Top Tips for Selling on Poshmark in 2022, Part 3: 5 Details Buyers Need to Purchase with Confidence
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Cathy Vandewater
Cathy Vandewater
One of the best ways to turn a liker into a customer is to give them all the information they need to hit "buy now."
While it's a great practice to answer questions quickly, answering the questions with your listing in the first place is even better. Here's a quick list of information to include in your posts and how to gather it.
1. Flat Lay Measurements in Inches
Skip these at the risk of getting lots of questions about them, or just losing buyers altogether. Here are the standard measurements you should be including. Lay the item out flat and grab the following:
How to Measure Tops:
Chest/Pit to Pit: X" (Measure straight across from armpit seam to armpit seam)
Length: X" (Measure straight down from shoulder seam to bottom hem. If there's no shoulder seam or the shoulder is dropped, measure from where the shoulder should fall)
Sleeve Length: X" (Measure straight down from the top of the shoulder seam to the outside of the sleeve hem. Again, if there's no shoulder seam or the shoulder is dropped, measure from where the shoulder should fall).
How to Measure Dresses:
Chest: X"
Waist: X" (Straight across from the narrowest part of the torso)
Length: X" (Measure straight down from shoulder seam to bottom hem. If there's no shoulder seam or the shoulder is dropped, measure from where the shoulder should fall)
Sleeve Length: X"
Hip: X" (if dress is fitted). (Measure straight across from the widest part of the torso, generally around where the bum would hit).
How to Measure Jeans/Pants:
Inseam: X" (Measure from the crotch seam in the front straight down to the inside hem seam)
Rise: X" (Measure from the crotch seam straight up to the waist band).
Leg opening: X" (Measure the bottom hem straight across)
How to Measure Skirts:
Waist: X"
Length:" (Waistband to bottom hem)
2. "Core" -elations: Exact Style Names and Trend Buzzwords
Put yourself in a buyer's shoes. If you were looking for this item, how would you search for it? Maybe you have a style name in mind (like the Agolde Jamie High Rise Classic Jean), or are open to anything in the brand that's a certain size (28 Waist), color (Medium Blue Wash), and has a few fit or style details that you like, like a "straight leg" or "button fly." Including as many of these details in your title and listing description makes sure you're finding--and selling to--both groups of shoppers.
Certain information will also help a more exploratory buyer who's seeking a vibe find your items. That dress may be fuschia to you, but your trend-lover may be searching for "Barbiecore." Stay up to date so you can list that Eileen Fisher maxi dress as "Lagenlook" or "Coastal Grandmother" accordingly. Poshmark sends a "trends" email that's rife with keywords, and they also offer a daily trends recommendation. Check your account settings to turn this on:
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3. Condition Notes
EUC: Excellent used condition. Use this to describe garments with very little wear that look fresh, have vibrant color, no wear from wash, and zero flaws.
GUC: Good used condition/Gently worn condition. I use this for items with no flaws and in good condition, but have slightly lost that crisp look, as things do when they've been through the wash a few times.
Fair Used Condition: I use this for items that have some moderate visible wear, and describe what the wear is: wash wear, fading, slightly dingy white, any discolored areas.
Flaws: for any of the conditions above, be sure to note any and all issues, including but not limited to pilling, pulls/snags, spots/stains/discoloration, fading, dimpling, stretched out areas/stretched out elastic, possible shrinkage, unintentional texture, missing components (ie. a belt when the item has belt loops, or a lining), signs of alteration, etc.
4. Fit/Sizing Information
Stock photos are great for showing you how an item should look, but knowing average measurements for items like tops can be very useful for gauging how items will fit your buyer. If you have a size medium top, for example, you'd expect it to have a chest measurement of around 18.5ish inches. If you see it has a chest width of 22", it's safe to describe it as "oversized" or "relaxed fit." Likewise, if you have a sweater that's size Large but has a chest of 15", you should let your buyer know that it's possible shrunken, or that it's fitted with lots of stretch (ie. for athletic wear).
5. Precise Cut and Style Terminology
It's great to know and correctly use vocabulary around necklines, skirt lengths, rises, dress types, etc. If you ever have a type of item you're not sure how to describe, look it up! Every new item you sell is an opportunity to learn and grow. That "baggy" sleeve is actually "dolman" or "batwing," and that "straight neckline" is "boat" or "bateau." Geek out and reap the rewards of making more sales for educated buyers searching "sheath dresses and "kick flare" jeans.
Do you have any special tips or tricks for describing your items? Share below!
-Cathy @ ClosetWitch
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Cathy Vandewater
Cathy Vandewater
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