In this episode, I take a look at Poshmark’s ambassador program for sellers. More at www.bemovingforward.com.
Moving Forward is also available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Part 1: The Poshmark feature I didn’t know I wanted
For a long time, I’ve had a wish list of features I’d love to see on Poshmark, including pinned posts, the ability to bulk share items, and video. However, a draft feature wasn’t on my radar and so when Poshmark announced it last week, I was tepid. I didn’t think much of it until I had to try it out. I was working with my Dad, and as he is constantly being pulled in multiple directions running a busy shop, we got interrupted in the middle of a listing. This happens pretty regularly and during those times, I exit out of the app, hoping that my listing is still in mid-creation when I come back to it. Most of it the time it is, but there are times when the app closes and I have to start over. Moreover, doing it this way doesn’t allow me to attend to other alerts on Poshmark. I either have to finish the listing or cancel it. So, when my Dad got an urgent phone call he had to answer, I decided to close out the app which is when I remembered there’s a new draft feature. I was able to save my work into a virtual folder and pick up from where we left off later.
To save your work to your draft folder, simply close out the listing. If you’re in the middle of creating a listing (e.g. you’ve uploaded a few folders or written some copy), the app will ask if you want to save your work to drafts. The next time you create a listing, you will see a link to your drafts folder at the top and can click on it to pick up on a listing you saved. While it wasn’t the upgrade feature I would have voted for, I’m now glad it’s there. Thumbs up.
Part 2: What the heck is a Poshmark ambassador?
Today, we take a look at what is a Poshmark ambassador. If you’re selling or buying on Poshmark, you’ll run across sellers that are branded as “ambassadors.” Whenever I hear that word, I always picture a crown and sash. As we started building our online business on Poshmark, I learned that it’s a program for sellers that have accomplished several milestones. It’s akin to being verified with a blue dot on Twitter or IG. Ambassadors are sellers that have accomplished a very specific checklist of tasks. Once you complete these, you will be invited to join the program. The advantage of being a “Poshmark Ambassador” is that you will get access to exclusive events and new Poshmark users will be recommended to you, increasing your following and potential customer base. In addition, there are intangible benefits such as being seen as a trusted seller. To see the requirements, click in your dashboard and then “My Posh Stats.” Requirements include a minimum number of shares, sales, average shipping time, and reviews. At first glance, the list looks daunting. When we started in Spring 2018, I never thought we’d hit all of the criteria. However, we accomplished them last fall and have been in the program since last October.
It’s important *not* to see ambassador status as an end all, be all goal while working towards it. No, this isn’t Yoda speak. If you’re regularly investing time and energy into your Poshmark store, attending parties, sharing your and others listings, then you will eventually get there. Moreover, the status isn’t as important as making your Poshmark store a great shopping experience for your customers. Treat each sale, big or small, as if it was a four-figure sale. As you build momentum, don’t take for granted a new sale or 5-star review. When you hit your 5th, 10th or 50th sale, take a moment to think back to your first and appreciate that a customer, new or returning, is putting his or her trust in you. Don’t obsess over whether you will get enough sales fast enough or getting enough reviews to become an ambassador. Most customers won’t care if you’re an ambassador. So long as you’re putting the time and energy into your store, you will get sales. So long as you give your customers a great experience, you will get great reviews. Whether you become an ambassador or not, you can have a rewarding experience on Poshmark by making your store a rewarding place for your customers to shop.
Download my 5-step checklist for getting started on Poshmark
The Poshmark Guide -and- The Poshmark Seller Journal
Part 3: What I’m reading / read
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyou (****1/2). A fascinating look at the rise and fall of Theranos, its founder CEO Elizabeth Holmes, and the high profile companies and individuals intertwined in the saga. The book reads like a thriller, filled with intrigue and hubris worthy of a Greek tragedy. It’s an intriguing look at a company built on intimidation, lies and deception and a broader critique on Silicon Valley startup culture. Highly recommend.
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