If you haven't checked out Poshmark's selling guidelines, including the Prohibited Items Policy, it's something you will definitely want to do. Building an online business and then getting shut down due to a rule you aren't aware of shouldn't give you the warm fuzzys. Poshmark has a robust Help Center, so I encourage you visit and read up. For now, I'm going to cover Poshmark's no-no items by breaking down the list of prohibited items. For Poshmark's full list of no no's, read BOTH the Prohibited Items Policy and the Community Guidelines.
Don't Break The Law
This is a no-brainer, right? Not necessarily! Thinking about selling a replica? Don't represent it as authentic or you could be in violation of trademark laws. Even using terms such as "inspired by" is dangerous. Your best bet is to stay away from selling anything that's a replica or reproduction of an item produced by an entity other than the original version.
Don't Buck The System
Don't sell items that can't be mailed according to USPS regulations. Another no-brainer, right? Sure, just make sure you know what those items are. Nail polish, perfumes, and aerosols are on that list, so you'll want to avoid all of those types of items. For a full list, you can visit the USPS site, but the three mentioned are most relevant.
Stick to Fashion and (certain) Home Goods
Poshmark is a marketplace for clothing and home goods and there main items that fall outside that realm. According to the policy, Poshmark does not condone the buying or selling of electronics, cell phones, DVDs, furniture, appliances, used makeup, used underwear, any health and wellness products, non-fashion baby/kids' items, and non-vintage uniforms. There are online marketplaces where you can sell those items, Poshmark just isn't one of them.
Decision, Decisions
Chances are you will come across many listings that violate the policy. And when you do, you have a couple decisions to make. The first is whether or not to purchase. DON'T DO IT! Poshmark views the buying of prohibited items just as seriously as selling and the act can get you banned from the site. The other decision is whether or not to flag the item as prohibited. Here's the way I see it. If I can help someone not get banned, I'm going to. The approach I've taken in the past is leaving a comment on the item stating that I think the item is prohibited. This gives them the chance to educate themselves and make the correction before Poshmark gets involved. Or maybe I'll be wrong and will learn something new. :)
Here's to a long relationship with Poshmark, and time to figure it all out!
Have a question? Join the new (!) My Poshmark Life community where you can connect with others, ask questions, and get the resources you need to take your Poshmark business to the next level! Access and join the MPL Q&A Forum. For more little known tips on building a successful closet, subscribe to my blog at www.myposhmarklife.com.
Happy Poshing!
@chicbynature_
