Poshmark Canada, this month celebrates five years in Canada. Since the resale platform’s launch in 2019, it has amassed over six million Canadian users, collectively keeping more than 10 million items in circulation through the digitization of secondhand buying and selling. Earlier this year Poshmark introduced a new feature to Canada named Posh Lens. The AI-driven visual search technology allows shoppers to find desired styles with just a photo, creating a more comprehensive user experience through tech.
As the spotlight on sustainable fashion continues to shine bright, we had the opportunity to speak with Kyle and Tishon, Poshmark sellers of Deals on Style and ispy Luxury. They discuss the benefits of being able to buy and sell preloved items online, how they were able to build a steady stream of income, and new innovations.
What inspired you to start selling on Poshmark, and how has the platform impacted your business?
As small business owners we are always intrigued by new technology and evolving ways to amplify our brands. Tishon has always stayed ahead of the curve with updates within the technology world, and we heard of Poshmark through fellow creators on YouTube while researching new ways of creating additional income by utilizing tech. We learned by observing mentors such as Jack & Ryan of Flippedthrift & Ryanthriftfinds, Becky Park from BeckyPark, Joshua & Hayley of Hairytornado, and Mckenzie of McThriftzie. Their stories and experiences inspired us to give Poshmark a try.
We started Poshmark in 2021, and utilized our previous commerce and marketing skills to showcase our unique pieces. We leverage keywords in titles and provide in depth descriptions regarding condition, along with a gallery showcasing a virtually 360 view of our items. These tools increased our visibility and built buyer confidence helping us develop a professional online boutique with elevated customer service.
Poshmark has provided the tools to help us come together as a community of like minded individuals that share similar values of sustainability, diversity/inclusion and passion for fashion. We started Beta testing Poshmark’s live show feature Posh Shows at the beginning of January of 2023. We used our knowledge of merchandising and marketing to build curated showcases displaying our items in elevated ways. We create shows that are safe spaces for all and we aim for anyone who joins to feel seen and celebrated. In live time, we can answer questions,give styling advice and encourage others to step outside their comfort zones, finding unique items that express their authentic fashion voice. Empowering others has always been our biggest pillar within all of our choices in life and business.
What makes Poshmark unique from other resale platforms? Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had while selling items on Poshmark?
The community is what sets Poshmark apart from other resale platforms. Last March we held a fundraising campaign celebrating International Women’s Day, with 100% of our proceeds from the show being donated to our local women’s shelter here in Chatham Kent, Ontario. By the end of the show, the community had raised $2500 dollars and 100+ clothing and accessories items in donations. We have never experienced something like this, everyone came together, shared their stories, uplifted each other and celebrated the unity of women. The Posh family is the best part of Poshmark. The love that this community has shared with the local community of women and children that utilize the services of the shelter continue to provide assistance through the community today. We are forever grateful to be part of this incredible act of kindness.
From a buyer’s perspective, how does Posh Lens change the game for online shopping?
Posh Lens is a game changer for buyers. Now, you can simply use Posh Lens to capture an image of something that inspired you and AI instantly connects you with hundreds of similar options available from Poshers’ closets across the country.
Can you share more about the benefits of buying second hand as opposed to shopping new?
Buying secondhand is something that comes second nature to us. Both of us have always been drawn to the quality and uniqueness of vintage items. It’s exhilarating to provide a space where life can be added back into items and see them in a new light. Giving these items a second, maybe a third chance at life is not only inspiring, yet a sustainable choice for the planet. Secondhand help items to be saved from landfills, providing customers with a sustainable choice by not utilizing new resources. We always refer to minor flaws or imperfections as beauty marks and celebrate the reminder of past stories an item or garment may have.
From a seller’s perspective, what are the benefits of using Poshmark?
Some of the benefits of selling on Poshmark is that it allows everyday individuals, entrepreneurs or micro enterprises the opportunity to connect with a constantly growing audience. Within Canada alone, there is a growing community of over 6 million users. We appreciate the ease that comes with selling on Poshmark such as with Posh Lens (sellers can utilize this feature by taking a photo of an item they have and listing similar allowing for ease of posting), PoshPost (pre-paid labels allowing for an ease of shipping, QR code options for shipping without a printer), and the ability to view your sales insights with the Sellers Tools.
Being part of the pioneers of live stream selling on Poshmark, we pride ourselves on being mentors within to help and uplift the community. During our shows, we encourage viewers to connect whilst shopping, creating a personable virtual in-store/ personal shopping event. We encourage fellow community members to voice their suggestions to Poshmark Support or team for suggestions/ improvements they’d like to see as Poshmark is great at addressing opportunities to improve the user experience and make sure that the community’s voice is heard. We truly appreciate Poshmark’s adaptability when it comes to their users’ experience whether you are a buyer or a seller. Together, we are reimagining the future of shopping. We are so grateful to the community of over 100 million people that use Poshmark and want to celebrate their uniqueness through sustainability!
Can you give us a high level overview of the process from putting an item on Poshmark to sending it to a buyer?
Poshmark provides an outlined listing process that is showcased each time you make a listing. This ensures that all the key information can be provided to the customer when browsing for an item. Customers can purchase items directly from your closet at any time of the day, there is also the option to have a tray of items during a Posh Show. Once items have been purchased, we wrap the items and prepare them for shipment. Poshmark provides a prepaid shipping label that can then be generated via print or QR code if a printer is not available.
For those who want to start selling on Poshmark, what would be your biggest piece of advice?
The biggest piece of advice we can give is to have fun on the app and explore and utilize all the features available. Customers are shopping virtually and cannot physically see or touch the item. Be sure to provide the best shopping experience by supplying as much detail on the item. Being transparent about conditions and supplying all the details about an item is pivotal in building trust with your customers.
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