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.