If you’re new to Poshmark and feel a little unsure about how it all works, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve asked yourself, “What actually happens when you sell on Poshmark? What happens when someone buys my item? How do I get paid? ”
I kept getting those common questions, and to be fair, I wanted to know what a legit sale on Poshmark looks like, too. Today, I am walking you through the full selling experience on Poshmark, step by step, so you can feel confident and avoid the Poshmark scam.
If you missed my previous article or video about me getting scammed on Poshmark as a first-time seller, check it out here. Yup. It happened. I got scammed on Poshmark, but I don’t want that to happen to you.
Let’s break it down together—from listing your item to getting paid, so you know exactly what to expect.
Before You List: Set Up Your Closet
This part is for anyone who is just starting and hasn’t even made an account on Poshmark yet, so if that isn’t you, feel free to scroll to step 1, as I know that you want to get straight to the juicy parts of what actually happens when you sell on Poshmark.
If you would like to know how to set up your closet on Poshmark, here is how you do so:
- Download the Poshmark App or visit www.poshmark.com
- Create an account (Tip: Use a friendly profile pic + bio to build trust)
- Set your location & preferences (Canada or US — Poshmark is region-specific)
Pro Tip: Add a cover photo and fill in your “About” section to make your closet feel personal and polished.
What Actually Happens When You Sell on Poshmark
Step 1: Listing Your Item
First things first—before you can sell on Posmark, you need to create a listing. This is way easier than you might think. For example, I listed something simple—a keychain—to keep things clear and straightforward for this tutorial. Here’s what I did:
Photos First:
I snapped 2-3 clear pictures using natural light with a clean, neutral background. This helps your item pop and look professional, even if it’s just a small item.
Add a Description:
Poshmark provides prompts, but I made sure to add the brand, size (if it applies), and any tiny details a buyer would need to know (like scratches or flaws).
Set a Price:
Poshmark suggests a range based on similar listings, but you’re in full control. I listed this particular keychain at $5.00 just for fun.
Once your listing is live, the key is to share it daily. Poshmark loves active users, so the more you share your item (even to your own followers), the more visibility it gets. Think of it as refreshing your post so it stays at the top.
If you want more help with how to make your descriptions. I have a copy and paste template in my Confident Seller Guide: Selling on Poshmark Without the Stress (or Scams!) – Learn More Here.
Step 2: What the Buyer Sees
Now here’s where it gets fun: let’s switch to the buyer’s perspective. Once your item is live, buyers can see:
- Your photos
- Your detailed description
- An option to “like,” comment, or make an offer
- And of course, the big Buy Now button
When they hit Buy Now, they pay Poshmark directly—not you. That’s an important detail because this is where scams often creep in.
🚨 Scam Prevention Tip for Buyers: If someone messages you asking to pay outside of the app, sends you an email, or offers you a too-good-to-be-true price, run. Fast. Always keep everything in-app or on the website. The checkout screen below is the only legit place to accept payments.
Once the purchase is made, the buyer receives:
A confirmation email: “Your Poshmark Order Confirmation”:
A follow-up email once the item ships with tracking details:
And that’s how you know it’s real.
Step 3: Your Item Sells—Now What?
🎉 Woohoo! Someone bought your item! This part is exciting, but don’t pop the confetti just yet. You’ve got a few things to do:
You’ll receive an email from Poshmark confirming the sale, like the example below:
Your sales tab will update with the buyer’s name, address, and order info.
And most importantly, Poshmark will email you a prepaid shipping label.
Yep, shipping is covered. Now it’s your job to:
- Package the item securely (I like to add a personal touch like tissue paper or a thank-you note—it helps build a great reputation)
- Print the label and stick it to the box
- Drop it off at any Canada Post or USPS drop-off point
📦 Don’t forget: Poshmark gives you a deadline to ship, so get it out within that window. You don’t want a cancellation because you waited too long.
🚨 Poshmark Scam Prevention Tip: If someone messages you or comments on your listing asking for you to email them your photos, or sends you a link. Don’t do it! It’s a scammer’s way to get your email and images so they can pretend to have bought your item. Stick to the app or site for anything relating to your listing. Only accept payments through the Poshmark site and app to stay safe.
Step 4: Tracking the Package
Once your item is scanned at the post office, the tracking kicks in automatically. You and the buyer will both see updates inside the app or website and in your email. I personally love this feature—it means less guesswork and fewer “where’s my package?” messages in your inbox. You can breathe easy knowing it’s on its way.
Step 5: Getting Paid on Poshmark
Let’s talk about the part we’re all waiting for: payment! Once your item arrives, the buyer has three days to inspect it. If all is well and they’re happy, they can manually accept the item in the app. If they don’t do anything, the system automatically releases your earnings after 3 days.
Here’s how the money breaks down:
- Items $15 or more: Poshmark takes a 20% commission
- Items under $15: Flat fee of $2.95
Deposit the money into your bank account:
- Instant Transfer
- Use PayPal
- Bank Deposit
- Or use your balance to shop on the app or website
Your Confident Seller Guide: Selling on Poshmark Without the Stress (or Scams!)
“Okay… but what do I actually do next?” This guide is your next step.
If you’re brand new or still feeling unsure, I created a Confident Seller Guide: Selling on Poshmark Without the Stress (or Scams!) to help you every step of the way. I created this 29-page go-to roadmap to confidently sell on Poshmark. This will walk you through *exactly what to do* before you list, while you list, and after you sell — without second-guessing your listings, stressing over scams, or wondering what happens after the sale.
Here’s What’s Inside:
- Pre-Listing Prep
- Creating a Listing That Sells
- After You Sell
- Getting Paid
- Bonus Goodies
Final Thoughts
We went through what actually happens when you sell on Poshmark, so is it worth it? Honestly—yes. Especially if you’re decluttering your closet or your kids’ drawers. You’re not just making space, you’re making money while doing it.
I didn’t know all this when I first started on Poshmark. That’s how I ended up getting scammed. But now that I understand the process of what happens when you sell on Poshmark, with a few simple steps and a little awareness, you can protect yourself, make some extra money, and clear out that clutter once and for all.
If you have, let me know your experience in the comments!
Related:
What’s your take? I welcome you to share yours below!
*This post contains no affiliate links. My opinions are 100% my own. For more information, see my disclosures page.*
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