Starting an online clothing resale business on platforms like Poshmark and Depop can be a lucrative venture if done strategically. These platforms cater to a growing market of consumers interested in sustainable fashion, unique styles, and affordable clothing. Below, I’ll outline the key factors behind Poshmark and Depop’s success, as well as actionable steps to build a successful resale business on these platforms.

---

Why Poshmark and Depop Are Successful

• Focus on Sustainability and Circular Fashion

Both platforms tap into the growing trend of sustainability. Consumers are more conscious of fast fashion's environmental impact and are turning to secondhand clothing to reduce waste. Poshmark and Depop position themselves as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional retail.

• Community-Driven Model


• Poshmark: Emphasizes social interaction through features like "Posh Parties," where sellers and buyers engage in themed shopping events. It fosters a sense of community and encourages repeat engagement.


• Depop: Appeals to a younger, trend-focused audience (especially Gen Z) by combining e-commerce with social media elements. Users follow sellers, like items, and interact directly, creating a personalized shopping experience.


• Ease of Use

Both platforms have user-friendly apps that make listing, buying, and selling seamless. Features like in-app shipping labels (Poshmark) and integrated payment systems (Depop via PayPal) lower the barrier to entry for new sellers.

• Targeted Demographics


• Poshmark: Targets a broader audience, including millennials and older demographics, with a focus on mid-range to designer clothing.


• Depop: Focuses on younger users (teens and 20s) who value vintage, streetwear, and unique, curated styles.


• Low-Cost Entry for Sellers

Unlike traditional e-commerce, sellers don’t need to build their own websites or handle complex logistics. Both platforms take a small commission per sale (Poshmark: $2.95 for items under $15, 20% for items over $15; Depop: 10% + PayPal fees), making it accessible for beginners.

• Trendy and Niche Appeal

Depop, in particular, thrives on niche subcultures (e.g., Y2K fashion, grunge, vintage) and allows sellers to build a personal brand. Poshmark appeals to those seeking deals on mainstream or luxury brands like Free People, Lululemon, or Michael Kors.

---

Steps to Build a Successful Clothing Resale Business on Poshmark and Depop

• Choose Your Niche


• Decide what type of clothing or aesthetic you want to sell. Specializing in a niche (e.g., vintage Levi’s, athleisure, or luxury handbags) helps you stand out and attract a loyal customer base.


• Research trending styles on each platform. On Depop, Y2K and 90s fashion dominate, while Poshmark users often seek contemporary or designer pieces.


• Source Inventory Strategically


• Thrift Stores & Garage Sales: Look for high-quality, trendy, or vintage pieces at low costs. Brands like Anthropologie, Zara, and Nike often sell well.


• Personal Wardrobe: Start with items you no longer wear to test the waters without upfront investment.


• Wholesale or Bulk Lots: Buy bundles of clothing from liquidation sales or online marketplaces like eBay to get inventory at a lower cost per item.


• Consignment: Partner with friends or family to sell their unwanted clothes for a commission.


• Optimize Listings for Visibility


• Photos: Use bright, natural lighting and clear, high-quality images (multiple angles, on a model or mannequin if possible). Depop buyers love aesthetic, curated photos; Poshmark users prefer clean, professional shots.


• Descriptions: Include key details like brand, size, condition (e.g., "worn once," "minor flaw"), and measurements. Use relevant keywords (e.g., "vintage 90s jacket" or "Lululemon leggings") for searchability.


• Titles: Keep them concise but descriptive (e.g., "Free People Boho Dress Size M"). On Depop, trendy hashtags like #Y2K or #Streetwear can boost visibility.


• Price Competitively


• Research similar listings to price your items competitively. Factor in platform fees and shipping costs (Poshmark offers free shipping for buyers; Depop charges shipping based on item weight).


• Offer discounts or bundle deals to encourage sales. On Poshmark, use the “Offer” feature to negotiate with potential buyers. On Depop, promote “bundle discounts” in your profile.


• Build Your Brand and Engage With the Community


• Poshmark: Participate in Posh Parties, share listings to your network, and follow other sellers to gain exposure. Consistently list new items to stay visible in the “Just Shared” feed.


• Depop: Curate your shop like a personal Instagram feed with a cohesive aesthetic. Engage with followers by liking and commenting on their posts. Use Instagram or TikTok to drive traffic to your Depop shop with outfit inspo or haul videos.


• Be responsive to messages and offers. Quick communication builds trust and increases the likelihood of sales.


• Leverage Cross-Platform Selling


• List items on both Poshmark and Depop to reach different audiences. Use tools like Crosslister or Vendoo to streamline multi-platform listing.


• Promote your shops on social media (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest) to drive traffic and build a following.


• Understand Platform Policies and Fees


• Familiarize yourself with each platform’s rules on prohibited items, shipping timelines (Poshmark requires shipping within 7 days), and return policies.


• Account for fees when pricing: Poshmark’s 20% fee can cut into profits on higher-priced items, while Depop’s 10% + PayPal fees may be lower but still impact margins.


• Provide Excellent Customer Service


• Ship items promptly and package them neatly (include a thank-you note or small freebie for a personal touch).


• Handle disputes professionally. Both platforms have buyer protection policies, so transparency about item condition upfront prevents issues.


• Track Trends and Restock Regularly


• Use Depop’s “Explore” page or Poshmark’s “Trends” section to see what’s popular. Stay ahead of seasonal demands (e.g., sweaters in fall, swimsuits in summer).


• Consistently add new inventory (aim for 5-10 listings per week) to keep your shop active and visible.


• Analyze and Optimize Performance


• Track which items sell quickly and at what price points. Reinvest profits into sourcing more of those styles.


• Use platform analytics (available on both Poshmark and Depop) to see views, likes, and sales data to refine your strategy.

---

Tips for Scaling Your Business

• Reinvest Profits: Use earnings to buy better inventory or upgrade presentation (e.g., better camera for photos, branded packaging).


• Hire Help: As sales grow, outsource tasks like sourcing, photography, or shipping to focus on strategy.


• Diversify Platforms: Expand to other resale sites like eBay, Mercari, or ThredUp for additional revenue streams.


• Build a Loyal Following: Offer exclusive discounts to repeat buyers or create a mailing list for restock announcements.

---

Challenges to Watch For

• Time Commitment: Listing, photographing, and shipping can be time-intensive, especially with a large inventory.


• Competition: Both platforms are saturated with sellers, so standing out requires consistent effort and unique offerings.


• Profit Margins: Fees and shipping costs can eat into profits if items are priced too low or inventory costs are high.


• Returns and Disputes: Buyers may request returns if items don’t match descriptions, so accuracy in listings is crucial.

---

Success Stories

• Poshmark: Many sellers report earning $500–$1,000+ per month as part-time “Poshers” by focusing on high-demand brands like Nike, Anthropologie, or designer items. Full-time sellers often source inventory in bulk and list 50+ items weekly, earning upwards of $5,000 monthly.


• Depop: Young entrepreneurs have built cult followings by selling curated vintage or upcycled pieces. Some top sellers earn $10,000+ per month by leveraging social media to promote their shops and collaborating with influencers.

---

Final Thoughts

Success on Poshmark and Depop comes down to curation, consistency, and community engagement. Start small by selling items from your own closet, then scale by sourcing inventory strategically and building a recognizable shop identity. Tailor your approach to each platform’s audience—mainstream and practical for Poshmark, trendy and aesthetic for Depop—and use social media to amplify your reach. With dedication, an online clothing resale business on these platforms can become a sustainable income source.

If you’d like specific advice on sourcing inventory, creating listings, or marketing your shop, let me know!

Okay, let's break down how to achieve success on Poshmark and Depop, two leading platforms in the online clothing resale market.

Understanding the Platforms: Poshmark vs. Depop

It's crucial to understand the nuances of each platform:

• Poshmark:


• Target Audience: Skews slightly older (25-55) and more focused on mainstream brands, mid-range to luxury items, and current fashion trends. Think brands like Lululemon, Free People, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and designer labels. Professional and semi-professional styles do very well. A big emphasis on "bundling" (selling multiple items together). Active community features like "Posh Parties."


• Vibe: More polished, structured, and community-oriented.


• Selling Style: Requires more consistent sharing and activity. Heavier emphasis on photoshopped and professionally lit photos.


• Fees: Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95 for all sales under $15. For sales of $15 or more, they take 20%.


• Depop:


• Target Audience: Younger (16-25), fashion-forward, and interested in vintage, streetwear, unique pieces, and indie brands. Focus on personal style, aesthetics, and individuality.


• Vibe: More edgy, creative, and visually driven. Focuses on self-expression and individual style.


• Selling Style: Photos are key, but authenticity is often valued over perfection. Trendier and more 'raw' photos do better here than on Poshmark.


• Fees: Depop takes 10% of the total transaction amount (including shipping). You'll also need to factor in PayPal fees.

Key Strategies for Success on Both Platforms

Regardless of the platform, these are fundamental principles:

1. Sourcing the Right Inventory:

• Quality Matters: Focus on items that are in excellent condition. Clean, mend (if needed), and present items as close to "like new" as possible. Be honest about any flaws.


• Know Your Audience (Platform-Specific): Research which brands and styles perform well on each platform. Look at recently sold listings and what's trending. What types of listings are constantly being purchased and are in demand?


• Strategic Sourcing:


• Your Own Closet: Start by decluttering your own wardrobe!


• Thrift Stores/Consignment Shops: Become a regular at local thrift stores and consignment shops. Learn to spot valuable items quickly. Develop relationships with staff who can alert you to new arrivals.


• Estate Sales/Garage Sales: These can be goldmines for unique vintage pieces.


• Outlet Malls: Find discounted items from popular brands.


• Wholesale (More Advanced): Consider sourcing from wholesale suppliers if you want to build a larger inventory of specific items (requires more investment and market research).


• Calculate Potential Profit: Before buying anything to resell, factor in the cost of the item, cleaning/repair, shipping supplies, platform fees, and your time. Determine if it's actually worth your effort.

2. Listing Optimization: The Key to Visibility and Sales

• High-Quality Photos:


• Lighting: Natural light is best. Avoid harsh shadows or overly bright, washed-out photos.


• Angles: Show the item from multiple angles (front, back, sides, close-ups of details).


• Background: Keep the background clean and uncluttered. A simple white wall or neutral backdrop works well.


• Modeling (Optional but Effective): Modeling the item (or using a mannequin) helps buyers visualize how it looks on.


• Edit Carefully: Use photo editing apps to adjust brightness, contrast, and color. But avoid over-editing that distorts the item's appearance.


• Consistency: Keep a consistent editing style in your store. This helps with brand recognition.


• Detailed Descriptions:


• Accuracy is Crucial: Provide accurate information about the item's brand, size, color, material, condition, and any flaws.


• Keywords: Use relevant keywords that buyers will search for. Think about:


• Brand: (e.g., "Lululemon," "Levi's," "Urban Outfitters")


• Style: (e.g., "Boho," "Vintage," "Streetwear," "Athleisure")


• Item Type: (e.g., "Dress," "Jeans," "T-Shirt," "Jacket")


• Color: (e.g., "Navy Blue," "Burgundy," "Pastel Pink")


• Size: (e.g., "Size 6," "Medium," "Oversized")


• Features: (e.g., "High-Waisted," "Ripped," "Embroidered")


• Occasion: (e.g., "Party Dress," "Work Blouse," "Casual Top")


• Measurements: Include measurements (bust, waist, length, inseam) for accurate sizing, especially for vintage items. This drastically decreases return rates.


• Storytelling (Optional): For vintage or unique items, consider adding a brief story or background to make them more appealing.


• Accurate Pricing:


• Research Comps (Comparable Items): Search for similar items that have recently sold on the platform to get an idea of the going rate.


• Condition: Factor in the condition of the item when setting your price.


• Original Retail Price: Knowing the original retail price can help you determine a fair resale price.


• Demand: If an item is highly sought after, you can price it higher.


• Be Prepared to Negotiate: Many buyers will make offers, so price your items slightly higher than what you're willing to accept.


• Consider Bundling Discounts: On Poshmark, offering discounts on bundles (multiple items purchased together) can incentivize sales.

3. Active Engagement and Promotion

• Consistency is Key: Regularly list new items, share your listings, and engage with other users.


• Poshmark-Specific Strategies:


• Share Your Listings: Share your listings to your followers and to relevant Posh Parties. Share other users' listings to gain visibility.


• Follow and Engage: Follow other users, especially those who are interested in the types of items you sell. Comment on their listings and participate in Poshmark activities.


• Posh Parties: Attend and share your listings to Posh Parties (virtual themed events) to reach a wider audience.


• Offer Discounts to Likers: When people "like" your listings, send them a private offer with a discounted price and shipping.


• Depop-Specific Strategies:


• Refresh Listings: "Bump" your listings by editing and saving them regularly. This moves them to the top of the search results.


• Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to help buyers find your items (e.g., #vintage #90sfashion #streetwear).


• Explore Page: Try to get your items featured on the Depop Explore page (curated selection of popular items). Focus on high-quality photos and trendy items.


• Engage with the Community: Follow other users, like and comment on their listings, and participate in challenges.


• Social Media Promotion: Promote your Poshmark or Depop shop on other social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest) to drive traffic and build a following. Create visually appealing content that showcases your items.

4. Shipping and Customer Service

• Fast and Reliable Shipping: Ship items promptly (within 1-3 days) and package them carefully to prevent damage.


• Use Tracking: Always provide tracking information to buyers.


• Professional Packaging: Use clean, professional packaging (e.g., poly mailers, tissue paper) to create a positive unboxing experience.


• Excellent Communication: Respond to buyer inquiries promptly and politely.


• Resolve Issues Quickly: If there are any problems with an order (e.g., damage, incorrect item), address them quickly and fairly.


• Positive Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Positive reviews build trust and attract new buyers.

5. Building a Brand and Standing Out

• Define Your Niche: Focus on a specific style or category of clothing to attract a targeted audience.


• Develop a Consistent Aesthetic: Use consistent photography styles, editing techniques, and branding to create a cohesive and recognizable shop.


• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Go above and beyond to provide a positive buying experience.


• Personalize Your Shop: Share your story, your style, and your passion for fashion.


• Stay Up-to-Date: Keep up with the latest trends and fashion news.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Misrepresenting the Condition of Items: Always be honest about any flaws.


• Using Poor-Quality Photos: Photos are crucial for attracting buyers.


• Ignoring Buyer Inquiries: Respond to buyer questions promptly and politely.


• Shipping Items Late: Ship items quickly and provide tracking information.


• Charging Excessive Shipping Fees: Be fair with your shipping costs.


• Neglecting Your Shop: Regularly list new items, share your listings, and engage with other users.


• Not Understanding the Platform's Rules: Familiarize yourself with the platform's terms of service and community guidelines.


• Giving Up Too Soon: Building a successful online resale business takes time and effort.

Tools and Resources

• Photo Editing Apps: VSCO, Snapseed, Adobe Lightroom Mobile


• Shipping Supplies: Amazon, Uline, USPS


• Reselling Communities: Online forums, Facebook groups


• Inventory Management Tools: (If you have a large inventory) Google Sheets, specialized inventory management software


• Platform Analytics: Pay attention to the analytics provided by Poshmark and Depop to track your sales, traffic, and engagement. Use this data to refine your strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• Treat it Like a Business: Success requires consistent effort, planning, and attention to detail.


• Know Your Platforms: Understand the nuances of Poshmark and Depop and tailor your strategies accordingly.


• Focus on Quality: High-quality items, photos, and customer service are essential for building a successful brand.


• Engage with the Community: Connect with other users, participate in platform activities, and build relationships.


• Adapt and Evolve: The online resale market is constantly changing, so be prepared to adapt your strategies and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of success on Poshmark and Depop and build a thriving online clothing resale business. Good luck!

Online Clothing Resale Business: Poshmark & Depop Success Guide

Platform Overview

Poshmark

• Audience: Primarily women 25-45, higher income bracket


• Best for: Designer/brand name items, professional wear, vintage pieces


• Commission: 20% on sales over $15, $2.95 flat fee under $15


• Social features: Strong community aspect, parties, following system

Depop

• Audience: Gen Z and younger millennials (16-26)


• Best for: Trendy, unique, vintage, streetwear, indie brands


• Commission: 10% + payment processing fees


• Style: Instagram-like interface, more casual/creative

Success Strategies

Photography & Presentation

• Natural lighting is crucial - shoot near windows or outdoors


• Clean, uncluttered backgrounds (white walls, bedsheets work well)


• Multiple angles: front, back, close-ups of details/flaws


• Flat lays vs. modeled: Both work, but modeled often performs better


• Consistent aesthetic across your closet builds trust

Pricing Strategy

• Research comparable sold listings (not just active ones)


• Start with competitive pricing to build reviews


• Bundle discounts to increase average order value


• Consider seasonal demand (coats in fall, swimwear in spring)

Inventory Sourcing

Personal closet: Start with items you no longer wear
Thrift stores: Focus on brand names, unique pieces
Estate sales: Often have vintage/designer items
Wholesale lots: Buy in bulk for consistent inventory
Friends/family: Offer to sell their items for a split

Optimization Tips

Poshmark Specific

• Share your items 3-4 times daily during peak hours


• Participate in Posh Parties for increased visibility


• Follow and engage with other sellers and potential buyers


• Use all 13 hashtags and relevant keywords


• Offer discounts through Closet Clear Out events

Depop Specific

• Refresh listings by editing and reposting


• Use trending hashtags but keep them relevant


• Post consistently - algorithm favors active sellers


• Engage with followers through likes and comments


• Create unique, eye-catching descriptions

Description Best Practices

• Lead with brand and size in the title


• Include measurements for accurate fit


• Describe condition honestly - mention any flaws


• Use keywords buyers search for


• Add styling suggestions or outfit ideas


• Include care instructions

Scaling Your Business

Time Management

• Batch photography sessions for efficiency


• Schedule posting during peak hours (evenings, weekends)


• Set aside time for sharing, engaging, and customer service


• Create templates for common responses

Customer Service Excellence

• Respond promptly to questions and comments


• Be professional but friendly in all communications


• Ship quickly (within 1-2 days when possible)


• Package nicely - presentation matters for reviews


• Follow up with thank you notes

Growing Your Following

• Cross-promote between platforms and social media


• Collaborate with other sellers


• Share styling content on Instagram/TikTok


• Offer excellent service to encourage positive reviews


• Stay active and engaged in the community

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Poor lighting in photos


• Unrealistic pricing compared to market rates


• Incomplete descriptions or missing measurements


• Slow response times to potential buyers


• Inconsistent posting schedule


• Ignoring platform-specific features and community aspects

Advanced Strategies

Seasonal Planning

• Stock up on seasonal items before peak demand


• Clear inventory at season's end with discounts


• Research trends for upcoming seasons

Brand Building

• Develop a signature style or niche


• Create consistent branding across platforms


• Build relationships with regular customers


• Consider starting a blog or YouTube channel for additional income

Analytics & Optimization

• Track which items sell fastest and focus on