I still vividly remember the sound. It was a distinctive "cha-ching" notification that popped up on my phone screen while I was in line at a grocery store in late 2018. I had listed a gently used J.Crew blazer three weeks prior, honestly expecting it to just collect digital dust. Instead, someone in Ohio had just paid $45 for it. That dopamine hit was immediate and frankly, a little addictive.
I wasn't a reseller then; I was just a college student trying to scrape together rent money. But that single notification changed the trajectory of my finances for the next five years. Navigating the world of resale apps can feel like learning a new language, especially when every platform claims to be the easiest way to make cash.
But Poshmark is different. It is social, it is chaotic, and it is arguably the most user-friendly entry point for anyone clearing out a closet.
Getting Started with the Poshmark App Download
If you haven't taken the plunge yet, the barrier to entry is practically non-existent. You can find the poshmark app download in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
I use an iPhone now, but I started with the poshmark app for android. I can tell you from personal testing that the experience is nearly identical on both operating systems. The developers have done a solid job of maintaining feature parity, which isn't something I can say for every selling platform out there.
Once you download it, the setup takes maybe two minutes. You connect a social account or email, choose a username (choose wisely, you can change it later but it's a hassle), and you are in.
Here's where it gets interesting. Unlike other platforms where you feel like you are entering a sterile data entry form,Poshmark drops you right into a feed that looks like Instagram. It wants you to shop immediately. But we are here to sell.
Is the Poshmark App Free? The Real Cost of Selling
A question that pops up constantly is: is poshmark app free?
Technically, yes. You don't pay a cent to download the app, create an account, or list items. You could list 1,000 items today and pay zero dollars upfront.
But—and this is a big "but"—Poshmark takes a significant cut when you actually sell.
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Sales under $15: Poshmark takes a flat fee of $2.95.
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Sales over $15: Poshmark takes 20%.
When I first started, that 20% felt like robbery. I remember selling a pair of boots for $100 and seeing only $80 hit my balance. It stung. However, over time, my opinion has shifted.
That 20% covers credit card processing fees, customer support (which is decent, not amazing), and most importantly, the prepaid shipping label system. On other apps to sell clothes, you often have to weigh your item to the ounce, calculate zones, and pray you didn't undercharge for shipping. On Poshmark, the buyer pays a flat rate (currently around $7.97),and you get a label that covers up to 5 pounds.
For me, the mental load removed by not having to own a postage scale in the beginning was worth the 20% fee.
Navigating the Interface: More Than Just Listing
The poshmark app is built around the "Cover Shot." The entire ecosystem is visual.
When you tap the "Sell" button (the little camera icon), the app walks you through a very specific flow. You take photos directly in the app or upload them from your library.
My Honest Failure: In 2019, I tried to be lazy. I took photos of clothes on my dark bedroom floor with yellow lamp lighting. I listed 20 items. Zero sold. Not one.
I learned the hard way that lighting is everything. Now, I use a ring light or natural window light, and I edit my photos slightly in Adobe Lightroom before uploading them to the app. I don't alter the colors of the item, but I brighten the background. It makes a massive difference.
The app also has features like "Stories" and "Posh Shows" (live selling). I tried hosting a Posh Show once. It was terrifying. I sat there holding up a vintage sweater to a camera while three people watched silently. I sold nothing and sweated through my shirt. While some people make thousands on live shows, I stick to standard listings. It fits my introverted style better.
Best Apps for Selling Clothes: Where Does Poshmark Stand?
If you are serious about reselling, you are probably looking at apps like poshmark or sites like poshmark to see if the grass is greener elsewhere.
I have tried almost all of them. Here is how I rank the best apps for selling clothes based on my experience moving mid-tier fashion (think Zara, Madewell, Nike).
1. Poshmark
Best for: Ease of shipping and social interaction.Downside: The 20% fee and the need to "share" listings constantly to stay visible.
2. Mercari
This is one of the most popular poshmark similar apps.Best for: Cleaning out everything (not just clothes). I sell old electronics and toys here.Downside: Returns can be tricky, and shipping is complex.
3. Depop
Best for: Vintage, Y2K, and streetwear.Downside: The audience is younger and pickier. (For a deeper dive on this competitor, check out my thoughts on Selling on Depop: A Complete Guide to see if that vibe suits you better).
4. eBay
Best for: Global reach and collectibles.Downside: The listing form is a nightmare on mobile compared to Poshmark.
Comparison: Poshmark vs. The Rest
If you are looking for the best app to sell clothes specifically, Poshmark usually wins for simplicity. If you want lowest fees, Vinted is an option, but the traffic there is much lower in the US.
Poshmark Similar Apps and Why You Need Them
Here is a secret that power sellers know: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.
I used to be Poshmark exclusive. Then, in 2020, the algorithm changed, and my sales tanked for a month. I realized I needed to be on poshmark apps competitors simultaneously.
This is called cross-listing. It sounds exhausting—copying and pasting photos and descriptions from Poshmark to Mercari and eBay.
I use Closo to automate the cross-listing process – saves me about 3 hours weekly. Instead of manually retyping "Vintage Levi's 501 Jeans" four times, I create the listing once on Poshmark, and the tool helps me push it to other platforms.
It also prevents the dreaded "double sell." (Parenthetical aside: There is nothing more embarrassing than explaining to a Poshmark buyer that you can't ship their dress because you sold it on eBay an hour ago and forgot to delete it. I’ve done it twice. Never again.)
How to Delete Poshmark Account on App
Sometimes, you just want out. Maybe the notifications are too much, or you're done selling. People often struggle to find how to delete poshmark account on app. They bury it a bit.
Here is the path I found works as of late 2024:
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Go to your "Account Tab" (bottom right).
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Scroll down to "Poshmark Support Center."
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Select "Manage Account Status."
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Tap "Delete My Account."
They will ask you for a reason and might offer you a "vacation mode" alternative. Vacation mode is actually quite useful if you are just overwhelmed. I use it every time I go on a trip so I don't have to stress about shipping deadlines.
Common Question I See: Is the Social Aspect Necessary?
People always ask me... do I really have to share other people's items?
When you read the "Poshmark etiquette," it says you should share other sellers' items to get them to share yours.
Honestly? I stopped doing that in 2021.
I realized that sharing my own listings is the only thing that drives sales. When you share your own item, it bumps it to the top of the search results and the brand feed. Sharing someone else's item just puts it in front of your followers, who probably aren't looking for that specific thing.
So, if you are time-poor, focus on your own closet. Share your items at least once a day. I do it while watching Netflix. It’s mindless tapping, but it signals to the algorithm that you are active.
People Always Ask Me: Can You Actually Make a Living?
Common question I see... is this a job or a hobby?
For me, it is a very serious side hustle. I have months where I profit $1,200 and months where I profit $200.
To make a full-time living on the poshmark app, you need volume. You need to be listing 5-10 items every single day.You need to be sourcing inventory from thrift stores, bins, or wholesale.
I know sellers who make six figures. They treat it like a warehouse operation. They have storage units, employees to photograph, and strict schedules.
If you are just selling from your own closet, treat it as "fun money." I use my Poshmark earnings to pay for vacations. It keeps the pressure off. If I don't sell anything for a week, I don't starve.
Advanced Strategies for the App
Once you master the basics, you can start optimizing.
1. The Offer to Likers (OTL)
This is a powerful feature in the app. When someone "likes" your item, you can send them a private offer.
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The Catch: You must lower the price by at least 10% AND offer discounted shipping (which comes out of your pocket).
I use this strategically on Fridays (payday). I'll go through my likes and send out offers. It usually triggers a few sales for the weekend.
2. Bundle Discounts
You can set up an automatic discount for bundles. Mine is set to "15% off 2+ items." This encourages people to shop your whole closet. It saves me on shipping supplies because I can put two shirts in one poly mailer.
3. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Yes, SEO matters inside the app. Don't just title your item "Cute Top." Title it: "Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt Grey Size Medium." Include the brand, material, style, color, and size. People search by keywords, not by "cute."
The "Poshmark Apps" Ecosystem
There are third-party apps that claim to help you sell. Some are bots that share for you.(Note: Poshmark's Terms of Service are historically strict about bots. While many big sellers use them to share their closet thousands of times a day, there is always a risk of "share jail" where your shares stop counting for a few hours. Proceed with caution.)
I prefer tools that help with organization and cross-listing rather than straight-up bot automation. It feels safer for my account longevity.
If you want to understand the financial breakdown better before you start downloading extra tools, take a look at my article on Poshmark Fees. It breaks down exactly where that money goes.
And if you are still sourcing inventory and unsure what sells, you might want to explore the concept of Cross-listing to see how different items perform on different marketplaces.
Conclusion
The poshmark app changed how I view my wardrobe. It turned my closet into a revolving door of cash. While the 20% fee is high, and the social "sharing" requirement can be tedious, the ease of use and the shipping simplicity make it the best starting point for most people.
It isn't a get-rich-quick scheme. It requires good photos, accurate descriptions, and patience. But there is still nothing quite like that "cha-ching" sound when you are having a bad day.
If you are ready to take it seriously, download the app, find a well-lit window, and list that jacket you haven't worn in two years. You might be surprised who wants it.
