Poshmark Shipping: How does it work?
Poshmark is one of the most popular and mutually beneficial tools for both buyers and sellers. It’s a lucrative, often rewarding way of giving new or previously loved shoes and clothes a brand new home, and Poshmark shipping makes up a bulk of the process.
About This Guide
It’s common for new sellers and buyers to wonder, “How does Poshmark shipping work?” Fortunately, this platform is straightforward to use once you get the hang of it. In this guide, we will answer any and all pressing questions about Poshmark shipping and shipping labels so that you can be comfortable with the transit process from start to finish.
Poshmark shipping can be confusing at first because the company takes a small percentage of every sale you make. But, on the other hand, they take care of a lot of the shipping for you, and all you need to do is print the new shipping label they send you and send the item out. Once it’s shipped, you’ll receive the money from your sales.
About Poshmark
Poshmark is a well-known and highly respected marketplace with checks and balances to help buyers and sellers avoid trouble. For example, sellers must be transparent about their sales, and if the item doesn’t match the description or is flawed, the buyer can refuse payment.
Sellers are protected throughout the shipping process because Poshmark guarantees delivery if you use their shipping labels for each purchase. In addition, Poshmark’s professionalism and ease of use make using the system a joy, where sellers can make a little extra cash and buyers can find items of their dreams.
Now, let’s learn how to maximize the process and make the most out of your Poshmark experience. Every successful Poshmark purchase will enable you to make more sales or even bundle some of your items together. In addition, most people who’ve used platforms like Etsy or eBay find Poshmark to be a considerable upgrade in terms of sales, priority mail shipping, and accessing reduced shipping rates for bulk Poshmark sales.
What we will cover
- How Does Shipping Work on Poshmark?
- Why Is Poshmark Shipping So Expensive?
- What Is the Best Way To Ship Poshmark?
- Does Poshmark Handle Shipping?
- Personal Touches Count
- Step-by-Step Guide for Successful Shipping
- Make Your Products More Attractive on Poshmark
How Does Shipping Work on Poshmark?
After selling an item from your Poshmark account, the company sends you a new shipping label. This shipping label is already paid for, addressed to the recipient, and is suitable for guaranteed certified USPS Priority Mail.
You can adjust the shipping label settings or get an upgraded label if you go to your account settings. You can also add additional shipping label options, like a heavier weight label or an upgraded shipping label there.
Although the company can’t force you to use this shipping label, it highly recommends that you do so because Poshmark will track your package for you.
This tracking means that if your shipping package is somehow lost or stolen, Poshmark will ensure that you get your money back in full. This perk makes it an ideal and safe way for people to sell new or gently used goods. There is a guarantee for both the buyer and the seller.
It’s important to remember that it’s up to you to determine the correct weight of your package. If you need a heavier weight label, you have to take care of it before shipping it out. The postal service will not deliver boxes whose total weight exceeds the shipping label.
If you have any questions regarding whether or not your shipping label covers the cost of your package, visit your local post office to double-check. If you need a new shipping label or packages, you can take care of it right there.
Why Is Poshmark Shipping So Expensive?
Since the company takes a cut of your Poshmark sales, it can seem like Poshmark shipping is a little more expensive. Although buyers do lose a little bit upfront, it’s generally worth it because Poshmark ensures that your item will be delivered, or they will refund you the total amount.
There are a few ways that you can lower your Poshmark shipping costs. Currently, Poshmark has an initiative where they only charge $4.99 on orders that are at least $25.
So, buyers who purchase larger items or buy in bulk can cut back on their shipping costs. Sellers can certainly communicate this to their customers. You can even put it in your profile if you go to your account.
Poshmark also takes care of a lot of the administrative features for their buyers, which is another reason why Poshmark shipping can seem more expensive.
For example, they process all credit cards for free, handle your sales tax, track your orders, and put together your shipping labels for you. All that the sellers need to do is print the shipping label and put it on their USPS boxes for USPS priority mail. Then, Poshmark calculates the priority mail flat rate and priority mail regional rate for you.
Getting Less Expensive Shipping on Your Poshmark Order
There are a few ways that you can cut back on shipping expenses. The first one is to sell items that are over $25 each. Your shipping costs are reduced to $4.99 when you do this.
Additionally, you can look out for ongoing promotions and deals. Occasionally, Poshmark gives sellers a break on their shipping during certain times of the year. Keep your eyes peeled for deals, and you can undoubtedly shave a little off your shipping costs.
Offering Free Shipping
Sellers can also offer free shipping, although the shipping does come out of their end when they do this. If you’re a seller who has a loyal customer base or who wants to move a specific piece of inventory, it might be in your best interest to do this.
Although you will have to eat the shipping costs, you will gain a good reputation and might even get some more loyal fans. You can go to the shipping label settings in your account to set this system up and get your upgraded shipping label.
Also read: Poshmark Virtual Assistants that can help with shipping
What Is the Best Way to Ship Poshmark?
The absolute best, and safest way, to ship Poshmark is to simply use their provided USPS prepaid shipping label on a box that conforms to USPS guidelines.
Don’t try to overstuff your shipping boxes or exceed the maximum size of the USPS boxes. You might be liable for additional charges as a Poshmark seller if you do. Instead, go to your account to check on the specifics.
You can use sturdy, priority mailboxes for larger items or mass orders or smaller padded envelopes for smaller or less breakable items that you’ve sold.
The seller is responsible for providing proper packaging. If the item is broken in transport because you used an insufficient package, the seller will not be refunded for the item itself or the shipping fee. Making sure that you’re using the correct shipping boxes can save you headaches in the long run.
Packaging Products for Safe Transport
The seller is mainly responsible for getting their package to the buyer safe and sound. Although Poshmark takes care of the shipping label and shipping fee, a significant aspect of Poshmark shipping is determining which envelopes or shipping boxes are best.
Often, you can use free boxes that you find around your house rather than pay for good packaging or express mailboxes at the post office. Use your best discretion regarding what needs to be shipped to determine what to use. Remember, for more extensive or bulkier items, you might need a heavier weight label.
If you’re shipping softer items like sweatpants, shirts, or sweaters, you can use a large padded envelope. It won’t matter if these items get buried under bigger boxes. It’s unlikely that they’ll be damaged during transport and are much easier to ship in the long run.
Choose a waterproof envelope rather than a large paper one, even though the price might be a bit higher. It’s better to upgrade rather than risk losing future sales because your items are damaged.
If you have something larger or more fragile, you will need to upgrade to a proper USPS box. Make sure that your USPS box of choice is sturdy cardboard, and consider wrapping it in tape or getting a waterproof box if you live in a snowy or very wet climate. This will help ensure that your Poshmark sales arrive safely.
When in doubt, it pays to err on the side of caution and use a larger box, especially when you’re dealing with fragile items. It’s better to spend a little extra money than have a disappointed buyer. Not only does the seller stand to lose the cost of the sale, but their reputation might also be damaged.
Does Poshmark Handle Shipping?
Poshmark builds the price of their shipping into the item’s cost. The buyer pays for shipping at a flat fee which varies depending on the size of the purchase. Generally, all items arrive within one to three days of the seller’s sending.
Occasionally, there are delays in shipping around the holidays and hectic times of the year. Sellers should anticipate these delays and let their buyers know that they might have to wait for a few extra days for their packages. Often, managing expectations is the key to ensuring that both buyers and sellers have a positive and transparent relationship.
Personal Touches Count
Poshmark can be a very lucrative business, but it’s also a bit competitive. As a result, many sellers offer the same or similar types of products. As such, personal touches count, especially when it comes to Poshmark shipping.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with sending your goods in plain packages, but buyers are likely to remember packaging that genuinely stands out.
Say Thank You
A small, informal, cute little card expressing your thanks can go a long way towards winning loyal customers. Thank You cards are great for new customers who place larger orders and customers who keep coming back to you. Some sellers send out Thank You cards for every sale.
You can also send out Holiday Cards if you want. A slight personal touch in the form of a handwritten card goes a long way to establishing you as the sort of person who buyers wish to patronize.
Decorative Paper
Get a little festive and crafty. Decorative paper tends to be reasonably inexpensive, and it goes a long way towards making a good impression. However, be careful with dark-colored paper, especially tissue paper, on lighter clothes or accessories. It’s best to wrap the item first, then nest it in the tissue paper within your box or envelope to avoid stains.
Present It Like a Present
If you have a little extra time and are craft-inclined, consider presenting your item as a gift. You can dress it up in a cute gift bag or even wrap it like a beautiful present, complete with a gift tag and box. Remember, the idea is to stand out from the pack, so the glitzier and more attractive you are, the better your buyer is likely to feel.
Although it’s unnecessary, some sellers have a theme or style when wrapping up their items. Whether it’s a specific color combination, aesthetic, or another calling card, it’s not a bad idea to come up with something that can positively identify you.
Ultimately, the effort you put in is likely to come back to you in the form of increased sales and visibility on Poshmark.
Step-by-Step Guide for Successful Shipping
Once you’ve sold your item, it’s time to ship it. The first thing that you should do is look for Poshmark’s pre-addressed generated label. This label will have your buyer’s address on it and be sent to the email account that Poshmark has on file for you. Remember to check your spam and promotions folder if you can’t find the label in your regular inbox.
Once you have the label, print it out and put it on your package of choice. It’s a good idea to do this before stuffing your package to ensure that the label is straight and totally legible. You don’t need to include any additional postage, as Poshmark shipping consists of the total cost of your label.
Make sure that your box or envelope conforms to USPS standards and that the label is fully visible. If you live in a snowier or wet climate, consider getting a waterproof box or envelope to avoid accidental weather damage. If your package fits into a regular mailbox, feel free to drop it there. Otherwise, you can always go to your local post office for shipping.
That’s it! Overall, Poshmark makes the process exceptionally easy for virtually anyone to do. It’s one of the reasons why this platform is becoming more and more popular by the day.
Also read: 5 Poshmark Scams To Look Out For
Things to Look for Before Shipping
Now that you understand how Poshmark shipping works, it’s time to talk about preparing your items for your buyer. Since Poshmark is largely reputation-based, your buyer must get exactly what they paid for. It’s also better to underpromise and overdeliver on your items.
If you are selling previously worn garments, make sure that they are crisp, clean, and blemish-free. It’s a good idea to take more expensive items to your dry cleaners. Look for any stains or imperfections before selling any item.
If you are selling something with a flaw, be upfront about it, and give your buyers a discount. It’s far better to do this than to hope something flies under the radar.
Run a lint brush over your clothing, especially your sweaters, and remove any pills. Look for pills along seams, under the arms of sweaters, and in areas where the material gets rubbed a lot. Give your clothes a good once-over and make them as presentable as possible. This will go a long way to ensuring that you have satisfied buyers.
Finally, double-check the address on your label, especially if you’re selling multiple items. It’s easy to do everything right and then ship your goods to the wrong person. Double-checking the label can save you a lot of time and headaches in the long run.
Make Your Products More Attractive on Poshmark
Poshmark can be a massive goldmine for both buyers and sellers. If you’re a seller who has a good eye for fashion and trends, you can have a lucrative side business turning around inventory on the platform. Since Poshmark shipping is all taken care of for you, it’s an easy way to make a little extra money without having to commit to a significant learning curve.
There are a few ways to make your products more attractive on Poshmark. Whether they’re new or previously loved, you will get more traction if you do the following things.
Be Consistent
There’s a great chance that your buyers are on Poshmark all of the time looking for good deals. If you specialize in a specific type of product or style, make sure that you are consistently posting your products.
Consistency will allow you to be top-of-mind for potential buyers and grow your fanbase early on. Share pictures of your closet, items for sale, or set up a Posh Party.
Sell Your Own Items
Although you can use Poshmark to sell new or gently used items, most sellers start by selling their own things. It’s perfectly acceptable to do this as long as your items are clean and only gently used.
Also, there’s a good chance that you have a specific style in your wardrobe that will appeal to people searching for particular fashion trends.
Although you can certainly sell any items you want, it’s a good idea to focus on great brands that are globally popular.
Uncluttered Pictures
Don’t make your buyer guess what you’re selling. When you photograph your items, make sure that they’re the only thing in the frame, set against a clean background. Use your own images. Stock images might look nice, but they don’t give your buyers any solid idea of what you’re selling. Instead, take honest pictures of what you have to offer.
Make sure that your lighting is bright but not too harsh, and try to focus on any pertinent details of your pieces.
Give Buyers the Facts
Give your buyers everything that they need to make an informed purchase. Make sure that the brand and size are both visible. Although it’s not totally necessary, it is nice to tell potential buyers if something runs a little large or small. Even if it’s obvious, still list the color.
Make sure that you note if the item is new or used, what kind of material it is, and how it’s supposed to fit. As a general rule, the more detail you give, the better off you will be.
Wrapping Up
Poshmark is a great marketplace to buy and sell new or gently used items. If you’re a fashionista, you can find a great deal on Poshmark. It’s also a good place for buyers to make money on things they no longer want. Understanding how to use Poshmark and the details of Poshmark shipping can help you go a long way in having great success on the platform.
What tips do you have for Poshmark shipping? Let us know in the comments below!