Is It Worth It Selling On Poshmark?

Selling on Poshmark has been life changing for me since I began selling in 2018. I started to sell because I had just given birth to my daughter, Emma, and I wanted to make a little extra cash. The first year I started out kind of slow with minimal sales and averaging about $500 a month. I was only selling out of my closet at the time and I didn't understand how to source yet. Reselling was pretty new to me besides eBay. I continued to do really well on Poshmark growing my profits every year until I reached $100K in 2022. Once I hit my big goal I knew I could keep doing this side gig, however, it's now become my full-time job with a sales total of $220K and climbing. I've made over 4600 sales with no assistance and I've sourced everything one by one, which means I didn't purchase in bulk or wholesale.

Is Poshmark Really Worth It?

In my opinion, yes, Poshmark is really worth selling on. There, of course, are some drawbacks to selling on the platform and we'll go over them shortly. We'll also discuss the benefits of selling on this online marketplace, as well as some tips and tricks on how to be successful.

The Benefits of Selling on Poshmark

First, let's go over the major benefits of selling on Poshmark. As a beginner reseller, it's pretty straight-forward. Here are the positives of reselling on Poshmark:

User-Friendly Interface

Poshmark is ridiculously easy to use. Uploading a listing takes minutes (seconds, if you’re a pro). Snap a few photos, write a description, set your price, and boom—you’re in business. You don’t need a tech degree or a special “help desk” to figure it out.

Built-in Audience

Poshmark boasts millions of active users who are ready to shop. Translation: You don’t have to spend hours trying to drive traffic to your listings. The shoppers are already there, scrolling through their feeds and searching for deals.

No Need to Worry About Shipping Rates

One of the more annoying parts of reselling is figuring out shipping. Poshmark eliminates that headache. Once your item sells, the platform provides a pre-paid, pre-addressed shipping label. Just print it out, slap it on a box, and drop it at the post office. Easy peasy.

Community Vibes

Poshmark isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a social platform. You can follow other sellers, share listings, and even join virtual “Posh Parties” (yes, that’s a thing). The sense of community can be motivating and is especially helpful for beginners.

Potential for Profit

If you’re good at sourcing inventory—whether it’s thrift store gems, boutique closeouts, or even your own closet—you can turn a decent profit. Some sellers even turn Poshmark into a full-time gig.

The Drawbacks of Selling on Poshmark

Poshmark also has its downside. Here are some of the drawbacks of selling on this platform:

Fees, Fees, and More Fees

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Poshmark’s fees. The platform takes a flat $2.95 for sales under $15. For anything above that, Poshmark takes 20%. Yup, a fifth of your earnings. That’s steep compared to platforms like eBay or Mercari.

Price-Sensitive Shoppers

Poshmark buyers are bargain hunters. They want deals, and they’re not shy about haggling. If you’re hoping to sell that designer handbag for close to retail, prepare to be disappointed when someone offers you $20.

Social Selling Can Be Time-Consuming

Remember how we said Poshmark is like a social platform? That’s great, but it also means you’re expected to be active: sharing your listings, sharing other people’s listings, and engaging with the community. If you’re not consistent, your listings could get buried faster than last year’s trends.

Limited to Certain Categories

Poshmark is primarily focused on fashion, home goods, and beauty products. If you’re looking to sell electronics, books, or random knick-knacks, this isn’t the platform for you.

Returns and Complaints

While Poshmark has a "no returns" policy, buyers can open a case if the item is not as described. This can be a hassle, especially if you’re 100% sure you listed the item accurately. Disputes can drag on and lead to unnecessary stress.

Tips for Successful Selling on Poshmark

Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced reseller, these tips can help you maximize your Poshmark profits while keeping your sanity intact:

Take Stellar Photos

Photos are everything. Natural lighting and a clean background can make even a $10 t-shirt look like it belongs on a runway. Include shots from multiple angles, and don’t forget close-ups of details like tags, fabric, or any flaws.

Write Clear, Honest Descriptions

Be upfront about the condition of your item. Got a tiny stain or some wear on the soles of those designer boots? Mention it. Honesty builds trust and helps you avoid returns.

Price Strategically

Research similar listings before setting your price. Start slightly higher than your ideal selling price to leave room for offers and negotiations.

Share, Share, Share

The Poshmark algorithm loves active sellers. Share your own listings regularly and return the favor by sharing other sellers’ items. It’s tedious but effective.

Bundle Discounts

Encourage buyers to purchase multiple items by offering a bundle discount. This not only increases your average order value but also saves you time on shipping.

Stay Organized

If you’re selling more than a handful of items, keeping track of inventory is crucial. Use spreadsheets or inventory management apps to stay on top of what’s listed, sold, and shipped.

Engage With Buyers

Respond to questions promptly and be polite, even if someone lowballs you with an insultingly low offer. (Okay, you can roll your eyes—just don’t type it.)

Consider Cross-Listing

If Poshmark’s fees or audience limitations aren’t cutting it, diversify. Cross-list your items on other platforms like Mercari, eBay, or Depop to reach a broader audience.

Consider Your Preferences Before Selling on Poshmark

So, is selling on Poshmark worth it? The answer is a resounding maybe. If you’re looking for a user-friendly platform with a built-in audience and don’t mind the fees or social aspects, Poshmark could be a great fit. On the other hand, if you’re fee-averse or don’t have time to engage with the community, you might find other platforms more appealing.

Ultimately, success on Poshmark (or any reselling platform) depends on your goals, inventory, and willingness to put in the work. If you’re willing to navigate the occasional lowball offer and put up with the 20% cut, Poshmark can be a lucrative side hustle—or even a full-time gig. Just remember: No platform is perfect, but with the right strategy, you can make it work for you.

Now, go forth and turn your closet into cash. And maybe buy yourself something nice while you’re at it. (We won’t judge.)

Enjoy this blog? Check out my entire blog, Resale Life: The Stuff Other Resellers Won't Tell You for even more insight into the resale business and more!