Poshmark is an e-commerce platform where users can buy and sell new and pre-loved items. If you’ve spent any time selling on the app, you have likely received a comment asking if you are willing to trade on Poshmark.
In this post, we will discuss how to trade on Poshmark along with red flags to look out for before entering into a trade.
Is Trading Allowed On Poshmark?
The short answer is yes, trading is allowed on Poshmark. However, with that being said, Poshmark advises its users to trade with caution. If two sellers mutually agree to perform a trade, this transaction is completely on the honor system.
Basically, Poshmark will not provide any protection or compensation with their PoshProtect return policy if the trade transaction goes south. If the person you are trading with never ships their item, you will likely be out of luck unless you are able to sort things out with that seller.
However, many successful trade interactions occur on Poshmark each day. If you do decide to trade with another user, make sure to perform some research on their account to look for any red flags.
Trading Red Flags
A New Account
A Poshmark user that has a brand new account may be something to look out for. But first, how do you find out how long someone has been on Poshmark?
- Navigate to the listing you want to trade
- Tap on the user’s profile picture / username
- At the top, tap About
- Underneath their profile picture, it will say Posher since [insert month and year]
Additionally, you can scroll through their closet to see how many listings they have and if they have sold any items yet.
A new Poshmark user may be a red flag to look out for because a person may be creating many new accounts to find sellers to scam with a trade. If there is not a significant history on the account, the person will likely not be affected by the potential of Poshmark banning that user.
Speaking of a new account, if you are new to Poshmark it's not too late to sign up and save money on your first order with a referral code!
No Love Notes
For some odd reason Poshmark essentially hides a seller’s ratings from potential buyers. Star ratings are only viewable by the owner of the account. So as a buyer, you are unable to see a users overall ratings.
However, you are able to see love notes that are left by previous buyers. And for further clarification, buyers are only able to leave love notes when giving a 5 star rating.
Basically, this means you are unable to see the amount of 1 and 2 star reviews that a person is receiving. If you go into someone’s closet that you are wanting to trade with and you see many sold items with no love notes, this may be a red flag.
This is not something that would make me automatically count out this seller though, because many buyers do not take the extra step to type out a love note. It truly could be that this user has mostly positive ratings and the buyers have just not been giving the extra feedback.
This piece of evidence is something to take this into account with the other red flags that may appear. It's completely up to you to make a best judgment with all factors considered.
Too Good To Be True Pricing
Evaluate the pricing of the items in the users closet. If the person has designer items that are priced extremely low, proceed with caution.
While you may think you are getting a good deal, this could end up with the item not being as it says it is or not authentic. If you are evaluating an item and it seems too good to be true, listen to your gut.
Lack of Pictures
If you find an item you would like to trade for, evaluate the quality of the listing. Ensure you are able to see the item in its entirety prior to purchasing. Ask for pictures of the tag, any defects, and make sure you can see the item from all angles.
You have to especially look out for yourself in this case due to trades not being covered by Posh Protect. If the item arrives and has a stain or a hole, you may be out of luck.
How To Trade: Step By Step
If the other seller seems to check out and does not appear to have any red flags, continue reading for the step by step process of performing a trade.
Initiating A Trade On Poshmark
- Message The Seller
Ask the seller if they are open to trading.
- Pick Your Items
Once the other seller agrees, both of you find a choose your item(s).
If it is multiple items, place them in a bundle. - Price The Item Or Bundle
Lower the price of your item or bundle to $3.00.
Technically, this yields a $0.05 profit to each. This is the lowest you can price an item on Poshmark. Both parties are expected to pay the flat rate priority mail shipping cost. - Purchase Your Item
The other seller should also purchase your item, too.
- Print The Shipping Label
Ship out the item in the time frame that both of you agreed upon.
- Ship The Item
Keep in contact with the other seller informing them you have shipped.
In summary, trading on Poshmark requires calculated risk. Make sure to proceed with caution and take measures to protect yourself and your items.
Do you have experience trading on Poshmark? Share your story below!
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