light. And that's ok.

My August special will be buy one get 2 at half price and 30% off any single purchase.

All reviews have been good. 

I have a health issue that is occupying most of my time but my closet provides a welcome distraction. 

Come join the fun!

Tennis first and Posh second!

I've been totally engaged in watching Tennis.  Indian Wells is a great tournament.  Best match so far- too many to count.  American players are doing fantastic. 

Then, another uncontrollable setback.  I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and sometimes, for whatever reason, my hands hurt and I have limited movement.  So, limited typing, following, sharing.....

I did what I could and have managed to add a few new items.  I REALLY need to clear out some items.  I need to make room so I can go shopping some more.  That's my favorite part.  The adventure of looking through the thrift stores to find a New with Tag item or the perfect brand!

Today, my hands returned to practically normal.  And, the sun was shining.  I decided to take a drive and sit by the lake and read.  I think I could literally see the buds in the trees emerge!  The birds chirping.  Fresh air!  I love signs of spring.

I also made a listing on Canva to promote a sale. I REALLY need to make more room!  We are empty nesters.  My son's bedroom is now my Posh closet. Between the clothes and the picture-taking equipment, there's not much space.

Come check out my closet.  Let me know you read my blog (make a bundle and add a comment) and I will happily make you a great offer.

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. 

 All of a sudden.....sales

There seems to be no rhyme or reason to when I make sales.  I do know that sharing, following, and listing helps.  

It is so weird.  No sales for a few days and just when I go to spend a night at my vacay home (my mom's house), there are sales!

Fortunately, my husband is a big help.  I send him the email and he gets the item packaged including writing the card and taking it to the post office.

When I was taking care of my grandsons and living near them, my husband did all the packaging and getting it posted.  In fact, he wanted all the best materials so he bought a lot of tissue paper, tape, and every box or envelope possible from USPS.  I've not had to get anything at Dollar Tree for a long while.

My son surprised me for my birthday by sending me another ring light, a tripod for my phone and a bunch of storage things so I can get organized, protect my inventory, and do a live show.

I am still scared but silent shows just are not cutting it.  I did a giveaway at a silent show and I had to pay the shipping and didn't make one sale.  And, I need to make some money here.  I cannot give this stuff away and pay for others to take them!

So, I will have to just get over my fear and JUST DO IT!

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. 

 Meh!

Did you see the Emoji movie?  I am Mom Meh and have been for a few days.  I can't shake the Meh feeling.  I need to make some sales.  That will make me feel better/

I often make the mistake to listen to or read some news.  I have to stop.  It's too depressing and scary.  I fear people are going to continue to make ridiculous decisions because they are afraid of losing power. They will cower to bullies because they do not want to lose a position that is supposed to be where they help people but that they use for themselves. It boggles my mind the avarice some people have.  Aren't they rich enough? But that is a whole other issue, Just Live and Let Live!

When I concentrate on what I can control, I am much better.  All I can do is take action on what I can do.  My Posh closet gives me the distractions I need so I do not focus on what might be but on what is.

Wednesday is a listing day.  I have pictures to take and listings to add and that is what I will concentrate on doing today. Perhaps I will do a silent show later too.

Hopefully, working on my closet will change 😐 to a 😎.

Of course, an unexpected income would also accomplish that same thing! 💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

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. 

A blemish on my otherwise good record!

And it was totally my fault!

I admit I am not perfect.  My eyesight is far from perfect.   I cannot always see or catch every issue.

I missed a big one this time.

When I listed a Zara item recently, I saw zero flaws.  I check everyhing at least twice in the store, when I take pictures, and before I package it. I never saw anything.

The buyer opened a case saying they found a flaw and included a picture.  Of course, I approved a return and Poshmark did as well.  I messaged the buyer to apologize and assure the person that I was very sorry and had not seen the flaw.  I was mortified that I had made this horrible mistake.

I would not feel so bad if the buyer had understood it was an honest mistake and had realized from my stats that I would never list something without an explanation of a flaw if there was one.  Maybe the buyer did not mean to word her comments implying I had done this on purpose but that's how it felt.  

I put a lot into this to feel good about providing good items to people with fast shipping, a nice card and careful packaging. This is a bummer.

I cannot make it up to the buyer especially if she feels I knowingly sold her the item with an obvious flaw.

Since I started Poshmark a few years ago, I think there have been 3 or 4 cases opened.  One, the buyer did not read the description and said I did not give the color of the item.  Second, I sent the worng item and we worked that out. Third,  there was an odd color pant and I described it as best I could.  The buyer said it was not the color she had hoped for and returned the pant.  Fourth, this one.

When I receive the return, I will write the buyer a letter. It's about all I can do to try to convince her I did not do this on purpose.

Today is another chance to do better.  I'm off to Plato's Closet to see how much I can fit into a bag for $12.

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.

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!

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. 

 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.