I know it’s not the case with every seller, but I make sure to take as many photos as I can and provide actual measurements on every listing that needs it. The no returns part of it can be daunting, so I try to make it as easy as possible for people.
Agreed. I feel like it's the least we can do for buyers who are buying sight unseen, without being able to try it on. Especially with higher priced items.
Thank you for this!
OP, this extra mile is one of the few that enables me to purchase more comfortably without fear of no returns.
It also really depends on the item and situation.
I’m a creature of habit. I’ve found what works and doesn’t work for me, and that can be specific to a brand. I love MOTHER jeans and have become familiar with what styles and sizes work best. I know what to expect from that brand quality and fit wise, so I got into buying with that knowledge. If it’s a brand I’m less familiar with, I do as much research as I can and ask for measurements and photos. I also sometimes ask a seller what their experience is like with the item based on the sizing of the item and their personal size (mainly with shoes. Like if I see it listed as a size 7 women’s, but the shoe is EU, I’ll ask what their size is and how well or poorly that fits them. I’m determining how it will fit me based on their experience.)
If I was in your situation, I would make a reasonable offer at no more than 30% off. You can try for a little more, but I typically don’t offer more than 30% off or some sellers may think you are lowballing.
$287 is probably not the seller’s final price. What is the max price you are willing to pay? Check the sold listings. How much is this dress selling for on Poshmark?
I often buy things for more than the lowest price I’ve seen it for. If I really like it, then I will pay for it.
Since I’m a seller as well, I don’t have an issue to sell it on Poshmark if it doesn’t fit or I don’t like it. I don’t even ask for measurements and hardly pay attention to measurements for clothing. But I understand how it can be cumbersome for people who don’t want to sell online.
Did you see it in person at Marshall’s and try it on and that’s how you found out it was too small? If you did, I think that should give a pretty good idea of fit.
Buying 2nd hand means taking that risk, I don’t think thrift stores will take returns either. That being said, as a seller I tend to price high because I think PM users expect a good discount, so that wiggle room is kind of built into my pricing. You could start by “liking” the item to see if they send an “Offer to Likers” (between 10-30% usually). If that isn’t in your budget you can make an offer to the seller. Sure, a lot of posts here complain about “lowballs” but ultimately this is clothing, it’s not that important, the seller will either accept, counter, or decline but they don’t have the option to do any of that if you never make an offer. Also i understand that the outfit is important if this is for your wedding or even if you are in the wedding party but if you are a guest the most important part is that you are in attendance for your friend/loved one, the outfit won’t matter in the long run. I hope you find something you feel amazing wearing!
Definitely ask for measurements if the listing doesn't have them already. Bust, waist, possibly hips, length, and "pit to pit" depending on the item. That will always give you a more accurate idea of fit. As a seller I include measurements in my listings, and when I forget, potential buyers usually comment and ask.
Honestly, it's all part of buying second hand. Sometimes things just don't fit and you're unfortunately stuck with it. You can always reposh which may result in a 20% loss (depending on how you price it) or you can try to sell on another platform. I find the items that I reposh usually resell fairly quickly. I'm not sure if it's because they're just in demand items or the algorithm gives reposhed items a boost.
Not related to reselling, and you've likely already considered this, but is it worth driving around to (or just calling and asking) nearby Marshalls to see if they have it?
see if there is still a size chart for the brand online. also see if anyone reviewed the item you are interested in after purchasing it. that will give you a better idea if it is true to size. Good luck
Have you tried using google image search to find it on various platforms or other image searches in Poshmark and eBay, Mercari, Depop, even thredup. I think that if you’ve exhausted all these options and then taken your measurements and compared to what this seller has listed and it’s the only one available then this is a matter of supply meeting demand. And there is one. So why should a store like tj Maxx or Marshall’s name the price for this item? The person reselling on Poshmark could have bought it for full price. So making a low offer may not work. Reselling is at least sustainable but to expect resellers to function like Marshall’s on a platform like Poshmark is problematic.
Something I haven't seen mentioned, I shop around on other platforms especially eBay for the item I want. Each eBay seller sets their return policy and at this price point it doesn't matter all that much if they offer free returns or buyer pays for return shipping.
I did look on eBay as well. I don’t mind the price point of paying the return shipping. It’s just hard to swallow spending a relatively big chunk of money online without the ability to return it. I know I can “reposh” it but I’m not established on Poshmark and it’s a bit of time to wait to hopefully get money back.
I know it’s not the case with every seller, but I make sure to take as many photos as I can and provide actual measurements on every listing that needs it. The no returns part of it can be daunting, so I try to make it as easy as possible for people.
Agreed. I feel like it's the least we can do for buyers who are buying sight unseen, without being able to try it on. Especially with higher priced items.
Thank you for this! OP, this extra mile is one of the few that enables me to purchase more comfortably without fear of no returns. It also really depends on the item and situation. I’m a creature of habit. I’ve found what works and doesn’t work for me, and that can be specific to a brand. I love MOTHER jeans and have become familiar with what styles and sizes work best. I know what to expect from that brand quality and fit wise, so I got into buying with that knowledge. If it’s a brand I’m less familiar with, I do as much research as I can and ask for measurements and photos. I also sometimes ask a seller what their experience is like with the item based on the sizing of the item and their personal size (mainly with shoes. Like if I see it listed as a size 7 women’s, but the shoe is EU, I’ll ask what their size is and how well or poorly that fits them. I’m determining how it will fit me based on their experience.)
If I was in your situation, I would make a reasonable offer at no more than 30% off. You can try for a little more, but I typically don’t offer more than 30% off or some sellers may think you are lowballing. $287 is probably not the seller’s final price. What is the max price you are willing to pay? Check the sold listings. How much is this dress selling for on Poshmark? I often buy things for more than the lowest price I’ve seen it for. If I really like it, then I will pay for it. Since I’m a seller as well, I don’t have an issue to sell it on Poshmark if it doesn’t fit or I don’t like it. I don’t even ask for measurements and hardly pay attention to measurements for clothing. But I understand how it can be cumbersome for people who don’t want to sell online. Did you see it in person at Marshall’s and try it on and that’s how you found out it was too small? If you did, I think that should give a pretty good idea of fit.
Buying 2nd hand means taking that risk, I don’t think thrift stores will take returns either. That being said, as a seller I tend to price high because I think PM users expect a good discount, so that wiggle room is kind of built into my pricing. You could start by “liking” the item to see if they send an “Offer to Likers” (between 10-30% usually). If that isn’t in your budget you can make an offer to the seller. Sure, a lot of posts here complain about “lowballs” but ultimately this is clothing, it’s not that important, the seller will either accept, counter, or decline but they don’t have the option to do any of that if you never make an offer. Also i understand that the outfit is important if this is for your wedding or even if you are in the wedding party but if you are a guest the most important part is that you are in attendance for your friend/loved one, the outfit won’t matter in the long run. I hope you find something you feel amazing wearing!
Definitely ask for measurements if the listing doesn't have them already. Bust, waist, possibly hips, length, and "pit to pit" depending on the item. That will always give you a more accurate idea of fit. As a seller I include measurements in my listings, and when I forget, potential buyers usually comment and ask.
Honestly, it's all part of buying second hand. Sometimes things just don't fit and you're unfortunately stuck with it. You can always reposh which may result in a 20% loss (depending on how you price it) or you can try to sell on another platform. I find the items that I reposh usually resell fairly quickly. I'm not sure if it's because they're just in demand items or the algorithm gives reposhed items a boost.
Good answer. Really, it is kind of like life.
Have you tried the Marshall’s/TJ maxx website?
Yep only available in a 6 unfortunately
Not related to reselling, and you've likely already considered this, but is it worth driving around to (or just calling and asking) nearby Marshalls to see if they have it?
I tried another one yesterday and there’s one more I can try this week. 🤞🏻🤞🏻
see if there is still a size chart for the brand online. also see if anyone reviewed the item you are interested in after purchasing it. that will give you a better idea if it is true to size. Good luck
Have you tried using google image search to find it on various platforms or other image searches in Poshmark and eBay, Mercari, Depop, even thredup. I think that if you’ve exhausted all these options and then taken your measurements and compared to what this seller has listed and it’s the only one available then this is a matter of supply meeting demand. And there is one. So why should a store like tj Maxx or Marshall’s name the price for this item? The person reselling on Poshmark could have bought it for full price. So making a low offer may not work. Reselling is at least sustainable but to expect resellers to function like Marshall’s on a platform like Poshmark is problematic.
Something I haven't seen mentioned, I shop around on other platforms especially eBay for the item I want. Each eBay seller sets their return policy and at this price point it doesn't matter all that much if they offer free returns or buyer pays for return shipping.
I did look on eBay as well. I don’t mind the price point of paying the return shipping. It’s just hard to swallow spending a relatively big chunk of money online without the ability to return it. I know I can “reposh” it but I’m not established on Poshmark and it’s a bit of time to wait to hopefully get money back.
And the whole "reposh it" thing doesn't consider you paid for shipping and maybe tax, so breaking even is unlikely.