I do Poshmark as a hobby- not for the money!

First, I have received all my free Ground Advantage supplies from USPS!  They are even better than Priority.  Thank you Poshmark for making the change.

I do this reselling as a hobby.  I do not know how some people make 10,000 dollars a year.  I have earned over 3,000 since I started a few years ago but I have not spent more than I have earned.  So, I am in the black every year.

I like to source for items in any and all thrift shops.  I like listing those items for sale.  I love when an item sells and I love it more when someone buys a bundle.  I enjoy getting a little bit added to my bank account here and there.  It covers coffee at Dunkin' and a few lunches with friends.  It's not a second income! Certainly not my only income, thank goodness.

I spend a few hours a day usually following, sharing, listing, shopping, or doing a silent show.  I do not know how many hours these 10,000 dollar people spend in shows and doing the other stuff.  I know some have bots but I am not spending more of my profits to get one of those.

Am I content?  Yes,.  Does it provide a distraction? Yes.  Does it make me feel like I am doing something good? Definitely.  No for the money but when buyers leave a 5-star rating and a nice comment, I feel great.  In all this time, I think I have had only 3 or 4 disgruntled customers.  One was because the buyer did not read the description and said it was the wrong color.  One, I completely missed a flaw, and one where I mixed up two orders.

All in all, not bad.  All my rating are high.  I have a lot of 5 star ratings.  Thank you all who take the time to rate me.

Ans, I provide a service that helps save the environment!  Second hand is new to you clothing and that's just like new!

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. 

 Staying calm worked!  Update on Poshmark shipping changes

So, the British mantra worked.  Stay calm and carry on!  That's what I did in reaction to the changes in Poshmark shipping.  I'm glad I did.

I usually avoid phone calls at all cost because I really do not like being on the phone.  Maybe its roots are in my childhood.  If a friend called me after school, my grandfather would say, "You can talk for a few minutes but not more than 5.  You see each other all day at school what do you need to say now?"  Yes, sometimes it was to gossip about so-n-so or if a boy had said anything to us but usually it was someone who wanted help with their homework.  I was that kid- the nerdy miss goody two shoes.  At least, until my later high school years.

Postage is the real topic.  As you may know, Posh changed their shipping from Priority to Ground Advantage reducing cost to $6.49.  This was great news but the uproar was that we could no longer use Priority mailers/boxes and would have to find our own.  Fortunately, Posh arranged a deal where Posh Sellers could get Ground advantage supplies for free.  All you needed to do was to call a number and give your closet info along with your name, number...so they could verify that you had a closet with Posh.  Simple right?  Nope!

I called the number and the customer service person had no clue.  At least I got through.  I read posts where many said they were on hold forever or simply could not get through.  To avoid calling, I sent an email.  I sent it three times over the course of five or six days and on the third attempt, I received a response.  My order was on the way. Finally.

I did buy some envelopes and boxes at Wal-Mart but did not overdo.  I spent less than $10.  This proved to be a good decision. I made a few sales and used a few of these supplies.  Fortunately, it carried me over until my Ground Advantage supplies arrived.  The whole process was about two weeks but all's well that ends well.  No need to panic!  Poshmark gave directions on what to do and USPS came through with the supplies, eventually.

Initially, it was a shock but staying calm and waiting for the bruhaha to settle down was the right move. 

https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=40419&picture=keep-calm-and-carry-on 

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. 

Stay calm and postage on!  What's the buzz about shipping and postage with Poshmark? 

I have found that when something changes and everyone is up in arms complaining that it is best to take a step back and wait and see.

Poshmark sent out a notice that they were changing the shipping from 8.27 to 6.49.  AND, that we could no longer use Priority packaging.

Posh negotiated a deal with USPS so they could lower shipping costs for our customers.  It meant giving up priority shipping and switching to Ground Advantage. 

The worst part is we can no longer use our priority packaging materials which have been totally free and would have to use our own materials.  Personally, I do not have mailers and boxes lying around and I like not having to pay for boxes and such. I sis not want more cutting into my slim profits!

Just a side note:  Priority was taking longer than 1-3 days anyway and a few times packages ended up in Puerto Rico before getting back on track.  So, what dif does it make to switch to GA?

Don't panic.  Posh also negotiated with USPS to provide Posh sellers with GA packaging materials.  

I called the number provided.  It didn't work and apparently USPS customer service knew nothing about it.

That was day one- give up and wait.

Day two- More info from Posh.  Now, there is an email or a phone number to contact to order our free supplies.  Hopefully, this will work better.

If you are selling on Poshmark, you will see a notice in the app or check the Poshmark blog and you should find all the info you need.  Apparently, when I was writing this, the Poshmark site could not be reached, guess they are experiencing a very high volume right now.

Bottom line_  Like everything else, things eventually work out.  Just give it time.

So, I'm off to do my Wednesday thing.  Salvation Army and Goodwill 1 and 2 if my energy holds up. Sadly, my arthritis is acting up today.  My medication had to be stopped because of dealing with another health issue.  I also want to go to Dollar Tree which isn't a dollar anymore.

I had hoped to work with a friend on joining Poshmark but we need the sunshine to take outside pictures and it is a gray day.  Definitely the weather contributes to my arthritis acting up.

I hope you all have a great day.  If you are a seller and cannot find what you need, just contact support.  They respond in a timely fashion and have helped me in every situation I have brought to them for help.

BTW, if you visit my closet ( My closet ), create a bundle and comment "I read your blog", I will give you a great deal on all your likes.  

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. 

Labor Day Weekend Sale!  Resellers and buyers alike take advantage!  

That's right!  Here's what to do:

1.  Come to my closet   https://poshmark.com/closet/leprof_74

2.  Click like for all items you'd love to have (minimum 2 items)

3.  Bundle your likes

4.  Comment on the bundle "Send me an offer I can't refuse!"

5.  Accept the offer I send!

It will make you smile.  Imagine the possibilities!  Resellers can buy from me and then sell in their closet for a profit. Ok with me for this weekend anyway.

Example:  You like these 2 dresses.  They retail for $129 and $139 respectfully.  My price is $35 and $75. You bundle them.  I send an offer for up to 80% off!  Honestly, I would most likely offer $55 which is 50% off! They are excellent pieces and I am losing money if I offer any less.

Or, you like, say, five tops that I listed at $15 each.  Total $75.  I would likely offer $15!  80% off my price!

It all depends on the items you select.  I can guarantee a fair offer!

Why do this?  Why practically give it away?

First, it is only for one weekend.

Second, I need to move out some inventory. I converted my son's room to my Poshmark closet.  In addition to filling up the large and small closets in his room, I have two full racks of clothes, 2 shoes and bags organizers, 6 storage boxes, and a few bags and boxes full of inventory.  Then, my bedroom closet is half full of gowns and maxi dresses.  Finally, my little pink room closet is full of pants, shorts, and skirts.

A little side story-  My pink room was my daughter's room.  When she went to college and we realized she was not coming back home, she helped me redo it as my reading room/music room.  I insisted it be painted pink.  We have a Monet wallpaper trim around the top edge.  Then, 4 bookshelves and a desk. It is decorated in everything French from Art prints to many, many Eiffel Towers and many mementos from all my years teaching.  I love it in there.  The latest addition is what I call a boudoir lamp.  It's pink with a boa trim!  Here's a peek.

Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.  And, come browse my closet.

Conclusions I have come to recently.... Working my Poshmark closet!

A few months ago, I realized how much I miss my job with Fuel Ed/Stride.  I was an online French teacher/Academic Integrity Coach.  I loved it.  Most of the work was easy peasy.  Teaching French was mainly following student progress, grading, and communicate regularly.

The AI Coach was a little bit more challenging but a lot of fun for me.  If a teacher in any subject area suspected cheating, the assignment came to me.  Usually, the teacher provided some evidence for what kind of cheating occurred: copied another student, copied Google, obviously had help from a parent, used Google translate....  Unfortunately, it is way too easy for them these days to cheat. I did the research to see if they copied and provided the evidence for a teacher/parent /student conference.  I put together a presentation on slide show that included an intro, why we are meeting, review of terms and policies, interviewing the student (usually the most revealing part), teacher review with the student of the evidence, student allowed to explain or provide additional info, plan of action steps to take, promise to contact teacher or counselor for help, and a pleasant (?) goodbye.  Then, I would follow up with the student and parents in a few days to make sure they were taking the recommendations and actions necessary to improve.

Another unfortunate event- the onset of Artificial Intelligence and CHATgpt.  That marked the beginning of the end.  I could no longer prove cheating other than asking the kid point blank and accusation does not go over well.  

The position was created for me and the powers that be above our school felt my coach position was no longer needed.  I could've continued part-time but that would likely end too since I was not the Senior French teacher.  So, I took the severance package.  It wasn'y much but it was something.  

So, there I was with no job and no extra income except Poshmark.  I felt I had to up my game in getting stuff sold.  So, I put pressure on myself to do a live show.  That was a disaster.  I tried more silent shows, not much came from them.

Finally, I concluded that doing the shows may not be my best bet.  I've sold a few items every week but not to the level of providing a real income!  I now believe the best I can do is share, follow, and list.  That seems to be what helps the most.  I can continue to sometimes advertise on Instagram and post on Pinterest within their guidelines. 

I cannot stress enough that I find and list excellent items.  I do not list anything I would not want for myself or give as a gift to a friend.

I know I have recruited people either through my closet or this blog but I've not received a bonus for that yet.  They have to sell something or buy something, I think, not sure, before I receive the bonus.

I do need more income.  Grandsons need my help. Their dad, my son, does too.  I can pay my bills, no problem.  I'd like to do more with and for them.

Please shop secondhand and save the environment.  In the long run, we are helping each other in may ways.

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.