Photo: Wilfredor / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped

Poshmark rules and policies explained in plain English

By FastBuySale Newsroom · 9 Nov 2026 · 16m ago

Why the rules matter

Poshmark is a social marketplace where people buy and sell clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods and beauty products. Its rules aim to make buying secondhand online feel safe: payment goes through the platform, shipping uses prepaid labels and buyers can report problems with items that are not as described. For sellers, the rules decide how much you keep, how quickly you must ship and when you get paid.

This guide summarises Poshmark's main US rules in plain English, based on its guide and help pages. Policies change, so check the current version in the app.

Fees for sellers

Listing items on Poshmark is free. When an item sells, Poshmark takes a commission. For US sales, the fee is a flat $2.95 on sales under $15 and 20% on sales of $15 or more. The fee covers the platform, payment processing and the buyer protection programme. On a $50 sale, Poshmark takes $10 and the seller keeps $40.

Shipping rules

Poshmark uses a flat-rate shipping system in the US. In the standard set-up, the buyer pays a flat shipping fee for packages up to a set weight, and the seller receives a prepaid, pre-addressed label by email after the sale. Sellers can choose to offer discounted shipping, paying part of the cost themselves. Heavier items may need an upgraded label.

Sellers are expected to ship within seven days. If an order is not shipped in time, the buyer may be able to cancel it. Fast shipping is better for ratings and repeat sales.

The buyer's inspection window

After the carrier marks a package delivered, the buyer has a short window, typically three days, to accept the order or report a problem. If the buyer accepts the order or the window passes without a case, the sale becomes final and the seller's earnings are released. Buyers should inspect items as soon as they arrive.

Cases and returns

Poshmark does not offer returns for changes of mind, such as an item not fitting when the listing gave accurate measurements. Buyers can open a case if an item is not as described, damaged, missing or not authentic. Poshmark reviews the evidence, often asking for photos. If a case is approved, the buyer usually ships the item back with a label Poshmark provides and receives a refund.

Offers and bundles

Buyers can make offers on listings, and sellers can accept, decline or counter. Sellers can also send offers to people who liked a listing, often with discounted shipping. Bundles let buyers purchase several items from one closet in one order, with a single shipping charge. Accepted offers are binding, so only offer or accept prices you are happy with.

Prohibited items

Poshmark's rules prohibit counterfeit and replica items, items that infringe trademarks, certain used cosmetics and personal care products, weapons, drugs and drug paraphernalia, recalled products and other restricted items. Listings that break the rules can be removed, and repeated breaches can lead to suspension.

Authentication

For higher-value items, Poshmark offers an authentication service in some cases, where items above a certain price are checked by an authenticator before being sent to the buyer. Sellers should still never list items they cannot confirm are genuine.

Keeping transactions on Poshmark

All purchases must be completed through Poshmark's checkout. Asking buyers to pay by other methods, sharing personal contact details to arrange payment or shipping items without the Poshmark label breaks the rules and removes protection. Off-platform requests are also a common sign of scams.

Community guidelines

Poshmark's community guidelines ask users to be respectful, avoid harassment and hate speech, not spam others' listings and not misrepresent items. Comments and messages that break the guidelines can be reported and removed.

Payouts

When a sale is final, the seller's earnings appear in their Poshmark balance. Sellers can withdraw by direct deposit to a bank account or request a check, or use the balance to buy on Poshmark. Withdrawal options and timing are shown in the account's balance section.

Worked example: a sale from start to finish

Mia lists a dress at $45. A buyer offers $38, and Mia accepts. Poshmark sends Mia a prepaid label, and she ships the next day. The package is delivered on Tuesday. The buyer tries the dress on Wednesday, finds it matches the description and accepts the order. Mia's earnings of $30.40, which is $38 minus the 20% fee of $7.60, are released to her balance, and she withdraws them by direct deposit. If the buyer had found an undisclosed stain, she could have opened a case within the window.

Rules for buyers

Buyers pay the item price, shipping and any applicable sales tax, which Poshmark collects in many states. Buyers should read descriptions and check measurements before buying, ask questions in comments if unsure, inspect items on arrival and report problems within the window. Leaving honest love notes and ratings helps the community.

Taxes

Poshmark collects sales tax on behalf of sellers in states with marketplace facilitator laws. Sellers are responsible for income tax on any profit. Poshmark issues Form 1099-K when a seller's payments exceed the federal threshold of $20,000 and 200 transactions, or a lower state threshold. Selling your own used clothing at a loss usually creates no taxable gain, but buying items to resell is a business.

Common misunderstandings

"I can return an item that does not fit." Not if the listing was accurate; sales are generally final.

"The seller pays shipping." In the standard system, the buyer pays.

"I can pay a seller directly for a discount." That breaks the rules and removes protection.

"The fee is the same on every sale." Sales under $15 have a flat $2.95 fee; others have 20%.

Ratings and love notes

After a sale is final, buyers can rate the seller and leave a public love note. Ratings appear on the seller's closet and influence future buyers. Sellers cannot remove honest ratings, so accurate listings and fast shipping are the best way to protect a closet's reputation. Buyers who are unhappy should use the case process within the window rather than relying only on a negative rating.

Cancellations

Buyers cannot usually cancel an order once it is placed, except in limited situations, such as when the seller has not shipped within the expected time. Sellers can cancel an order if an item is no longer available, but frequent cancellations hurt the buying experience and may affect the account. Remove or mark items sold elsewhere straight away to avoid this.

Listing rules

Listings must show the actual item for sale with your own photos, describe its true condition and brand and be placed in the correct category. Using brand names that do not apply, often called keyword spamming, or posting stock images can lead to listings being removed. Each listing should be for one item or a clearly described set, with the quantity shown accurately.

Shipping problems

If a package is lost or damaged in transit, Poshmark works with the carrier and the buyer through its support process. Sellers should use the prepaid label exactly as provided, pack items securely and keep proof of shipment, such as a carrier receipt or a scan at drop-off. Adding extra weight or using a different label can cause problems with tracking and claims.

Account security

Poshmark staff will not ask for your password. Turn on any security features offered, use a unique password and be cautious of emails or messages that ask you to log in through a link.

Quick checks before you sell

- Know the fee for your price range.

- Use accurate photos and measurements.

- Be ready to ship within days.

- Keep all communication and payment on Poshmark.

- Check that the item is allowed.

Quick checks before you buy

- Read the full description and check measurements against clothes you own.

- Look at the seller's ratings and love notes.

- Ask about any detail you are unsure of before buying.

- Inspect the item as soon as it arrives.

This article is general information, is not affiliated with Poshmark and is not legal or tax advice.

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