Are you passionate about the excitement of shopping, perusing shelves, and uncovering hidden gems? Well, who isn't? By establishing a simple clothing reselling venture, you can merge your love for shopping with work, indulging in what you adore while raking in substantial profits. Now, if you're perplexed and thinking, "Oh my, that sounds complex," no worries! Despite its initial appearance, running an apparel reselling business is actually quite straightforward.
An apparel reselling business presents a golden opportunity for individuals enamored with fashion, thrift stores, or vintage attire. You can curate these clothing items and subsequently sell them across various online marketplaces like Poshmark, Mercari, or Depop. Given the surging demand for second-hand clothing, vintage shops, and similar outlets, the prospects for establishing a reselling enterprise have never been brighter!
Having set the stage, let's delve into two of the most prominent marketplaces: Poshmark and Mercari. Both are peer-to-peer fashion marketplaces where users can vend new and pre-owned clothing, shoes, accessories, and similar goods. Alongside eBay, they dominate the realm of second-hand apparel sales. However, these platforms diverge considerably in terms of user base, functionality, and fees. Read on to determine which platform aligns best with your goals.
Background Overview:
Poshmark:
Poshmark, aptly named, is centered around posh fashion and jewelry items. Established in 2011 as an alternative to eBay for upscale clothing (think GUCCI, Louis Vuitton) at reasonable prices, it caters to those seeking exclusive pieces without remorse. If you find yourself regretting a pricey handbag or disliking a gifted dress but hesitate to request a receipt for returns, Poshmark is your discreet solution. Emitting an air of exclusivity and elegance, this platform resembles a refined club, mirroring the vibe from "The Office." While luxury items shine here, mid-range brands also flourish.
Notably, Poshmark's uniqueness extends to its social aspect. Unlike Mercari, a straightforward marketplace akin to eBay, Poshmark integrates social dynamics into business. Imagine the union of Instagram and eBay resulting in Poshmark. Users can comment, like, share listings, and provide mutual support. Furthermore, Poshmark allows sellers to host live virtual parties, boosting product exposure and sales. The platform consistently introduces new features to aid sellers in achieving greater success.
Mercari:
In contrast, Mercari resembles a sprawling flea market offering an array of products. Originating in Japan in 2013 and rapidly expanding to the United States a year later, it stands as one of the most successful Japanese startups in the global market. Virtually anything can be sold on Mercari as long as it's shippable and not on the prohibited items list. Boasting over 20 million monthly users globally across 100+ countries, it ensures your business enjoys extensive reach.
Differences Between Poshmark and Mercari:
Community:
Poshmark thrives on a vibrant community, emphasizing collective selling journeys rather than mere transactions. Mercari, on the other hand, is a more transaction-oriented marketplace, lacking the fashion-inspired community of Poshmark. The former's social features and virtual parties make it a winner for fashion enthusiasts.
Prohibited Items:
Both platforms maintain guidelines to uphold quality and customer trust. Poshmark's rules align with Mercari's, but Poshmark includes additional rules due to its niche and exclusivity. Mercari offers more flexibility for product types, making it suitable for various businesses.
Fees:
Fees are essential for platform maintenance and service quality. Poshmark's structure includes a commission fee when an item sells, varying based on price. Mercari has a flat 10% selling fee along with transaction costs. Mercari has a competitive edge due to its fee structure, especially for small businesses.
Payment Methods:
Both platforms integrate seamlessly with popular payment processors, offering a variety of options. Both Poshmark and Mercari offer convenient payment solutions for smooth transactions.
Conclusion:
Poshmark and Mercari each excel in distinct ways, making them valuable for your business. Poshmark thrives with branded clothing, emphasizing community engagement, while Mercari shines in its wide variety of products and favorable fee structure. The best strategy might involve simultaneously utilizing both platforms to tap into diverse audiences. Fortunately, platforms like Crosslist can simplify the process of listing on multiple platforms, maximizing your reach and revenue. So, seize the opportunity, list on both, and make the most of these incredible resources for your business's growth.