Poshmark’s community is full of inspiring stories and we couldn’t wait to share this one with you. We recently caught up with Shawna, a.k.a. @sfconway, who has turned her closet into a booming business.
A former fashion buyer, Shawna knows style and now she’s honing her entrepreneurial skills with Poshmark. She’s gone from selling her own items to going “treasure hunting” to fill her Poshmark closet with amazing items from Free People, Alice + Olivia and more – and most items are brand new with tags! Success in selling has been life changing as she is now able to stay at home with her darling daughter and earn extra income on Poshmark.
How does she do it? Read on for how to take your selling game to the next level.
How long have you been on Poshmark and what drew you to selling your closet?
I’ve been on Poshmark for almost a year. I was about to go to a consignment store with a ton of clothes (name brand and with tags!) and then donate the rest. I decided to Google any other options for selling for myself – that wasn’t eBay – and found a few. After downloading a couple, Poshmark was the most streamlined and user friendly, and I loved the social aspect of it!
How have you used your retail buying background to become an all-star seller on Poshmark?
I have always had an eye for fashion! I treat selling stuff in my closet the same way I would buying for a store. I stay on top of trends and research price points, but above all, I help style pieces! What’s the point of buying an item if you don’t know how to wear it? Being able to communicate with women on the app is definitely what sets selling on Poshmark apart. I love hearing how a seller wore an item because it gives me styling tips, too!
You sell a lot of bundles in your closet. What’s your secret?
I give AMAZING bundle discounts – In just three months I’ve sold 438 items! My stuff goes quickly! I also have a ton of items listed and a lot of sell full outfits. I love selling complete looks! It’s such a compliment when I get tagged in a listing where a girl is showing off how much she loves her purchase. I try to maintain at least 100 items for sale in my closet. This increases your sales as well as opportunities for bundling. I also give returning customer discounts. You’ve gotta give back to the girls shopping your closet frequently! (Also, be on the look out for a sale! I have something special planned for the readers of this blog post.)
How has selling on Poshmark impacted your life? What has it allowed you to do?
I get to do what I love again! Leaving the fashion industry was a huge decision my husband and I made when I became pregnant. As much as I love working, I wanted to be home with my little one more. Now, I get the best of both worlds and I have the best buying assistant I could ever ask for. She’s a little fashionista – at 16 months she’s already picking out her own outfits!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take their Poshmark closet to the next level?
Interact! I have met so many amazing women on this app that truly want you to succeed. We share each others’ products. If someone is looking for something in my closet but I don’t have their size, I’ll tag them in someone else’s listing who does have it. You’re not losing a sale, you’re gaining a new friend! She’ll remember you and return the favor.
As for power selling, gain a following of women who trust you AND your style. You have to go out there and find your inventory! It takes time, but it pays off. Sample sales are an amazing resource! If you don’t have any near you, consignment stores are a gold mine. I call it treasure hunting. Get to know your sales girls at these stores, they can let you in on new inventory and huge sales. People get rid of a lot of good stuff that’s still brand new! It really is a full time job, but the hard work pays off.
