Is Poshmark Legit? What You Need to Know Before Buying or Selling

You might have come across the name Poshmark on social media or forums and felt tempted to buy or sell there. But, when dealing with a new shopping platform, most people worry about the risk of being scammed. So, is Poshmark legit? Is it safe to trade on Poshmark?

Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll explore Poshmark’s legitimacy, common scams for both sellers and buyers, and how to avoid them. Let’s dive in!

What is Poshmark?

Poshmark, which started in 2011 in the U.S., was originally a clothing marketplace but has since expanded to include cosmetics, furniture, and more. Today, it has over 80 million users and more than 200 million listings.

One of Poshmark’s standout features is its community. Users can share their products and connect with others through likes and shares, making the shopping experience more interactive and fun.

The process on Poshmark is pretty simple. Sellers upload their products with photos, descriptions, and prices, then share them with the Poshmark community. When a buyer likes something and makes a purchase, the payment stays with Poshmark until the item is delivered and accepted by the buyer. Once the buyer confirms, the seller gets paid.

Is Poshmark legit?

Poshmark has received some criticism online, with some questioning its legitimacy. So, is Poshmark legit? Let’s look at five key points to answer this.

1. High Reputation and Reliability

Founded in 2011, Poshmark has been operating for over a decade. It boasts a large and stable user base, which speaks to its credibility. In 2021, Poshmark became a publicly traded company, meaning it must comply with strict regulations, and its financial health is more transparent. Furthermore, Poshmark has formed partnerships with several reputable brands and retailers, adding to its trustworthiness.

2. Secure Payment Methods

The payment method is a crucial factor in determining the legitimacy of a website. Some platforms may lack proper security, putting both buyers and sellers at risk. Poshmark accepts the following payment methods:

• Credit or Debit Cards (American Express, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa)
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• PayPal
• Affirm 
• Venmo

These payment methods are commonly used on other e-commerce platforms, and they come with built-in security features like two-factor authentication, encryption, and fraud detection. A secure payment gateway ensures that your personal information and funds are safe. If fraud occurs, evidence can be provided, and the bank will assist you in getting a refund.

3. Posh Protect

Poshmark has a program called “Posh Protect”, which ensures that most items can be returned for a refund under certain conditions. Here is the return policy:

Buyers have 3 days to submit a return request after receiving the package. To be eligible, they’ll need to provide proof, like pictures. If the request isn’t submitted in time, the money goes straight to the seller. If the request is approved, the buyer has 5 days to ship the item back.

When Returns Are Allowed:

• The item is fake
• There are undisclosed damages
• You receive an incorrect item
• The item doesn’t match the description

When Returns Are Not Allowed:

• You change your mind
• The item doesn’t fit

If there’s a disagreement between the buyer and seller, Poshmark will step in to help sort things out fairly.

Note: Poshmark doesn’t offer protection for transactions done outside of the platform.

4. Posh Authenticate

For items valued at $500 or more, Poshmark provides a free authentication service. Here’s how it works:

1. The item is shipped to Poshmark HQ where luxury experts inspect the item for authenticity.
2. They check for things like logos, tags, materials, hardware, and overall quality.
3. If the item passes the inspection, it is then packed and sent directly to the buyer.

Poshmark also has a team that verifies suppliers and resellers. Poshmark has carefully examined these verified sellers to ensure they sell authentic products. So, if you purchase an item from a verified supplier/reseller, it will be shipped directly to your home. However, this doesn’t guarantee everything. Poshmark still randomly checks products from verified sellers (select pre-authenticated items) to ensure they match the listing description.

If an item doesn’t match its listing description or is found to be fake, you’ll receive a full refund. For other issues, you can always contact Poshmark customer service.

5. Seller Protection

Poshmark doesn’t just protect buyers—it also takes steps to make sure sellers are treated fairly. Here’s how it works:

1. Prepaid Shipping Labels:
   When a seller gets an order, Poshmark provides a prepaid USPS shipping label. As soon as the package is scanned by USPS, both the buyer and the seller get notified.
2. Lost or Damaged Packages:
   If something happens to the package during transit—like getting lost or damaged—Poshmark covers the cost. Sellers don’t have to worry about losing money in these situations.
3. Releasing Earnings:
   Once the buyer gets the item and accepts it, Poshmark releases the payment to the seller. Sellers can transfer their earnings through direct deposit without hassle.
4. Refund Requests:
   If a buyer wants a refund, they have to provide clear photos as proof. Poshmark carefully reviews the case to decide if the refund meets their policy. They won’t approve refunds that don’t follow the rules, which protects sellers from unfair refund claims.

Common Poshmark Scams

Although Poshmark is a legit platform, like any other shopping site, there’s no guarantee that every buyer and seller is trustworthy. Scams do exist. Below are some common Poshmark scams for both buyers and sellers.

For Buyers

Fake products scam

The photos posted by sellers on Poshmark may look real, and the product descriptions may seem enticing. However, these photos could be stolen, and when the buyer opens the package, they might find low-quality counterfeit items. While Poshmark has an authentication process, which reduces the likelihood of this type of scam, it can still happen. Fortunately, Poshmark offers refunds if you find that the item is not as described.

Off-Poshmark transaction scam

An off-Poshmark transaction scam happens when a seller asks the buyer to pay outside the Poshmark platform instead of paying through Poshmark. The seller might claim that they could offer a discount. If the buyer goes through with it and the transaction turns out to be a scam, the seller may cancel the Poshmark order. Poshmark does not protect off-platform transactions, so the buyer won’t get their money back.

Email scam

Email scams occur when scammers impersonate Poshmark. They send emails offering “exclusive discounts” or “violation warnings” to trick buyers into clicking links or downloading attachments. This could lead to stolen personal information. These emails look real, matching Poshmark’s format, but the email address won’t be from Poshmark.com. Buyers should contact Poshmark’s customer service to confirm if the email is legitimate.

Phishing scam

Scammers fake Poshmark pages or notifications and send them through text or email. These fake messages may say “order issues” or “account problems” and contain a fraudulent link. Clicking on it leads to a fake login page. If buyers enter their info, their account is stolen. If you get such messages, check your account on the Poshmark website or app instead of clicking links.

For Sellers

Switching and refund scam

Dishonest buyers may ask for a refund, claiming the item is damaged, or doesn’t match the description. However, they may return counterfeit items or an empty box instead of the original. Without enough evidence, the platform might force the seller to refund. To avoid this, take clear photos of the item before shipping. If the returned item is wrong, contact Poshmark support immediately.

Item damage scam

Some buyers may receive an item in perfect condition but want to return it for size issues, which isn’t allowed by Poshmark’s return policy. To get around this, they may intentionally damage the item or try to get a refund without returning it. If the seller can’t prove the condition of the item, the scammer could succeed.

Malicious reviews scam

Buyers may leave false negative reviews to pressure sellers for extra refunds or compensation. If a seller faces a malicious review, they can contact Poshmark with proof to dispute it.

Tips to protect yourself from Poshmark scams

While it’s true that there are some dishonest buyers and sellers on Poshmark, you can greatly reduce your risk of being scammed by being vigilant in your dealings and doing the following:

For Buyers

1. Watch Out for Unrealistically Low Prices
   If something is priced way too low, it’s a red flag. Trust your gut—if it feels off, don’t risk it.
2. Check the Seller’s Profile
   Before buying, look at the seller’s history. Ask yourself:
   • How many items have they sold?
   • Do they have love notes or reviews?
     If a seller has no sales or reviews, it’s better to be cautious.
3. Look Closely at Photos and Descriptions
   Make sure the pictures look real and are not copied from somewhere else. You can even ask the seller for extra photos if you’re unsure.
4. Use Posh Authenticate for Expensive Items
   For luxury goods, go with Posh Authenticate. It’s hard to tell from photos alone if something is real or fake.
5. Always Pay Through Poshmark
   Stick to Poshmark’s payment system. Don’t agree to off-platform deals, even if the seller offers a discount. You won’t be protected if something goes wrong.
6. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links
   Ignore links from sellers or anything claiming to be from Poshmark that seems off. These could be phishing attempts trying to steal your info.

For Sellers

1. Keep Records of Shipping
   Take photos of the item before you ship it. This way, if a buyer claims it was damaged, you have proof of its condition.
2. Communicate Through Poshmark Only
   Don’t chat or negotiate outside the app. If something goes wrong, Poshmark can’t help you if the deal happened off-platform.

FAQ about Poshmark

1. How does Poshmark work?

Selling on Poshmark is simple. You list items with photos, descriptions, and prices. When a buyer purchases, you ship the item using a prepaid label. After they confirm it’s received, you get paid. It’s all handled safely within the platform.

2. Is Poshmark safe?

Yes, Poshmark is generally safe. They protect both buyers and sellers by handling payments and shipping through the platform. They also offer Posh Authenticate for luxury goods to ensure they’re real. Just follow the rules, and you’ll be good.

3. Is it possible to be scammed on Poshmark?

Scams can happen, but they’re easy to avoid. Buyers should never pay outside the platform, and sellers should always take pictures and track their shipments. Stick to Poshmark’s process, and you’ll stay safe.

Conclusion

Poshmark is a legit platform, and while it has its risks, it’s generally safe to use if you follow the right steps. With features like secure payments, seller protection, and a system to authenticate expensive items, it’s a solid choice for buying and selling. But like any online marketplace, you’ve got to watch out for scams. Stick to Poshmark’s payment system, check seller profiles, and always trust your gut if something seems off.

If you’re thinking about diving into selling on Poshmark, or any online platform, keeping things simple and secure is key. At Sup Dropshipping, we handle inventory management, packaging, and shipping, making it easier to launch and manage your business without the headaches. Contact us and start your dropshipping business today.