- \n
- Website: poshmark.com<\/a> (or www.poshmark.ca<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A California-based social eCommerce platform started in 2011<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allow users to buy and sell new or fairly used fashion pieces, home items, and more<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Available to only persons that have US or Canadian billing address (Sellers) or shipping address (Buyers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Free to list items, so Sellers are charged only when their items sell<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Seller’s fee after their item sells is $2.95 flat rate for sales under $15, and 20% of the final order price for sales over $15<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A pre-paid and pre-addressed shipping label is provided to Sellers for easy shipping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Buyers will find items listed at bargain prices (up to 70% off retail price)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Buyers pay a flat rate of $6.49 for shipping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Buyers have a \u201cPosh Protect\u201d where a full refund is guaranteed if the item does not ship or does not match the listing description<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Offers easy and free returns (if return approval is granted)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Customer Support is provided via email (online contact form)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is Poshmark? \u2013 About<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It is not news that many people only slightly use many of the items in their closets. Thus, their closet is overstuffed with almost-new items while they get new clothing pieces. Poshmark was started as a solution; to allow users to sell items in their closets. This means that Poshmark started off as a marketplace to buy and sell pre-loved, slightly used, but still gorgeous closet items. It supports various items, including clothing, shoes, and accessories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While many sellers in Poshmark are not doing it as a \u201cbusiness\u201d but just as a way to clear their over-stuffed closet (and yes, get some money from the clear out); there are other Sellers who are fledging designers and store owners who do their full-time selling in the platform. This means that Poshmark is not all about pre-loved items but that you\u2019ll also find a host of brand-new items on the platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Poshmark was launched by Manish Chandra in 2011. The website (www.poshmark.com<\/a>) is simply a marketplace where people can go to either list items for sale or buy items. Thus, it does not own any of the items listed on the website. However, Poshmark differs from other online fashion marketplaces. It is not a straight-selling platform; rather, it strongly focuses on creating an online community. You can think of it as a social media platform where you can follow your style buddies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Poshmark also differs from many marketplaces in its operation. Though it does not own the product, it receives payment for purchases from the buyers, after which it pays the seller. As we\u2019ll see later, this is to ensure that buyers are protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is Poshmark legit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Yes, Poshmark is legit. It is not a scam because they have been online for a very long time without a problem. With cyber fraudsters ever active in ripping people off, you cannot be too careful when making online purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thus, the big question is whether Poshmark is legit. The short answer is: Yes. The longer answer is Poshmark ticks many of the boxes that a legit eCommerce platform should tick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first check of a legit online platform is legality. This is because a platform that is 100% legal is less likely to be a scam. Thankfully, Poshmark ticks the legality box. The online platform is operated by Poshmark Inc (or Poshmark Canada Inc for residents of Canada), and these are duly registered companies. Suffice it to say that scam stores do not seek company registration certificates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another check of a legit online platform is visibility and industry-wide recognition. This is because the scam stores largely operate in the shadows. Thankfully, Poshmark ticks this visibility box. Its operation as a social marketplace means it is not just a shopping destination but also a vibrant online community where millions of users connect. Also, the online platform has been featured by many industry followers that, include Reuters. Suffice it to say that a scam store cannot gain this huge recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another check of a legit online platform is the test of time. This is because scam stores are generally short-lived. Scamming activities get exposed with time, and such exposure lead to the death of the platform. Thankfully, Poshmark ticks this box. Established in 2011, it\u2019s been operating for over eight years, which is enough time for any scamming activity to come to light in our time of fast communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ultimate test of a legit online platform is fitness for purpose. This is because the scam platforms are simply set up to rip people off, and only legit platforms deliver on their mandates. As a marketplace, Poshmark\u2019s mandate is: to help buyers get items at bargain prices and to help sellers make money by selling their items on the platform. Thankfully, Poshmark ticks this box. As the users\u2019 reviews show, Poshmark is being used by millions of Sellers to list and sell their items easily; while millions of buyers who place orders on the platform also receive delivery of real and functional products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, with Poshmark being a 100% legal platform, recognized by many industry leaders and followers, and with a rich operating record of helping Sellers sell their products and helping buyers get real and functional items at a bargain, there is no doubt that it is a legit online platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is Poshmark safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Poshmark is safe. Legitimacy is not enough when using an online platform. It\u2019s also important that the platform is safe so that the sensitive information that you share with it does not leak out to unauthorized third users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this regard, Poshmark says that it employs organizational, technical and physical safeguards to ensure the protection of users\u2019 data. One such measure is SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology, which is the industry standard for creating a private connection between a buyer and seller over the internet. SSL technology also uses high-level encryption to ensure unauthorized parties cannot read transmitted data. With this technical security measure, it is safe to say that Poshmark is safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whether using an eCommerce platform as a buyer or seller, you\u2019ll want it to support a wide range of products. Sellers will want the opportunity to sell a wide range of items in one place instead of opening up stores in different marketplaces to list their different products for sale. In the same vein, buyers will want to convenience of buying a wide range of products in one place instead of checking out different stores for related items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thankfully, Poshmark ticks this box. When using Poshmark, the main product categories and the product sections you\u2019ll find in each category are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Poshmark Women Dresses:<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"poshmark](\"https:\/\/www.topreviewssite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/poshmark-Women-Dresses.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPoshmark Men Dresses:<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"Poshmark](\"https:\/\/www.topreviewssite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Poshmark-Men-Dresses.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPoshmark Shoes:<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"Poshmark](\"https:\/\/www.topreviewssite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Poshmark_Shoes.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPoshmark HandBags:<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"Poshmark](\"https:\/\/www.topreviewssite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/poshmark-HandBags.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPoshmark Jewelry:<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"Poshmark](\"https:\/\/www.topreviewssite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Poshmark-Jewelry.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPoshmark Make Up:<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"Poshmark](\"https:\/\/www.topreviewssite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Poshmark_MakeUp.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPoshmark Home Products:<\/h3>\n\n\n
\n![\"Poshmark](\"https:\/\/www.topreviewssite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Poshmark-Home-Products.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Women \u2013 Accessories, Bags, Dresses, Intimates and Sleepwear, Jackets and Coats, Jeans, Jewelry, Makeup, Pants, Shoes, Shorts, Skirts, Sweaters, Swim, Tops, and Other<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Men \u2013 Accessories, Bags, Jackets and Coats, Jeans, Pants, Shirts, Shoes, Shorts, Suits and Blazers, Sweaters, Swim, Underwear and Socks, Other<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kids \u2013 Accessories, Bottoms, Dresses, Jackets and Coats, Matching Sets, One-Pieces, Pajamas, Shirts and Tops, Shoes, Swim, Costumes, Others<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Home \u2013 Accents, Bath, Bedding, Dining, Holiday, Kitchen, Office, Party Supplies, Storage and Organization, Wall Art, Others<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
However, given that there are millions of Sellers in Poshmark, you\u2019ll find a wide range of products listed on the platform. Thus, you\u2019ll find different types of items in each product section. For example, in the women’s dresses, handbags, shoes, and makeup sections, you\u2019ll find various product types as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Handbags \u2013 Baby Bags, Backpacks, Cosmetic Bags & Cases, Crossbody Bags, Hobos, Laptop Bags, Mini Bags, Satchels, Shoulder Bags, Totes, Travel Bags, Clutches & Wristlets, Wallets<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shoes \u2013 Ankle Boots & Booties, Winter & Rain Boots, Combat & Moto Boots, Over the Knee Boots, Heeled Boots, Lace-Up Boots, Athletic Shoes, Espadrilles, Flats & Loafers, Moccasins, Mules & Clogs, Platforms, Heels, Sandals, Slippers, Sneakers, Wedges<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Jewellery and Accessories \u2013 Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces, Rings, Brooches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- MakeUp \u2013 Blush, Bronzer, Concealer, Eye Primer, Eyebrow Filler, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, Face Powder, Face Primer, False Eyelashes, Foundation, Lip Balm & Gloss, Lip Liner, Lipstick, Luminizer, Mascara, and Brushes & Tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dresses \u2013 Mini, Midi, Maxi, High Low, Asymmetrical, Long Sleeve, One-Shoulder, Strapless, Backless, Prom, and Wedding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Another important thing is that Poshmark is not for the sale of only new items. All items listed in Poshmark can be listed for sale as a Closet or Boutique. The \u201cBoutique\u201d items will be those listed by independent designers, boutiques, and store owners; obviously, these will be brand-new items. The \u201cCloset\u201d items will be those listed by ordinary everyday people who just want to make some money by disposing of items in their closets. Among these items will be some new items (pre-owned but unused) and pre-loved (fairly used) items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thus, you\u2019ll find that a lot of popular brands feature on Poshmark. These include Nike, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Lululemon athletic, PINK Victoria’s Secret, Coach, Chanel, Zales, Adidas, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Poshmark \u2013 for Buyers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The following are important considerations if you are using Poshmark as a buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buying from Poshmark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One shouldn\u2019t have a headache when making an online purchase; thus, the ideal eCommerce platform should offer hassle-free services. In our opinion, Poshmark comes out as the leader in simplified services. First, you’ll meet a simple and user-friendly interface when using Poshmark (whether the website or apps). Of course, you\u2019ll have to register; but that is straightforward. Like many marketplaces, you can sign up using your email address or a social media account. In registering, you\u2019ll have to nominate a username name and password.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether shopping from the website or using the apps, you can easily navigate the product categories and discover items. Since Poshmark is a social community, you can get items through recommendations from persons that you follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another important feature of Poshmark is the Posh Parties. These are virtual real-time shopping parties that bring like-minded persons together. Parties are arranged around a particular style or type of clothing, so Posh Parties can give you a fast track to getting your favourite items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another sweet feature that adds to the buying experience in Poshmark is the ability to favourite items. As we all know, the primary advantage of favouriting items is that it helps easy future reference, as you\u2019ll simply enter the favourite list to call up the items instead of browsing through the categories afresh. However, there are more advantages to favouriting items on Poshmark. One, it helps the platform learn of your preference, and it\u2019ll make items recommendations to you. This could save you the time of browsing its product categories to find something you\u2019ll like. Also, Sellers are kept in the loop of every favouriting activity; and to motivate you to make the purchase, many are known to reach out to the potential buyer with a lower offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two ways of buying from Poshmark. The first is traditional buying, where you can take up the price set by the seller, and the other is by making an offer. The latter allows you to haggle with the Seller. When you make an offer for the order to be placed, the Seller can either accept it or respond with a counteroffer, which you\u2019ll have to accept. This means that you can make an offer and get an item for even lower than it is listed. In the simplicity of Poshmark; haggling with Sellers this way occurs right in the platform. Many buyers will agree that this in-platform contact is better than contacting Sellers through emails or text messages. Interacting with Sellers also makes for a better user experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another important feature of Poshmark is \u201cPosh Authenticate\u201d. This is simply to ensure that when making high-end purchases, you get authentic items. The service is available for only luxury items which are $500 or more. Instead of the Seller shipping the item directly to you, the item is shipped to Poshmark. Poshmark will then determine the authenticity of the item by checking logos, tags, material, hardware, quality and more. If Poshmark determines that the item is legit, it is repackaged and shipped to you (at the time of writing, you get free shipping to your destination after the authentication).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pricing and Promotions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Everyone loves getting a deal. Being that Poshmark was set up as a platform where people can sell their slightly used closet items, it\u2019s safe to say that it was created as a marketplace where buyers can get sweet deals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
True to this, you\u2019ll find that many of the items (both new and pre-loved) listed on Poshmark are available at prices relatively lower than retail prices. You\u2019ll easily find items up to 70% off the retail price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everyone loves promotions as they allow customers to get items for free or for less than the items\u2019 full prices. Thankfully, in Poshmark, you\u2019ll find a lot of promotional offers. One of the most seen is \u201cBundles\u201d. Many Sellers take advantage of the Poshmark bundling to drive sales. This is simply offering a discount if you buy a number of items from them. For example, at the time of writing this review, we found many Sellers offering 20% off the total simply for adding an additional item (from the particular Seller) to your order.\u00a0 Also, with the \u201cBundles\u201d, you\u2019ll get to pay to ship for one order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shipping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After placing an online order, it\u2019ll have to be moved and, at a later time, from the store\u2019s fulfilment centre to your shipping address. Thus, it\u2019s important t consider whether the eCommerce platform ships to your location, how long it takes to deliver, and how much it\u2019ll cost to get your orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n