When I first started selling on Poshmark, I made every mistake in the book. I wanted my business to succeed so badly that I would take any advice, no matter how illogical, only to end up frustrated by the lack of progress. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. With so much conflicting advice out there, it’s tough to know what's worth focusing on. After lots of trial and error, I learned which activities are worth your time and which ones just don’t yield results.
In this post, I’ve rounded up 11 of the most common mistakes Poshmark sellers make and the strategies to avoid them. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re set up for success in 2024.
1. Sharing Other People’s Closets
Many new Poshmark sellers think that sharing other sellers’ closets helps drive traffic to their own. Unfortunately, sharing other people's listings only promotes their items to your followers, not yours. Very few buyers scroll through their newsfeeds or make purchases this way.
Solution: Focus on sharing your own listings multiple times daily to stay visible. To save time, consider using a tool like Closet Tools that can automate the process for you. This lets you spend time on more impactful activities, like sourcing and listing new inventory.
2. Following a Large Number of Accounts
Following thousands of accounts won’t get you the “follow-back” return you’re hoping for. Buyers are not actively tracking who follows them, nor will they visit your closet simply because you followed them.
Solution: Instead of chasing followers, build relationships with your existing customers. Answer questions quickly, offer bundle discounts, and ship orders promptly. Happy, repeat customers are more likely to buy again and leave positive feedback, which helps attract new buyers organically.
3. Obsessing Over Follower Count
Having a large following does not guarantee sales. Buyers on Poshmark care about the items you’re selling, not your follower count.
Solution: Rather than trying to boost your followers, focus on keeping your closet stocked with in-demand items and trending brands. Study what’s selling, keep track of seasonal trends, and focus on curating a desirable inventory.
4. Participating Excessively in Posh Parties
Many sellers use Posh Parties to share their listings, hoping for more visibility, but these parties rarely result in increased sales. Even being a "Host Pick" does not guarantee sales.
Solution: Use Posh Party times as an opportunity to send offers to likers or interact with shoppers already interested in your items. This way, you can make the most of the peak user activity on the platform.
5. Pursuing “Posh Ambassador” Status
Reaching “Posh Ambassador” status is a common goal, but many find the benefits minimal. Achieving the badge doesn’t increase sales or visibility in any meaningful way.
Solution: If you still want the title, automate the sharing and following processes to reach the goal faster. Otherwise, skip the endless shares and focus on listing quality items and marketing your closet on social media.
6. Copying Other Sellers’ Brands
It can be tempting to buy brands that you see other sellers picking up. However, copying others' strategies without understanding their niche or target audience may not yield the same results.
Solution: Research brands on your own and learn which items and styles perform well. Following fashion blogs, seasonal trends, and Poshmark’s top-selling brands can guide your purchasing decisions. Stay flexible to adapt to changing trends as fashion evolves quickly.
7. Not Doing Enough Research
Assuming that reselling requires no research is a significant mistake. Being stylish doesn’t necessarily translate to knowing what will sell. People on Poshmark often look for specific brands and trendy items, so intuition alone won’t cut it.
Solution: Regularly check which items are trending on Poshmark by looking at sold listings and using research tools like Closet Assistant. Follow top-selling brands and trending styles through fashion blogs, Pinterest, and Instagram. Diversifying your research sources will keep you prepared.
8. Letting Items Pile Up as “Death Piles”
A "death pile" refers to items you’ve sourced but haven’t listed, leaving potential sales unfulfilled. Thrifting can be the fun part of reselling, but sourcing without listing leads to clutter and missed opportunities.
Solution: Make it a rule to list all items before going thrifting again. Work through your death pile with a goal in mind, and be selective about new purchases. Only source items that genuinely excite you and that you’re motivated to list.
9. Manually Sharing Listings for Hours
Poshmark’s algorithm rewards listings that are frequently shared, but manually sharing a large closet can consume hours each day.
Solution: Use automation tools like Closet Tools to handle the repetitive task of sharing and sending offers. This will free up your time for other critical business tasks, like listing or improving your inventory.
10. Only Investing in Inventory
Some new Poshmark sellers hesitate to spend on anything outside of inventory, but investing in tools and education is crucial for growth. Successful sellers recognize that time-saving tools and resources help them work smarter, not harder.
Solution: Consider investing in a quality steamer for photo-ready items, using cross-listing tools like ZeeDrop Crosslister to expand your reach to other platforms, or signing up for educational courses. A small investment in tools or skills can pay off in both time saved and improved sales.
11. Ignoring Metrics and Analytics
Many sellers overlook the power of analytics. By regularly reviewing your sales data, you can identify what’s working and what’s not, from the types of items selling best to the most effective pricing strategies.
Solution: Make use of Poshmark’s own sales reports and external tools to analyze your performance. Look at factors like sell-through rate, days on the market, and popular brands or categories. This will help you refine your sourcing strategy and focus on items that sell quickly.
Bonus Tips for Success in 2024
- Optimize Your Listings: High-quality photos and detailed descriptions can make a big difference. Include measurements, fabric details, and styling tips to help buyers make a decision.
- Keep an Eye on Shipping Costs: Ensure your shipping costs are competitive. Offering discounted shipping on bundles or promotions during slower periods can entice buyers.
- Cross-List to Other Platforms: Use cross-listing tools like ZeeDrop to expand your reach beyond Poshmark. Platforms like eBay, Mercari, and Depop can bring more visibility and potential sales to your listings.
By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on building a strategic, data-informed approach, you’ll save yourself time, frustration, and missed sales opportunities on Poshmark in 2024.
