Is Poshmark Legit for Shoes?

Most of us are reasonably careful when we’re shopping for shoes online – We examine photos, read the product description and only use ‘legit’ sites. That’s why it can be hard to trust sites like Poshmark without having used them first hand.

But here’s the thing. A lot of consumers in the market for luxury items turn to the marketplace to find a modest price on products that would otherwise be out of budget. One of the best items you’re sure to find a steal of a price on, is shoes. The site exhibits an almost limitless amount of style across a multitude of pages. Whether you’re in the market for a pair of authentic Gucci loafers or a limited edition pair of Nike Jordans, Poshmark is a great destination. 

If you’re unsure of how to use the social marketplace safely, then read on to learn how to shop on Poshmark with total confidence. 

What is Poshmark?

If you’ve never heard of Poshmark, here’s a quick rundown.

It’s a social online marketplace that was set up in 2011. A platform for users to buy and sell new and preloved items. The one-stop-shop for fashion, accessories and homeware boasts 7.7million active monthly users. Poshmark’s website focuses on the platform being the perfect stop for ‘posh’ products.

How To Make a Good Purchase on Poshmark?

When it comes to shopping for second-hand items, it’s always good to double-check that the item is exactly what you’re looking to buy. It’s easy to fall for great product photography, to then realize you accidentally purchased a pair of $100 shoes a size too small.  

• With that being said, always check the sizing. Shoe sizes can vary from brand to brand, so don’t be afraid to ask the seller for the exact measurements. It’s always good to measure a style you already own, that is a great fit, and to go off of those dimensions.

• Ask for additional photographs. A great way to tell the true quality of a pair of shoes is by the insole and heel. If the seller only has images displaying the outershoe, always ask for images of the areas that naturally stress from wear. 

Product Authentication on Poshmark

Listing fakes or knock-offs is against Poshmark’s policy. However, as with any marketplace, a small majority of sellers do try and get away with it. The thought of putting down a considerable amount of money for any product can be scary, but more so for a luxury product that you can’t be sure is legit.

With this in mind, Poshmark offers a free authentication service on all items over $500. To put buyer’s minds at ease, these items are shipped off to Poshmark HQ for a thorough inspection before reaching their new home. 

Posh Protect

To reassure every customer who makes a purchase on the platform, Poshmark has created certain protection policies to make sure no one gets ripped off.

When you make a purchase using Poshmark, they withhold the payment from the seller until you’ve received your order as it’s been described. That means if the item never ships or has a few extra scuffs than described, you’ll receive a full refund. 

To take full advantage of the protection policy you have to disclose any damage within 3 days of receiving it. If it doesn’t fit the description, simply request a return label and ship it back at no extra cost.

Don’t worry – If you’re looking to sell on the platform, you’re also protected. With each sale made, Poshmark provides a free shipping label. As long as you use the shipping label provided, the product is tracked to ensure it reaches its final destination. 

Summary 

So, is Poshmark legit for shoes? Ultimately, yes! Buying a pair of shoes from the marketplace is just like you would from similar sites like Ebay and Depop.

Poshmark is a reputable website that has built a great user base over the past 10 years. While the site presents itself as perfectly legitimate, there is no guarantee that 100% of the buyers and sellers are using the site for its purpose – That’s why the website has protection policies for both parties, including their authentication service.

However, it is a two-way street. To make sure you receive exactly what you’re looking for, it’s a good idea to communicate with sellers before purchase to gain extra detailed insight on the products. 
If you want to do more research into the marketplace gaining momentum, visit their community guideline page for extra confidence.