Amy S.

I purchased a smart watch on Mercari. I learned my lesson. I had asked the buyer what the model number was & if it was up to date. I get told yes. I receive it and see that it was made in 2011 & not capable of syncing with my Google Pixel. I contacted Google support & if the watch was the newest version in (which is what I was told) then it would have worked. Or if the seller ever did an update. I contact Mercari & get told that I had to ask for a refund. I end up going back and forth with the seller because 'they do not do refunds.' All the selling apps have hard to reach customer service but Mercari does nothing. They make you do the work. Ideally, if a person sell a non-functioning item, the buyer should not be forced to hollar or be out money.

I am a seller and a purchaser on Poshmark. I have purchased a few so-so items and purchased some great items. I personally understand some of the reviews. Others, it is more that you needed to learn how to used the site or the app. Now, I do see the point that they really do no aide new customers in this process. For example, when looking at a seller's closet, you can click on the photo and see our profile. Not only will you see the ratings given by previous customers but also what they call love notes. Read them: you may see someone comment on shipping time or you will see what they say about their experience with the seller. If you do not see notes, maybe think twice. If the listing is not detailed enough, ask questions. If the seller does not respond, move on. Seller's have a max of 8 photos to put up. If more is needed for you to buy, reach out.

Inspect an item immediately upon receiving it and then approve it or open a case. To open the case you need to send photos of the item. You can not return because you do not like it but if it is was not listed correctly or is damaged. The max is three days. Now on the seller end, it can be frustrating that someone opens case 3 days later, and you know they did something to the item. I had an experience with a vintage designer bag. The customer washed the bag (not sure if she soaked it or what she used on it) but you could see that it was wet and damaged. She won and I lost. Did I agree, nope. So it is hard to say what is the medium. I think 3 days is too long of a period because it gives shady people the time to take advantage but I hate see to buyers get bamboozled.

Poshmark takes 20% and a flat $2.95 on items under $15. So if you offer someone
$3 bucks on something, they make $. 05. Many may ignore lowballs offers. I do feel it is inappropriate and I counter or decline.

I have no idea why people accept an offer and do not ship. This did happened to me once. I cancelled after 7 days. I did find it odd because a seller can cancel an order before they ship it. I had a seller mishap: I was packing up a shirt, heard a noise and when I turned back: I had split coffee on it. I felt like an idiot and cancelled her order with a message.

With all this said: when it comes to being assisted by Posh Customer Service, you are most likely on your own. Look at it like your running your own business, so you are all on your own. You take the good with the bad. Buyers: look for seller reviews, you can enlarge photos to inspect and when in doubt: do not buy unless your questions are answered. The sellers who treat it like any other customer service experience, will respond and try to make that sale. Also, do not be afraid to make a reasonable offer. But no one should be under the impressions that the company will do a lot for them. I guess, I am using them in the same way they are using me!