Maybe change is a good thing!  Update on Poshmark changes.

Over the weekend and through today, Thursday, November 19, I have made 8 sales!  I know that does not seem like much but, for me, it is great!  I need to make money now more than ever so making sales is great.

Is the new algorithm based on relevance better than the share and follow model?  I do not really know but if sales continues like this then, yea, it's better.

I did write Support because I need Bulk Share and they removed it in these last changes.  I cannot compete in sharing with other closets because so many of them use Virtual Assistants.  Plus, it takes a lot of time to share one at a time. Sometimes 45 minutes!  I can't do anything else during that time.

I also see that my last active is still not working but it's stuck on 3 hours so if people see that, no problem! Whether I've been on or not, they will think it was 3 hours ago.

I have a ton of things to picture and get into my closet but I've just not been up to it for a few weeks. Why is a whole other story that I am not going into here.  Nothing major or sordid, just a health issue that takes some time to get back to 100%.

Anyway, my haul at Plato's closet and the last few trips to Salvation Army and Goodwill are sitting in my Posh room anxious to get into the closet! I will get there soon.  A little at a time.

Here's to more sales!!!!!

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. 

 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. 

Definitely need to clean out some inventory!  Silent show efforts do not get the results I would like.

I do not want to do another live show!  It was a disaster.  I simply do not have the room nor the multi task agility/ability to keep up with showing an item, talking about it, reading the chat, answering questions, moving from one item to the next..... Plus, my space is too small to have a really good show.  I do not have the professional set up needed.

I have watched a few live shows and find most of them annoying.  Some have lights, music, and promises of giveaways that are not worth sticking around.  Free shipping is NOT a giveaway! 

However, getting people to pay attention to my closet is not easy.  I make ads, stories, share on Instagram and Pinterest, send a comment about sales to all those who have shopped my closet, and continue to do the usual daily stuff.

So, I will try an occasional silent show and concentrate on adding items, sharing, and following as much as I can. I will continue to post my ads and send comments trying to get people to check out my closet.

My next silent show will be focused on certain brands that I hope will appeal to shoppers: ZARA, Abercrombie and Fitch, Fashion Nova, Express, and more.

This faux leather top by ZARA is in perfect condition.  Originally $40.  My starting price in the closet is $35 but in the show, I will start at $25.

I paid $6 which is twice what I would like to pay but it is so good!  If it sells for $25, I will get $20 if the shipping is not discounted.  So, $14 profit is pretty good.

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. 

 AI Virtual Model- Is it worth more than a free trial?

55I thought I'd give it a go on Photoroom.  A 7-day free trial to take my photo and have it shown on a virtual model.  The idea is it should show your item on a nice-looking model so it will produce a nice cover shot for the product.

So, what do you think?  Not bad.

I discovered that it there is a cut out or off the shoulder, it may not work.  Bathing suit or sports bras and/or separate bikini bottoms do not go wither.  It will say the item is inappropriate to use.

Shoes- nope.  Not if you want them to look right.

Regular tops sweaters, dresses, sweats, joggers... seem to turn out ok.  I am hoping to get a better pix of some of my pricier items in my closet.

Here's another:

Very nice!  I think I will do what I can with the free trial and then decide if it is worth 90 dollars a year.  Will it make more sales?

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. 

 Poshmark has some ups and downs

I cannot explain it but sales seem to go in waves.  I have tried everything except a live show and I think what helps the most is listing a new item. This puts my closet in the category of "fresh closets" and getting it up in the algorithm.

It is important to share my closet items often and also add new items regularly.

Between friends and that fantastic week of $2 per item at the SPCA, I still have items to get into my closet.

I am looking at Photoroom to see if the Pro is worth it.  I may do a monthly subscription just to see if the AI Virtual model looks good in pictures.  That could improve sales because pictures will look better, maybe even catalog good.

I have 5 recruits and would love more so....

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. 

                    Just a few of the items for sale in my closet.  Please come see the rest.

 Poshmark keeps me busy!

I have shared how much Poshmark means to me these days.  It does keep me busy.  I work on it daily.  Sharing and following is my number one task.  Then, if I have taken pictures of an item or items, I had at least one listing because it keeps the closet fresh.  I take pix of any items I have waiting to be prepared for listing.  

But, my favorite thing to do is to shop the thrift stores for great items.

Right now, I need to postpone shopping and try to move some items out.  If I cannot sell them, I may have to make the difficult decision to purge and either take to Plato's Closet for a little bit of money or donate back to the thrift stores.

Why am I at this point?  Because I shop more than I sell! And, because I am out of space. I have two full racks and have taken over all or most of three closets! 

I also like organizing.  There's plenty to organize and track.  I keep a notebook of all the items I have!  

I am still considering a live show but the conditions and space available are definitely not the best.

So, I will continue to do silent shows a few times a week.

I have to sell some things soon or I can't go 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. 

This is not a yard sale!

What else can I do to make sales?  Is a Live show my only option?

Here's what I have been doing- avoiding going all in on Live shows.

I share and follow several times a day.  I list new items all the time.  I have offered great sales.  I have done many silent shows. I post on Instagram.  I write this blog. I make offers regularly.  I update offers on likes and bundles. My prices are very reasonable, very. Probably, too reasonable.

This is not a yard sale!  I need to make a little profit. 

Poshmark takes a $2.95 fee from orders under $15 and 20% on anything over.  I have made sales where I make .03!  No lie- only 3 cents!  

I know a $5 sale with discounted shipping is a great deal for the buyer but I am not making anything on it. Well, 3 cents!

Let's look at some sales I have made.

1.  I sold a dress for $10.  I feel it was a fair price for a used dress.  

10- 2.95 Posh fee - 2.02 shipping discount = 5.03.

2.  I sold a top for $15

15- 3.00 Posh fee - 2.02 shipping discount = 9.98

3.  I sold a top for $20

20- 4 Posh fee- 2.02 shipping discount= 13.98

 4.  I sold a boy's coat for $33

33- 6.60 Posh fee - 7.97 free shipping = 18.43 ( an aside- this coat didn't cost me anything.  It was a gift my grandson outgrew)

Most of the items I sell have come from my closet, my friends items, or thrift stores.

So, items of my own or from friends, cost me nothing and are total profit.  I do share the profit on the friends; items 60/40 because they are gifting them to me and deserve a little something.

Items I get at thrift stores average out to about $3.00 an item.  Sometimes, depending on the item, a little more.

Conclusion- I need to sell more items or get a minimum of $10 an item.

Bundles can bring in more money in one sale but how that averages out per item may tell a different story.

Some bundle examples:

1.  I sold a bundle of 2 dresses for $22.00.  

22- 4.40 Posh fee - 2.02 shipping discount = 15.98

2. I sold a bundle of 3 items: dress, jacket, pants for $55.00

55- 11 Posh fee - 2.02 shipping discount = 41.98

So, on these two bundles, I made about $10 an item.  That's not bad.

It seems like some buyers want yard sale prices and do not realize that we sellers pay the Posh fee and the difference in shipping if we offer a discount. 

Something I can do to make a little more on my sales is to price the item at least 25% more than what I want to get for the item. Maybe even 50% more. 

Maybe I shouldn't have discounted shipping.  However, I feel it is a way to make the purchase more attractive.

As a retireee, I do worry about income and am hoping I can keep making lunch and coffee money on Poshmark! 

It does keep me busy and helps stop boredom and depression.  It gives me hope that my life is not worthless every time I make a purchase from a thrift store and list it for 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

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 first big sale! I hope there are more.

A buyer bought a  bundle of 17 items.  Nice stuff too.  I did offer a huge discount but the name of the game is to sell and to make room for more inventory!

Some of the items were for two of my friends.  We have a good agreement.  They give me the items and I get 60% of the net and they get 40%.  When their earnings accumulate to at least $10, I give them their money when I see them.  It's a fun relationship.

I've been doing more of clicking on the blue follows and maybe that is bringing more people to my closet.  I share a lot until my arthritic fingers cannot take any more!

Who knows what tomorrow may bring.  But for today, I feel very good about my closet and Poshmark.  It has provided me with something to do that is fun and a little profitable.  

Please come shop my closet and you, too, may receive a huge discount on great stuff.

Update on AI- It can be turned off.  You do not have to use 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. 

 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. 

A  little bummed........still

I am going to stay the weekend at my mom's and hope that helps to get me out of the doldrums.  Sunshine helps but it is not warm enough to put the top down yet.  I'm ready to go for rides though.  I have all my fav CD's and new adventures to enjoy.  I think this summer I will see if there are any parks I've not visted yet! 

No sales all week!  I've shared, followed, listed.  I have had some likes but no one buying.  I used one of the tools to bundle liked items for all who have liked anything in my closet and offered 40% off.  Nothing.

I did a silent show for over an hour and only one person popped in for a few seconds.  I made two ads for stories.  I posted to Instagram too.

Just did the Feb expenses vs sales and only in the black by $12!

I spend too much, I guess. That's the part I like the most!

Maybe I will buy lottery tickets.  I may have a better chance at some money on scratch-offs. 

Here's the thing:  I have very nice items in my closet at very good and fair prices.  I really need to sell something!