What a haul!  I love sourcing for my Poshmark closet!

Look at this haul!  I had so much fun sourcing at Plato's Closet. Each February, they have a "Stuff a bag" sale.  They give you a regular plastic bag and you can stuff as much as you can for $10!

It wasn't even too crowded.  I was about 5th in line waiting for the doors to open.  Since I had done this last year, I knew what to expect.  There were many bins full of both men's and women's items in all sizes.  There were even shoes and accessories but that is not the type of thing you want to stuff in a plastic bag.

I also learned from last year to take a little time to check labels and avoid Shein, Forever 21, and other cheap brands.  I actually found a Zara skirt and some cute items that had no brand.  One item that I have never seen anything like it before. It's mauve velvet and has mesh sides and fold sequin fringe. 

Unique!   And hard to describe!  I imagine it may have been a recital outfit for dance.

I love it and wish U were a tiny person again.  I've not seen size 4 since I lost 50+ pounds with Weight Watchers in my 40's or in my teens and early 20's.

I was going to just take my one bag but as I was paying, they told me I could get as many bags as I wanted! So, I did bag number two. In the end, I had 24 items for $20.  This worked out to about 83 cents per item.  This will definitely help my bottom line.

     This trip was especially good because it was my first outing since the terrible snow and ice got me stuck in the house for two weeks!  

     I will get these items in my closet this week provided the sun comes out and helps me with lighting.  I am really excited to find out what treasures I found!  The process is fun too.  Take pix, use google lens to do the research, use Photoroom's virtual model to get a good representation of the item as the cover photo. fill in the description, and list! Love it.

You can do this too.  It's easy.  Since last Friday, I sold 4 items.  The week before, I sold two bundles and a couple more items.  It gets me coffee and lunch with friends!

 

 I am a bit frustrated with Thrift shops marking items at ridiculous prices!

I absolutely love sourcing for my closet.  My goal is to try and purchase items for less than $5.  Hopefully, closer to $3 or less even! I need that so I can make some money on the items.  If my price point is $20, Poshmark takes $4 and if I give $4.99 shipping, there goes another $1.50.  I'd make $14.40. Not bad.  But, most things sell for a lot less than $20.  In fact, to give you an idea of some typical sales, here's what's happened recently:

A top sold for $8 and I made 5.50.  Subtract $3 as an average of what I spent on it.  And, the net is only $2.50.

A pair of capris sold for $12 and I received $7.55 from Posh.  Subtract $3 and I made $4.55.

A bundle of 2 shirts sold for $19 and my earnings were $13.70.  Subtract $6 for what the two items cost me, and my net is $7.70.

Occasionally, I do make a big sale but the majority result in getting my money back for what I spent on them and a little income.

So, what Salvation Army and Goodwill think they are designer outlets, I get frustrated.

Yesterday, I went to my local Salvation Army.  On Wednesdays, four colors (they color code the tags) are 50% off.  Just about every time I found a NWT item of a decent brand, they had tagged it for $24.99!  Even at 50% off, I could not make money on that item.  I even found one item that had a original store tag that had $22.99 as the retail price and Salvation Army tagged it at $24.99!  Are you.......kidding me?

Moreover, many of these items they had priced out of my preferred range (6.99 or less) were not even great brands.  They had overpriced Shein, Forever 21, Rue 21, and Fashion Nova.

They already have tons of Zara that they sell at half price and most of it is junk because they are all flawed with things like broken zippers and tears!

Goodwill does this to some extent too.  I guess it is ok for people looking for a bargain and are buying for themselves but for resellers, it's a bummer.

Thank goodness I still have Plato's Closet and my local SPCA shop here in my hometown and the Curiosity Shop and Teen Challenge in my real hometown.  I've tried God's Thrift before but I remember their prices for secondhand to be outrageous with no deals.

I have so much inventory right now that I do not need anything else but I still love getting great deals with the hope of making more than a few dollars on them.

Conclusion:  Remember my reason for doing this is to keep me busy and focused on something meaningful so I have a distraction from all my worries.

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 30% off your item or bundle. 

" 1

SOURCING SENSATION!

Remember the York Peppermint Patty commercial? Today, I got the sensation for sure.  I had a great adventure last Saturday and this Saturday!

I love sourcing in all thrift stores. I like the search for that one item to make my day.

Last Saturday, Plato's Closet ran a $1 sale on a lot of inventory they no longer wanted.

I couldn't wait to get there!  In the back of the store there were about a dozen bins full of tons of clothes.  It wasn't very crowded and those who were also scrounging through the items looking for that one gem or many gems were having as much fun as I was.  We talked, laughed and scored a great haul of clothes. I bought twenty items. 

I didn't take them into the house when I got home because I have no place to put them.  I have to reorganize my inventory to make room for more. 

Plato's Closet sent out a text this week saying "This Saturday come and free clothes! FREE! "

I expected a scene like a Cabbage Patch kids sale on a Black Friday!

I'm happy to say I was wrong!

I got in line with all the other people chomping at the bit to get in! One of the employees gave everyone a plastic bag. I had my own but I'd need both eventually. 

They opened up. Told us where to go and we went. No one ran or pushed anybody. We all just calmly walked various paths to the back of the store.

The bins were arranged on a long table two rows of five with another small table with more bins on the side. 

I couldn't get in at first. But I was in the second row so I was closer than a few more rows behind me.

Soon, two girls moved away and I kept a space for the shy girl to break through. We had talked while in the second row. 

The process was dig, pull, inspect, and keep or toss. No one fought, fussed, got mad or anything. In fact, everyone was very polite.  That was a heart-warming experience.  Good to know that my humble town people are still polite and kind.

I managed to move my way to the next bin until I was at the end of the table.

At that point, I decided I couldn't do anymore.

I found ten items. That doesn't sound like much but considering the situation, I was satisfied. 

So, I went home to evaluate my merchandise.

I asked my husband to help bring in the three bags of clothes! I was tempted to tell him that I got them all today but I couldn't. That would be like coming home from fishing and spreading my arms wide and say, "It was this big".

I went through every item, 30 in all from last week and this.

Boy, did I get a sensation!

I had a few surprises.  One was actually a disappointment.  It was damaged. However, it was all great from there!

In the free items I had these brands Bloomchic, H&M, Express, Aerie, Urban Outfitters,  and a few more.

In the $1 items, I had Lulu's, Cabela, Zara, Asos Design,and more.

The most fantastic find was a dress by the very popular brand Free People! Yepper! Free People!

I love doing Poshmark. Yes, I source, a lot! Think of me as your personal shopper! The profit I may make on any one of these items cost me more than money. It includes time, travel, sorting, taking pictures, creating the listing that has many different parts to it. And paying Poshmark 20% as well as discounted shipping. There are other expenses too like tissue paper, thank you cards, business cards, packing supplies,and more.

I list them at fair market price based on their condition. The profits are often from $2 to " I can't believe I sold that. 

I love Poshing!

My Poshmark Closet is an important distraction!

I have some stuff going on and I am so glad to have Poshmark to keep me busy.  Otherwise, I'd probably do nothing productive.

This past Saturday, Plato's Closet had a summer sale.  Bring your own bag, fill it with all you want, get 90% off!  I found 19 items and paid just over $18.  Less than a dollar for each item!  

After looking over them carefully, there are 3 items I may add to the mystery box or use them as giveaways.  May is the important word in that sentence.  It has a lot power that word.  It is one of the most indecisive words in the English language. It's a halfway promise and a way out of that promise all at the same time.  So, you sound hopeful and good but under the surface you are crossing your fingers you do not have to do it.  Like, I may make the meeting on watching  paint dry on Tuesday.  Everyone has your halfway promise and are hopeful you will be there.  On the other hand, you have a wry smile on your face because you know you are not going!

I did find a Zara dress and an athletic jacket that is really nice. All in all, it was a good haul.

My sales have been better lately.  I guess the change keeping people from updating their items using bots has allowed more exposure for us small fries. 

I also calculated how much I have spent so far this year and how much I have made.  Good news- I am in the black!

This is the easiest and most enjoyable "hobby" I have ever had.  It's very easy to do. It's better than a yard sale!  So, come join me and have a little fun and make a little money.

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. 

 An adventure and a lesson in sourcing:

I did go to Plato's closet on Saturday.  My plan was to stuff the bag with thin, small items as much as possible and get as much as I could.

So, I ended up with 14 items for $12.  Not bad.  I did not take the time to check labels, I should have.  Lesson learned.

I had 3 or 4 Shein items, a few IDK what they are items, and one ZARA sweater that may make up for all the others that I may not sell.

However, it came out to about 84 cents each item.  If I only sell the Zara sweater for at least $25.  I will still get my $12 back. 

Next time, I will take more time to look for labels and check the condition of the items.  

The salesgirl said that one of their sales is that you bring your own bag and everything is 90% off!  I cannot wait.  It will be so much fun.  I have a huge bag ready for 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. 

Another busy day...

Today, I have a Dr. appointment and lunch with a friend.  I believe the last time we had lunch was before Covid. Then, tonight, I may go see a play with another friend.  

That's it.  I guess it is not so busy.  But, no matter where I am, I have my phone and I can work on my closet.  I can share, follow, share, follow.

Yesterday, I sent out a comment to all who have visited my closet.  Over 2500 poshers.  In response, I received about 5 likes on items, 2 comments, and one sale!

Then, I spent about 30 minutes in the "Find People" and followed many fresh closets and new poshers.  I left a welcome for a few new poshers.

This morning, I sent a half dozen offers to the likes I got based on the follows and the message sent out.

Just keep on keeping on.

Tomorrow morning, I will go to winter clearance sale.  get up early and go to Plato's Closet.  They are having a winter clearance sale.  They give you a bag and you fill it with whatever you can for just $12!

My plan is to look for small items like leggings, athletic tops, lingerie, and lightweight clothing.  Shoes, coats, sweaters will take up too much space.  I hope to fit at least 6 items or more in the bag.

Wish me luck! I'll share what I find.

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 flexibility of  doing my own thing with Poshmark

The best part of Poshmark is that I decide when I do what not a rigid work schedule I have to follow.

Yesterday, I found distractions because it was my birthday and I do not like to be reminded how old I actually am.  I went to the SPCA thrift store.  It was 20% off for Seniors, one of the few advantages of getting old.  I also found out that for every 40 dollars spent, you receive five dollars off your next purchase!

I found a Guess wallet and a cute mini purse.  I also found a WHBM skirt and another brand name white skirt, 

I went to Goodwill but it was, once again, a disappointment.

Today, I won't be doing much with Poshmark.  I'm taking a friend for a procedure.  That's the other part of aging.  Your social life turns into Doctor visits, procedures, and an occasional lunch with a friend.

Thank goodness for Poshmark.  It keeps me active.  Gives me a reason to get out of the house. Most importantly, I do not feel useless.  I feel more vital when I am focused on it. 

I enjoy getting good items to people and receiving a 5 star rating for my efforts.  Yes, I am one of those nerds who was excited to take tests in school and loved getting A's or B's.  I even loved test days when I was teaching.  I was so happy when my students showed they learned something!  Scoring a 4 or 5 on the AP French Exam, placing in the National French contest, or placing in the State Wide Speaking contest were great achievements for my students.  My favorite though was when the lightbulb would go off and you could see it in their eyes, "I finally get it" they would say. 

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 my birthday.  

I do not like even thinking about it because when I hit my fifties, I did not want to hear the words "Happy Birthday". It just means OLDER!

My plans for today are simple.  First up is the Rotterdam final.  Alcaraz has ascended into my #1 favorite spot since Rafa retired.  However, no one will ever be as good as Rafa.  He is the true GOAT.  Novak may have the numbers but Rafa has the sportsmanship, respect, and humility of a true champion.

Next, I will take advantage of the discounts at Goodwill and the SPCA thrift shop.  

I may go to TJ Maxx just to look around and check the clearance racks. Maybe the trendy outlet, Plato's Closet, has a discount today.  I don't know but I may go there too.

This evening, my husband plans to cook dinner.  Some experiment.  Taco pasta? We will see.  I don't care about going out to dinner or anything that acknowledges my old age!

I tried to come up with some kind of promo but the creative juices just are not flowing. 

I can share, follow, share, follow while watching tennis.

I do not have any new items to list so I can make a copy of a few and delete the originals.  That counts as a new listing and keeps the closet up in the algorithms.

What to do if you have nothing to add.  Choose an item in your closet that has no likes and no active offers.  Edit it and scroll to the bottom.  Choose Copy listing.  List the copy.  Delete the original.  Then, edit the Copy to remove the word "copy".  The rule of thumb is to do this with five listings which keeps the closet fresh.

Poshmark is giving gifts for listing weekly.  I am on a seven week streak.  My offer today was to choose a card, any card.  I selected one and it gave me a new icon for my app.  Same thing I got last time.  I missed out on a $50 credit.  I could use that in the wholesale market.

Once again, Poshmark helps me by providing a way to distract from the sadness of getting another year older! Ah, to be 29 again.

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. 

 Enjoyed a weekend away

Every once in a while I like to go stay at my Mom's house. I miss her very much and the house is almost the same as it was when she passed away.  I've added af ew things but just some momentos, clothes, and things for the grandsons when they visit with us there.

I feel like I've overshopped at my Goodwills and Salvation Armies, so I went to Teen Challenge.  I only found one pair of Michael Kors shorts that I picked up for $3.40.  I may be able to list them for $35.

I did share a lot and added a few listings but mostly I just chilled for the weekend.

On Sunday, I decided to take my grandsons shopping for Valentime's cards for their school party coming up soon.  Since I am not taking care of them every day now, I worry that they are getting what they need.   I shouldn't worry.  They are fine.

When I did care for them, I had rules and they knew the word "no".  It is very important to instill values in kids so they make good choices as they grow older.  No is a very important lesson.  If they have no boundaries or limits then they may become very selfish and demanding.

I am happy to say both were very good in the store.  I gave them their limits before we went in.  Of course, the youngest did try to push the limit.  Here's how it went:

the 7 year old:  "Linda, I know what you are going to say but I think I will ask anyway."

me:  "ok".

7:  "May I also have this?"

me: "No"

7:  "That's what I thought you'd say.  Boundaries, right?"

me:  "Right"

They have learned!

So, I didn't do much in my closet other than a few basics but I did enjoy my weekend and my shopping trip with my grandsons.

On my closet though-  I received another 5 star rating on a dress I sold and a very complimentary note.  And, I sold a bundle of two dresses. 

I did watch a few videos and was encouraged that I do not have to do live shows to make sales.  It is a tremendous amount of work to do it 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. 

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. 

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.