A Quick Guide: Buying and Selling Online

Poshmark, Plato's Closet, and Instagram... yes, Instagram!

This Spring I really went through my closet and drawers looking to get rid of the old clothes I've been sitting on and didn't purge in the past years. I'm a terrible closet keeper in that many of the items I found still had tags on them. Being in new condition but not something I could envision wearing I began to search online for ways to sell clothes. Enter Poshmark.

Poshmark

Having been on Poshmark for a few months now I've sold one dress, and have learned a few tips along the way. The mos important is to be patient. Especially when you set up a new account it takes a while for you to get followers - the more followers you have the more likely your items will show up in other shoppers' news feeds. Get more followers by liking and sharing others' posts. Accept invitations to parties and share your items there. Poshmark has helpful tips too right in the app to help new sellers.

I not only sold a dress on Poshmark, but I've also bought a cute red swing dress for track season in Saratoga:

 
When your item comes you have to go back on the app and "accept" it -- a nice way for Poshmark to ensure buyers are getting real items and not knockoffs, or things that are in poorer condition than described by the seller.

Plato's Closet/Clothes Mentor

Since some of the items in my Posh closet have been sitting a while with little or no likes, and i am still looking to get more space in my closets, I thought I'd take a few items to Plato's Closet. I've never been before but I'm glad I went. I sold two dresses and a top for $20 cash on the spot. Now I have to change their status in my Posh closet since they are sold!

Next time I go, I will be calling ahead. Every day Plato's Closet updates what it needs in the store, or what it is looking to stock. I went in July and they were starting to buy items for fall, so I will have to go back. I didn't buy anything but there were some great Michael Kors bags for $75-$100 in great condition.

Instagram and Other Bloggers

I'm not sure how it happened but I am officially following tons of fashion bloggers on Instagram. The best part is when they also have an account for their closet, and post items they are selling at great prices. How those closet accounts work varies person to person but the ones I've been following seem to just have the first person who posts "sold" or emails them their PayPal address, the items get sold.

I recently purchased a bag I've been on the hunt for since it sold out in my store. It's the Phillip Lim for Target large tote -- I am in love with it. Especially because it was only $30! On Poshmark these are selling for over $60 in used condition, and for more if they are new:

I also found the coveted Zara blanket scarf last winter through a different blogger's closet who posted its picture on Instagram. Who knew Instagram would turn into a shopping tool - amazing marketing concept but not good for my wallet. I just can't pass up a good deal :)

Happy shopping and good luck to those of you looking to clean your closet for some cash!