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. 

 More Changes on Poshmark......Some are not good for me!

Poshmark changed from a share and follow to a "Just for You" thing (I do not understand algorithms) which is supposed to be better for buyers to find what they are looking for and, they say, will help buyers find our items.

Before we were told to share often, share each others, and follow each other too.  Now, we have been told sharing our own listings is good but sharing someone else's will have little impact.  No need to follow either.  This is a major shift.  I have gotten likes on some items and I cannot tell yet if it has impacted anything for me.

I also read that Poshmark has made a deal of some sort with Facebook Marketplace to give our items a wider audience.

Why must programs always change where the icons are, what the listings look like etc...? If it functions then why change?  Now, the share button is so small my fat little fingers cannot hit it right and I end up going to the listing instead.  This is annoying and time-consuming.

The biggest change is they removed "Bulk Share"!  This means I have to share my items one at a time- all 800+.  ONE AT A TIME! I have rheumatoid arthritis and when it flares, I can barely move my fingers to tap the icons.

One more change was the info on our banner.  They changed follows and shares to last active and average shipping. I like that because I am often active and have good shipping 0 same day!  However, the last active is stuck on 3 hours.  I asked support and for the first time they did not fix the problem.  They said to change my font size but that did nothing.

My other concern is that many of the big sellers use Virtual Assistants to share their items.  This means they hit the top of any feeds whatever they are more than I can sharing one at a time.  I am NOT going to spend my profits on a VA.  I am doing this for fun but I do want it produce a little profit.

So, Poshmark if you are listening, please bring back Bulk Share!

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. 

" 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!

Adapting to changes on Poshmark!

Good changes:

1. Lower shipping

2. Free ground advantage shipping materials

3. Better chance my items will be seen

4. Banner will have better info on Nov. 1st

5. Still keeps me busy

Not so good:

1. Silent shows are not promoted any longer and I may have to do live shows! 

I have way too much inventory and need to make some sales!

Make a bundle of 2 or more items and I will give you a great discount

 Poshmark gives me more of a chance at sales. Just stay active!

There have been some changes lately but so far it feels like it is all good for a little seller like me. I've had sales every week and it is fairly steady.  I'm not out to make a fortune or realize a minimum income every week.  I'm just enjoying the process and keeping busy.

Now, buyers can search easier for the items they want and all items in my closet may be easier to find rather than just being shared to my followers. 

All I need to do is stay active.  So, how do I do that?

One:  I share my items at least three times a day.

Two:  I either list a new item or update listings that are over 90 days old every single day.

Three:  I still share from the two follow games I have been in for months.  It may not do anything to move items to the top of the search (I do not get all that algorithm stuff)  but it does update when I am active.

Four:  I check for likes, bundles, and comments often so I can respond in a timely fashion.

I also stay busy creating Canva ads that I can either post in my closet or post on Instagram and, hopefully, drive traffic to my closet.

For example, today I created Mystery Box ads and I will share them on Instagram with links to my closet and this blog.  Maybe someone will check it out and visit my closet and/or blog.  Then, maybe, they will sign up using my code and I will benefit from it.

Here are the ads:

My inventory is huge!  I have over 800 unsold items.  I have a ton of stuff to add so I need to thin it out a bit.  I'm hoping to make someone's day by sending them a great deal.  I will select 6 to 8 items from my closet in the sizes indicated and include a gift (probably a sample of a facial care product or a cosmetic bag).   All items will be excellent and the buyer could keep for herself/himself or use them for resell.  Maybe they will have more luck than I have.

One guarantee:  I will NOT send crappy stuff!  When I first started selling, I bought a mystery box and BOY, was I disappointed!  It was stuff I wouldn't even take to Goodwill!  From the little girl's Micky Mouse dress to the dirty t-shirt, I fussed at myself for falling for the deal.  BUT, lesson learned, I will never do the same to someone else. 

Please visit my closet soon and I hope you will find a deal you cannot refuse.

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. 

What is happening on Poshmark?  What's it mean for me?

  More changes on Poshmark!  Once again, no need to panic.  

Poshmark, I believe, is trying to help everyone have a chance to get their items seen at a fair rate when those using bots are sharing vastly faster than I can.  

First, they changed the following feed with a "For you feed" that has shown it is easier for your items to be seen.  If buyers may see my items better, then bring it on!  This may open it up to more than "My Followers".

Second, starting November 3rd, the banner at the top of my closet will show items sold, last active time, and average ship time.  I really like this change because who cares about how many followers I have or how many shares I have made.  But, my buyers will be able to see that I am a fast shipper and that I am active regularly.  This, hopefully, will build trust with buyers.  They can be confident I am available to answer any questions (active) and that they will receive their purchase in a timely fashion.

Here's what Poshmark suggested to increase visibility of my closet and items.

1.  Keep titles simple.  Eliminate the "stuffing" in the title.  I have a lot of work to do on this because before it was encouraged to use as many words as possible.  But, now brand, size and condition conceivably will do the trick. 

2. Continue to write detailed descriptions and good photos. 

3. Log in regularly.  No problem for me.  I check many, many times a day.

4.  List new items.  Again, not a problem.  I have plenty to get listed and can always update items that are over 60 or 90 days old.  Plus, I need to pare down the titles.

5.  Respond quickly to shoppers and offers.  Use the tools Offer to Likers and Price Drops.

"Active, responsive closets are prioritized in Discovery" This is really good to know.  Now, my hard work in being active on the app often will be rewarded by my items getting seen or easily found.

Sharing and following count toward being active.  It's important to continue doing it but sharing others items and them sharing yours will not help promote the items but will keep you active and supporting the community. My opinion, it can't hurt!

Sharing my own has always and still is very important.  I try to share at least three times a day.  It will refresh my listings and they will show in the Just shared search.

Once again, no panic.  Adjust and accept and all will go well.

Just keep on keeping on.

I still find Poshmark to be easy to do and it provides a way for me to keep busy, feel like I am doing something useful, and provides a lot of fun for me from sourcing to 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

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.