Maria Morales - Taking Online Reselling to the Next Level with Marketing

General Manager of Poshmark Canada We have all stepped onto the new normal, all thanks to the pandemic....

General Manager of Poshmark Canada

We have all stepped onto the new normal, all thanks to the pandemic. And it has drastically changed the various industries across the world. Maria Morales took a step ahead in making online reselling the new normal. CanadianSME Small Business Magazine talked to her regarding her thoughts about the benefits of reselling online. She believes that online reselling is way more than selling fresh pieces of clothes! According to her, it can declutter your space, help one make extra cash, and lessen the fashion industry’s environmental impact. With her social marketplace Poshmark, Maria helps to ensure that all products are seamlessly delivered, and the money goes right into the seller’s Poshmark account. Posh parties and other events, both virtual and in-person, have built a flourishing social community of over 2.5 million Canadian users. Intrigued to know more about her venture already? Read on! 

What do you think is the biggest misconception about online reselling and what are the benefits of online reselling?

The biggest misconception about online reselling is that it takes a lot of effort to get started and that it requires a large time commitment. All you need are items from your home that are in good condition, a camera (phone cameras work great!), and a few minutes to get it posted on a platform like Poshmark.

The benefits of reselling online are three-fold, you can: a) declutter your space, b) make extra cash, and c) lessen the environmental impact of the fashion industry. With social marketplace Poshmark, we help to ensure all products are seamlessly delivered and the money goes right into the seller’s Poshmark account. There are also Posh parties and other events, both virtual and in-person, that have built a flourishing social community of over 2.5 million Canadian users. 

How do you recommend building a successful side hustle while maintaining a full-time job?

With a side hustle like online reselling, it can range from posting whenever you have time to be extremely active in online communities and sourcing new items daily. The key to building a sustainable secondary revenue stream while balancing a full-time job is to choose a side hustle that can work around your existing schedule and will still help grow your passion and your wallet.

What are your thoughts on finding a side project that fits one’s passions? Do you think passion can be cultivated, or is it something that comes naturally?

We’ve heard so many wonderful stories of people who discovered Poshmark during the pandemic, with reasons stemming from looking for a new hobby to trying to find a new source of income, and fell in love with online reselling. Passion is essential to maintaining a side hustle, but what we’ve seen from Poshmark is that their motivation can come from a love for fashion, for their community, for the environment, and so much more. Many people have little idea of the full range of their passions, so you never know what will stick unless you try.

What are some of the best practices for buying and selling secondhand clothes? Do you see a trend of people moving away from buying new clothes and towards buying second hand instead?

Transparency is paramount in online reselling. When people aren’t able to see the items in person, it’s important to be as clear as possible with the images and descriptions of the piece. For example, if there’s a missing button – that’s part of what gives pre-loved items their character – it should be noted in the description to guarantee a positive experience for all parties.

People are becoming increasingly aware of their own purchasing power, and being more intentional with where their hard-earned cash goes. What excites people about secondhand shopping is that they can find great deals as well as items that are no longer in stock, plus shopping straight from other Canadians’ closets means no supply chain issues. For those looking to start selling online, it’s a simple way to start making a side income and lessen the environmental impact of the fashion industry by giving an item a second, third or even fourth life.

What’s the best piece of advice you can offer someone who is looking to start selling clothes and accessories online?

It’s simple – just get started. Take a look at your closet, see what items no longer serve you, and post them online. It can open the doors to a bit of extra cash, a new side hustle, or a brand new online community.