As a buyer, one of my main gripes is when sellers neglect to mention the fabric the garment is made of. IMO 'all cotton', 'cotton blend', 'rayon', etc need to be key words.
My biggest mistake to date: I was a newer reseller and didn’t know a ton of “good” brands. I went into a thrift store and found this amazing pair of knee high leather boots. I tossed them in my cart, but when I went to check the brand/comps later my phone had died. The boots were $14.99 so I decided to put them back. When I got home I looked them up and they were indeed Bottega Veneta and they were worth hundreds. 😭 I went back the next day at open and of course they were gone. I have never gone sourcing with a low phone battery since.
That sucks, but I understand cuz I've left behind a Louis Vuitton baguette bag cuz I couldn't authenticate it myself. It was real, another person authenticated it at the store after I put it down.
When in doubt, just get it. If they end up being worthless, simply add it to the losses column in your financial tracking. $14.99 isn't going to break you unless you do it 100s of times.
Your advice to write out all possible mistakes, and cross them off the list when they happen (and congratulate yourself for surviving and moving on) is the advice my inner perfectionist has needed to hear for 20 years
I've been watching you since day 1 and I feel like I learn something everytime. I learned to check comps , take better photos , so many new brands i've never heard of and remembering to research newer labels from the brand..For exmaple, everytime I sell j.crew it sells so fast which never use to happen when i first started reselling now it sells quickly because i've familiarized myself with the newer label. Now, I'm just working on not over pricing because I think that's my biggest mistake right now. I've officially hit $17,000 and i started selling a year and a half ago. Mogi, I can't thank you enough..I literally tell any reseller to watch your videos. Like, you teach and show growth , talk about mistakes you made and overcome , you remind us to take a breather , you don't bring any drama to this community. etc . When I started reselling I kept comparing myself to others and I kept seeing people selling and taking pictures of the dozen boxes they've sold.I don't get on reselling page on Instagram as much because of my Anxiety + mental health but I can't tell you enough of how much I respect you and thank you
💗😭omg! Taking a screenshot of this comment and going to refer to it when I am feeling down. Thank you so much!! That really means a lot to me! You made my day.
I used to have 600 items in my closet. However I took 3 months off reorganized my closet and downsized to 200 items. I’m still selling as much Items as I used. So sometimes I don’t think you have to have a bunch of things. I feel much more control of things now. It’s just my opinion. Great video. I have been selling on Poshmark for 5 years now.
It took me so long to realize that being social on Posh didn't equate to sales, but I haven't looked back since learning that. Thanks for sharing these tips!
I just started last week. I get HUNDREDS of follows and shares every day. Am I supposed to follow all these people back and share if they shared? It took me an hour and a half last night to get caught up on about 500 of them, and that is time I could have been listing! I don't mind doing it, but there has to be a better way to stay caught up!
My biggest mistake was going into salvation army with barely any battery life on my phone . i was looking through the sweater section and put a couple sweaters in my cart .The first J.crew , the second free people but the third sweater i was unfamiliar with. When i pulled out my phone to check comps ,my phone died. I ended up leaving a DOEN sweater on the rack !!! I had to work my 9-5 the next day so i couldnt go back. Never leave your home without your phone fully charged or a backup charger ,lesson learned.
As a buyer I will view a seller sharing their closet as a true active seller. If someone hasn't shared in months I assume the closest has been abandoned and the item may not really be available anymore.
this has happened to me a few times. I didn't see that the bottom button on a sweater was missing or that there is a tiny stain or tear that I did not see. But when I go to neatly fold it to ship I see it! I have done a lot of last minute washing, touch ups or repairs before shipping. It's handy to have a sharpy, needle and thread, a lint roller, and a sweater shaver handy when packaging items.
Another good one that could fit into being here to make money is over sourcing/getting backed up on listing aka what others like to call death piles. I have fallen into this…I think most have. Now I use sourcing as a reward. I make X amount of sales, get X amount listed…then sourcing is the reward! 🎉
A big mistake I used to make was that I would immediately cut the tags off of items before checking under my ring light for flaws. You wouldn't believe how much I end up returning (exchanging) at the Goodwill now. There are so many flaws you just don't catch in the store!
Omg I didn’t even think Goodwill took clothes back or exchanged them. I always think donations.. therefor just donate. But that’s good to know for future reference.
Yes to a negotiating video! I have to catch myself from sourcing too much before all the work to get it listed and stored is done. The piles can be overwhelming at times!
I started reselling about 2 month ago. I had my first return a few weeks ago and it did panic me for a second. But, this item didn't have a label and just didn't fit the customer. It was one of my first listings and boy, I deserved that return. I learned from it and life went on. I'm so much better at listing and make sure EVERY LITTLE THING IS DISCLOSED!!
I’m a fairly new reseller (I started in February this year) and I can definitely relate to this. I’ve bought items just bc it was on my BOLO list regardless of category (so many tops which is a category I now try to avoid unless the comps are good; ruining inventory in the wash (the smallest stain now just makes me throw the item back); purchasing “cute” items and the list goes on. My biggest burden rn is running out of inventory space. In fact rn I’m taking pics of a collection I made from pulls of lower end inventory. I live in Tijuana and bc of the pandemic, most people can’t cross the border and purchase clothing at Ross/ Tjmaxx/ Marshalls etc. Not many options for cute and affordable fashion on this side so more people are looking into curated second hand as an alternative and I’m jumping on the bandwagon. I’ll obviously have to do the work again for all the items and selling for cheap but at this point I’m happy with freeing space and definitely (and slowly) making better decisions and CHECKING COMPS. It feels so good when you start making better and bigger sales bc you did your job right and checked comps. From a full time teacher, thank you for putting these videos out, they’re so valuable to us newbies.
I've made mistakes. I've also had people send things back that they blamed me that they did! Last week I sold shoes I labled 10.5 but they were 10. Buyer was nice tho! Also another Buyer said the dress I sold her was a shirt and gave me 1 star! It was a dress!! I don't get upset anymore I just roll with it. Thank you for the video!💜
I had a buyer say that the pair of pants I sold them felt thinner than others they own of that brand. "Let me pass that on to the manufacturer, buddy." 🤣 Another said my measurements were wrong, yet she still kept the item so......... they must not have been THAT wrong 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Some people are just hoping they can bully you into partial refunds and such.
I had a lady rate me with four stars on a NWT jeans because and I quote " I gave you a 4 stars rating, because I haven't tried them on yet, but I think they will fit. I love them". To this day I still don't understand her thought process. That day however, it's the day I stopped caring about the very few bad ratings. I do my best and I'm a top rated seller, but I don't lose sleep over a less than perfect rating.
Hi Mogi Beth! Thanks for all the business info. It is great! I started in May and have made two mistakes I've learned from; 1. I sold a pair of running shoes I bought at GW in the women's section. Turns out they were mens & the customer was home too late to return, 2. I didn't realize in my very first week about offers and turned down one on a pair of jeans for $128. They are still in my closet. I make & take lots of offers now! 😊💲👍
I've definitely made the mistake of picking up items because it was cute and not checking comps. I sold a highly coveted Betsy Johnson bag for $30 it sold within the hour. I later on checked comps and it was sell for $100+😫😫😫
What a great video for this weekend! My newest worst mistake was today (but not on Poshmark). I sold an item I'd been trying to get rid of for two years, count them, 2. YAY! But when I went to package the item for shipping (I'd already let the buyer know it was going out today!), I couldn't find it! Misplaced inventory is no Bueno! Time to revamp my system and storage process amid the anxiety attacks.
Jeez, yes. I thought quite a few items, and at least a fifth of the things that I have purchased, turn up to be ‘not in their inventory, anymore’ (‘daughter stole it’, ‘gave it to a neighbour’, ‘can’t find it’, ‘dog ate it’… ‘Gave it to Goodwill last week’, etc.) I don’t ever show my frustration with the seller, (‘stuff’ happens lol) 🤷🏼♀but the frustration is still definitely there… My biggest fear, is that I’m going to be making the same ‘mistakes’, if I don’t get this inventory-thing right 🥺
I actually had to remove two items from my closet recently because I thought to look for them and they were there 😬. I was like let me delete these real quick before that happens 😅
Hello Mogi Beth! Could you please make a detailed video on mistake #4 (accepting offers)? It’s a never ending struggle whether to accept that borderline low ball offer or wait out for few months to get a little bit more. Thank you!
I love this video. It is sober-minded about the social-activity-related BS fed to us by Poshmark. I noticed pretty much immediately that the social aspect of the app does not translate into sales because there is no cross-over from the seller community to the buyer community.
Thanks for the advice! My goal is to sell at least one item a week and I'm usually just selling things I no longer want, haven't worn, or think someone else can use. Trying to gain more visibility is my biggest road bump.
I have to say every time I follow people that have the designer I am listing on their closet I get sales. If you think they possible are selling from their own closet and enjoy that particular designer.
I'm a new reseller my biggest struggle is knowing the brand logo or the brand at all. Buying cheap inventory. I'm learning step by step. Now I'm always checking comps. I don't mind getting few items on one trip to the thrift store. Happy PoshAnniversry. I'm learning a lot from your videos. Thank you
I struggle with checking comps , I do a lot of sourcing at my local flea market and I’ve personally noticed when they see me looking up items they charge more the next time they see me buying I was getting AMAZING PIECES for 1-3 dollars after they saw me looking items up on my phone they stared raising their prices to 5-6 dollars per piece on any items I would pick up 🤷♀️.
I’ve been buying and selling on eBay for 21 years. PM seems too tedious in comparison in terms of the social aspects. I’ve had the worst luck with PM sellers. I received the wrong item once. Seller sent me a label to ship to the person it was meant for and vice versa for the other person. Problem was, they were her original labels and the tracking wasn’t valid, not to mention illegally reusing them. A couple other buyers never shipped items I purchased. A couple of times I’ve asked for a measurement and did not receive a response. After around five bad experiences out of twelve Poshmark transactions, I was done. Poshmark does seem to hold the buyers accountable.
Mistake #1 is thinking Poshmark is a small business opportunity. whatever annual income over $600, a third of that you will owe to the government as a 1099 worker. Basically it's a video game app, the more people use it the richer the creators become because that raises the value of the app
Thank you so much! I am going to start reselling while I get my paperwork including the Business plan completed to open my first thrift boutique! I am so excited!!! Thank you again for your info!! So helpful!
Great video!! I’ve been on PM for just over 2 years, sold over 2K items and maintain a 5 star review but I’ve certainly made some mistakes. I’ve sold 2 items that I couldn’t find and missed a couple stains. I’m super anxious, check and re-check things. I’ve learned a lot from your videos!! Thanks for being so honest and informative.
I’ve been a thrift shopper ever since I was 12 years old. I can say I’m a professional thrifter . Even though I have years of experience thrift shopping I still make mistakes. It’s going to happen. Rushing when making purchases can lead to overlooking flaws. Take your time. Look at your items thoroughly. And as pointed out check brands and comps. 👍🏽
I started out not caring about all the parties and followings because that's not why I chose to sell on Poshmark. I chose to sell my products only. If you see a product of mine and you like and want it then buy it. SIMPLE the seller is happy and so is the buyer. NEXT! Keep it simple it doesn't have to be complicated.
Thank GOD for this video. I have been sharing to the same people for 3 days and was about to dump Poshmark after only 2 weeks. I felt like I was getting sucked into an MLM. I just stopped the social stuff...like right this second.
Thank you for this! I thought I was being rude not liking and following back. I was feeling like I was wrong for just wanting to list items to sell and not be social.
Thank you! I am very new! Not sure if I'm gonna make a business out of this but I've already made an mistake. Had an offer and didn't except it and now a month later I still have it even after I've went down to the buyer's asking price. Right now I have no clue on brands just trying to clear my closet. Basically, I'm happy with almost any amount because I would have given it away free to the goodwill! Lol,
This had me smiling because I've just about made most of the mistakes you mentioned. My biggest and worst would have to be finding a surprise just when I'm about to ship the item. I get the HOW THE HECK DID I MISS THAT feeling. Thank you for the content you continue to share
Biggest mistakes? I feel like I've made so many! Definitely two of the biggest relate to your #3. I have definitely purchased things to resell with my starry-eyed optimism, just blinded by the label and not checking comps only to sit on them forever. Also, and related, losing money on items because I paid too much for them to begin with and then get the feeling they'll never sell and so take an offer that will net me a loss. Ugh.
Please do the negotiation video I do have Poshmark I am not selling yet I'm getting information on how to start my closet by watching your videos and some others and the negotiation would be great and I know that I'm going to have to learn by trial-and-error but I'm trying to get as much information as I can I'm going to first start with stuff that I have I have a lot of things that are mine plus things that have been given to me
It’s such a relief to see this. I was reading a book that said share! follow! Be social! I’m an older posher and pretty adept at social media but this advice had me scratching my head. Thank you!
Thank you for this video. I am brand new just started gathering items and making inventory spread sheet. I have not a clue what I am doing but I figure everyone has to start somewhere. :)
2 of my mistakes were finding a pair of white isabel marant pants that I tried to Bleach a stain out of and ruined! Also, left behind a pair of brand new freebirds that I didn't think was anything special until coming home to learn they were worth over $100 🤦♀️ You live & you learn especially with being a reseller.
Thinking that I'm actually going to make a repair to an item or get that darn stain out. Never happens. Not even sewing on a button. I still find myself tempted though, which is crazy considering my track record!
My daughter gave me a pair of white Rafaella slacks she no longer wanted. Not a super pricey reselling brand but good pants. They had a couple of small stains on one hip. I washed three times with Shout and Oxyclean. They are going in the donation bag. 😄
OMGosh I’ve made those mistakes too! I need to learn to not feel so bad about mistakes as long as I do. But you’re right, they make us better resellers and that’s the silver lining. Well, I’ll share a mistake I made, literally, a few minutes ago. A case was just opened against me. Why? I sold a beautiful brand new, in box, pair of boots. The problem was there were two left boots in the box! I should have taken each boot out to fully inspect each. The reason I didn’t was because they were wrapped individually in plastic and tissue by the manufacturer. They looked so nice and not wanting to disturb the presentation I only removed one boot in order to photograph it. My intention was to keep them as pristine as possible. The poor buyer was so disappointed and I feel awful, but, lesson learned for sure. Wish I could turn my disappointed buyer’s feelings around. Yup, will feel bad awhile longer, then I’ll move FORWARD. Thanks 🙏 so much for keeping it really, Mogi 💕
💗💗💗 yes! We all make mistakes! Omg I could totally see myself doing the exact same thing! I have purchased brand new shoes that were two different sizes without knowing it. Retail arbitrage comes with a whole host of potential mistakes!
Thinking unique vintage items would catch buyers interest. Unfortunately really haven’t found this to be the case… but I still feel so so compelled to save them from the thrift stores!
My first sale on Poshmark was from a vintage 80's Karen Alexander dress, sold in 30 mins of me listing it for 250.00 :) I love vintage clothing and that was going to be my focus on poshmark but I'm going to be doing this full time for a while and I think I need to rethink my strategy.
My biggest mistake is not watching/checking sell through rate. I look at average selling price and think the item is doable only to learn 3/4 of the same or very similar items don't sell at all. The margin doesn't matter if it never sells.
I am a very new reseller and very confused with Poshmark closet clear out After dropping prices for quick sale - if item didn’t sale and closet clear out time is over . Do I get my item to the price I had before?? If yes! How do I find the previous posted price if I don’t remember the price?
One of my mistakes was I gave a 20 percent discount to get rid of something I should not have bought and accidentally hit free shipping. After fees and my cost I was a negative $1.60😂. Thank goodness that was all it was! My Lesson slow down and pay attention. I appreciate all your info and always look forward to your post! Thank you!❤
I have made those same mistakes. But, am really learning a lot from you. Would love to see a video on the art of negotiation on Poshmark. Thank you, Mogi Beth.
Thanks for this video! Really great info to stay on track. I just started selling on Poshmark part time and have all 5 star ratings on the sales that I made. (And of course my goal is to keep it that way :) I’ve been selling brand new shoes that have been selling steady and I normally accept the offers I get. I’m looking forward to expanding soon to include more apparel. My selection is super small right now so I will have to build up inventory.
As a beginner with a house full of stuff to sell do you have any tips as to what to fool with & what to pass on? I'm an over- everything-er & I've gotten overwhelmed. Do I mend? If so when? What's too old regardless of condition? Things like that
Messed up my first live by forgetting to select the silent auction button. Had people viewing that were staring at my carpet and I couldn't figure out how to get an item started for auction. 🤦♀️... got out, started over and only had 1 viewer the whole time. No sales made. Learning experience!
Hi Mogi Beth! I just found your hannel and I am going to have such fun watching all the videos you have! I also just took a quick look at your Poshmark site and I have a quick question. Do you use stock photos for your listings or do you have to take all the photos yourself? If the latter, where do you get your models? Looking forward to learning so much from you!
Thank you for clarifying your sales in this video. I appreciated your recent newsletter; very well done and I agree with your insight into the social aspect here and in your most recent newsletter!
@@MogiBeth Your newsletters are very well done and I look forward to them. I appreciate that you mention books (as I am in the book business) and that you are an avid reader.
I agree that I made similar mistakes. I spent too much time following and liking and sharing others closets. I also bought things that were too common and of course that drove the price down.
Great video, Mogi! Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Your bit on counter offers motivated me to accept an offer that I was debating on countering! 🤪 I would definitely appreciate more information regarding that subject. I can definitely get in my own way sometimes. Regarding the spreadsheet on your website, does it require a certain program in order to run? I have a pretty basic computer set-up. Thank you so much!
Excellent advice! Thank you so much. I was right there with you, especially at the end when you were talking about being afraid to make mistakes. I am very meticulous and a perfectionist, which can really be a setback. So as a new reseller (not Poshmark yet), I am trying to make this a good experience. I also like your advice on where to keep the focus - the moolah!
I love mistake #4. I will start to counteroffer for an additional $3 until I remember I will not go hungry today if I don't get that extra $3....Better to get the sale.
YEAH PATIENT IS THE BEST WORD, MISTAKE WILL GET IN THE WAY, BUT JUST DO BETTER EACH TIME THERE'S A MISTAKE OF SELLING ON POSHMARK...WE LIVE AND LEARN EACH DAY WITH MISTAKES IN OUR LIVES AND BUSINESS..
Yes! Please help with negotiations!! I never know how to deal with bundles (which I don’t discount automatically), but an offer that is $100 lower than what asking price is…accept? Counter?
Thank you I so need this video I have Not looked at prices for whole 18 months selling! . Yes big mistake left wth lots of stock of new my own items too . I have to clear out stock I have high rating eBay made all the mistakes yes ! Lol thanks again I really need your video to make the change let them go at cheaper prices yes survive the process and enjoy it ! 👋
So true about checking comps while shopping! What I thought had a great resale value was proven wrong once I checked. It was a beautiful Hugo Boss jacket too! I then ran into a men's Ben Sherman jacket that had twice the resale value of the Hugo Boss. I am glad I always check now!
This is a great video! I will go through your archives and watch more. I’ve been selling about 1 1/2, but I definitely have made tons of mistakes and need lots of help!
