Like any young millennial, I'm always looking for ways to make some extra cash to support my over-priced latte addiction.  I'm well aware that the roughly $30+ a week I would save by skipping my 3 o’clock pick-me-up could be going towards more important things (like saving for my education), but I have tried and I have failed.  If only I got "A’s" for effort in the real world.  Miraculously, everything changed when a friend of mine suggested I download the Poshmark app.

Transitioning from high school to college means a lot of things, but perhaps the most important is learning the value of downsizing.  With Poshmark, I'm able to make extra cash by selling the things I no longer need or want.  Moving from the treacherous winters in the North down to the 'winters' of the South meant I no longer had need for a heavy down coat in every color or a ridiculous number of Ugg boots.  And lets face it - dorm rooms are tiny.  With Poshmark, I'm able to downsize my closet while increasing my wallet.  Plus, shopping on Poshmark has allowed me to stock up on warm weather clothing for less.  I've scored designer shorts WITH TAGS for nearly 80% off.  And yes, with the money I've saved I have justified my over-priced lattes.

With Poshmark, I'm able to downsize my closet while increasing my wallet.

Hopefully you're intrigued by Poshmark and itchin' to learn more about this fabulous gift from the wardrobe gods.  Ready to get down to the basics?

What is Poshmark?

Take the photo sharing capabilities of Instagram, combine it with the ‘timeline’ on Twitter, and throw in the buy/sell features of e-Bay.  Poshmark is where second-hand shopping and social media come together to help you create a little (or a lot of) extra cash.

How does it work?

It's as simple as it sounds.  Simply download the application from the App Store (available for both Android and iOS users) and create an account.  Once you launch the app, there will be a camera shaped button at the bottom that reads 'Sell'.  Take up to four pictures of the item you wish to sell, categorize, describe, and price the said item.  Then watch the cash flow on in.  It really is as simple as it sounds.

What are the fees for selling?

Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95 for all sales under $15.  If the sale is $15 or more, you keep 80% of the sale and Poshmark takes a commission of 20%.

What if I don't like the item?

All sales are final, unfortunately.  However, if you receive an item that was inaccurately described within the listing or if the wrong item is sent, you, the buyer, can report your problem to Poshmark within three days of delivery.  If the return is verified, they will assist you in returning the item to the seller and receiving your full refund.

What are Posh Parties?

Think of gathering a large group where some people bring a specific item from their closet to sell - like their favorite Little Black Dress - and other people bring their wallets to shop.  Posh Parties are virtual shopping events where users come together to shop, share, and sell clothing and accessories from their closets.  Poshmark hosts three parties per day with themes varying from designer couture (like Louis Vuitton and Chanel) to themes such as 'Best in Outerwear, Sweaters, and More' and 'Rule Breaking Style Parties.'  Individual users are allowed to host parties of their own.

Who pays for shipping?

The buyer pays for shipping - which is set at a standard price of $4.99 up to 5 pounds.  Once a sale is made, Poshmark will email you a prepaid shipping label.  Simply print it off and tape it to a Priority Mail box, available for free at your local post office.

Where second-hand shopping and social media come together to help you create a little (or a lot of) extra cash.

So are you ready to download the app?  If so, here are my tips for selling on Poshmark:

Be specific

It's important to have good lighting and a solid background to ensure your pictures accurately display the product you're selling.  Be sure to include a picture of the logo, the tag (if applicable), and any specific detailing you would like to show off.  Some users take pictures of themselves wearing the clothes, others put their items on mannequins.  Since the majority of what I'm selling is either too small for me or an accessory, I hang my shirts and jackets on the back of my bathroom door.  As for the accessories, I use a white foam board as my backdrop.

Be polite

People are going to lowball you and people are going to not accept your offers.  Lets face it - the majority of Poshmark users are compulsive shoppers trying to clean out their closets and wind up spending all of the money they made selling clothes on new clothes (ME ME ME ME! #Guilty).  Try your best to refrain from participating in an argument, it's not worth it.

Be alert

I'm one of those people who refuses to have notifications turned on for my social media apps, but I quickly learned Poshmark has to be an exception to the rule.  You only have 24 hours to counter, decline, or accept a bid on an item in your closet.  Having your notifications turned on literally has the capability to make or break a sale.

Be present

Posh Parties are always happening.  RSVP to them, attend them, share the items in your closet through them.  This will increase your odds of making a sale and help your follower count grow.  It also does not hurt to leave comments, share, and like items from other users closets.  By doing so you will be creating new relationships with other users - aka, improving your chances of making a sale.

Be considerate

My very first sale on Poshmark, I put the shirt in a box, slapped on the pre-paid shipping label, and sent it on its way.  I received my first and only three-star rating.  Take a few extra minutes to wrap the item in some pretty tissue paper and include a handwritten card thanking the buyer for their purchase.  Trust me, the only thing better than making a sale is receiving a five-star rating.

It’s out with the old and in with the new cash flow on Poshmark.  Happy shopping! (And over-priced latte drinking.)

Posh Parties are virtual shopping events where users come together to shop, share, and sell.