How do Poshmark auctions work? On Poshmark, auctions take place inside Posh Shows, where sellers feature items from their closets and run timed bidding. During a show, shoppers place bids in real time, and when the countdown ends, the highest bidder automatically wins and purchases the item.
Auctions can run as Live Shows (with the host on video), Silent Shows (no video, just countdown timers), or Share Shows (where a host features other sellers’ items with permission). To host, sellers must apply for access to Posh Shows, and availability varies by region and eligibility.
Below, we’ll break down how auctions work for both sellers and buyers.
Main Takeaways
- Poshmark auctions run during Posh Shows (live, silent, or share formats).
- Sellers set the starting price and countdown duration.
- The highest bidder wins automatically when the timer ends.
- Auctions create urgency and can increase engagement or speed up sales.
- Challenges include low attendance in some shows and approval from Poshmark to host a Posh Show.
What Are Poshmark Auctions?
Poshmark auctions are built into the platform’s Posh Shows feature, which launched in 2022 and has continued expanding through 2026. Instead of selling an item at a fixed price or negotiating through offers, sellers can run a timed auction during a show and let buyers bid in real time.
Sellers use their existing listings and add them to a Posh Show to auction them off. When an item is featured, the host sets a starting price and selects a countdown duration. Once the auction begins, shoppers can place bids. When the timer ends, the highest bid automatically wins, which finalizes the sale.
There are three ways auctions can run inside Posh Shows:
- Live Shows: Host goes live, features items, runs auctions in real-time.
- Silent Shows: No video.Listings display with countdowns.
- Share Shows: Collaborative shows where hosts accept shared listings from others to auction off.
How to Host and Run Auctions on Poshmark (Seller Steps)
1. Apply to Host Posh Shows
To host a Posh show, you must apply through the app and be approved. The current requirements to be approved:
- active for at least 30 days
- have at least 1 completed sale
- not a wholesale account.
2. Create or Schedule Your Show
Once approved, go to:
Seller Tools > My Posh Shows
From there, you can create a new show and choose whether it will be a Live Show (on camera) or a Silent Show (no video). You can schedule it in advance or start immediately.
3. Add Listings to Your Show
Select eligible listings from your closet and add them to the show. Items must be marked Available, Not For Sale, or Dropping Soon.
Before running an auction, you’ll set:
- The starting price
- The auction duration (15, 30, or 60 seconds)
You can set these details ahead of time or adjust them during the show.
4. Start the Show and Launch an Auction
When your show begins:
- Feature a listing from your show tray
- Select the option to auction the item
- Confirm the starting price and duration
- Start the auction
The countdown begins immediately and buyers can start placing bids.
5. Let the Auction Run
During the auction, you can watch the bidding activity while engaging with viewers.
When the countdown ends:
- The highest bid wins
- The sale is finalized
- The order appears like a standard Poshmark sale
6. Re-Run Unsold Items if Needed
If no one places a bid, the item simply remains unsold. You can feature it again during the same show or run it in a future Poshmark auction.
Once sold, you can ship the order using Poshmark’s prepaid label, just like any other sale.
How Buyers Participate in Poshmark Auctions
1. Join a Posh Show
Open the “Posh Shows” section in the app and join a live show (with video) or a silent show (no video). You can browse scheduled shows or join one that’s already in progress.
2. Watch the Featured Item
When a seller features an item, it appears on screen with:
- Photos
- Starting price
- Current highest bid
- Countdown timer
3. Place a Bid
To participate, tap the bid button.
You can:
- Select the suggested next bid amount OR
- Enter a custom bid higher than the current bid
Remember: Bids are binding. Once placed, they cannot be withdrawn.
4. When the Timer Ends
When the countdown timer reaches zero, the highest bidder wins. The item is automatically purchased, and your payment is processed via Poshmark.
Poshmark Auction Rules and Details
If you’re planning to host or participate in auctions, it helps to understand how everything actually works inside a Posh Show.
Starting Price
Hosts choose the starting price before launching an auction.
In standard shows, sellers can set their own starting price.
In “Low Start” shows, however, all items begin at a fixed minimum:
- $5 USD in the US
- C$7 in Canada
Auction Duration
Before starting an auction, the host picks a countdown length. The available durations are:
- 15 seconds
- 30 seconds
- 60 seconds
Thirty seconds is commonly used in fast-paced shows, especially live auctions.
If a bid is placed in the final seconds, the timer extends briefly to allow additional competitive bids. If “Sudden Death” is selected, the timer will end with no extensions.
Bidding Mechanics
When an item is auctioned:
- Buyers can place a suggested bid based on the next increment shown in the app.
- Buyers can also enter a custom bid, as long as it’s higher than the current bid.
- Bids are binding once placed.
When the countdown reaches zero, the highest bid wins. There is no negotiation after the auction ends.
After the Auction Ends
Once the timer ends:
- The highest bidder automatically purchases the item.
- The order appears in the seller’s sales as a standard Poshmark order.
- The seller ships using the usual Poshmark prepaid label.
- Standard Poshmark fees and shipping protections apply.
Multi-Size or Multi-Quantity Listings
If a listing has multiple sizes or variations:
- The buyer selects the correct size or variant before bidding.
- Each auction applies to one unit at a time.
Sellers can run additional auctions for remaining quantities, if available.
Cancellations
While bids are binding for buyers, sellers can cancel orders after an auction ends. This isn’t a good standard practice, but it is something that can be done.
Poshmark’s official documentation does not outline strict penalties specific to auction cancellations. Community discussions suggest that occasional cancellations are ok, but repeated cancellations may impact your account standing.
Tips for Successful Poshmark Auctions
Auction results mostly come down to pricing, timing, and attendance. Here are a few ways to improve your sales during Poshmark auctions.
Start Low Enough to Encourage Bidding
Lower starting prices tend to generate more activity. A low entry point can:
- Spark early bids
- Build momentum
- Create back-and-forth bidding
In shows with smaller audiences, starting too high can result in no bids. It’s smart to test different starting prices to see what works best for your audience.
Pick the Right Duration
Hosts can choose 15, 30, or 60 seconds.
- 15 seconds keeps shows fast-paced.
- 30 seconds is common for steady momentum.
- 60 seconds is long, but it can help when attendance is smaller.
Shorter timers increase urgency. Longer timers give buyers more time to decide and react.
Promote Before You Go Live
Attendance matters! If no one shows up, there’s no one to bid. Some tips to get people to show up:
- Schedule it in advance
- Post reminders on social
- Go live regularly (at the same time) so your audience knows what to expect
More viewers usually means stronger bidding.
Stay Engaged in Live Shows
If you’re hosting live, talk through the item clearly and respond to the chat. Calling out details and answering questions helps buyers feel confident placing bids.
For sellers who prefer not to go on camera, silent shows can still move inventory, especially for lower-priced or older items, but they are often less successful than live shows.
Pros and Cons of Using Poshmark Auctions
Like any selling format, auctions have advantages and trade-offs. Here’s a balanced look at what to expect.
Pros
- Builds urgency and excitement: The countdown timer encourages quick decisions and can create competitive energy during bidding.
- Potential for higher final prices: Bidding can push the final price higher than a standard offer might.
- Faster sell-through: If you can get good attendance, auctions can move inventory quickly compared to waiting for offers on fixed-price listings.
Cons
- Low attendance is common: If only a few buyers join your show, bidding activity may be limited.
- Risk of no bids or low final prices: Starting too high can lead to no bids. Starting too low in a small show can result in a lower sale price.
- Hosting approval required: Sellers must apply and be approved to host Posh Shows, which can involve a wait period.
- Platform limitations: In Share Shows, each seller ships their own item, and combined shipping across multiple sellers does not apply.
How Do Poshmark Auctions Work FAQs
How do I qualify to host Poshmark auctions?
To host Poshmark auctions, you apply for access to Posh Shows through the app. Sellers typically need an active account in good standing and at least one completed sale to be approved.
What is the difference between live and silent auctions on Poshmark?
During live auctions, the host appears on camera and interacts with viewers while bidding takes place. Silent auctions run without video. Items are featured with a countdown timer, showing photos from the listing, and buyers place bids.
Can I auction items in a Share Show?
Yes. In a Share Show, another host can feature your listing if you grant permission. The host runs the auction, but you remain responsible for shipping the item if it sells. Each seller ships their own items.
What happens if no one bids on a Poshmark auction?
If no one places a bid before the timer ends, it remains in your closet. You can re-run it during the same show or in a future Poshmark auction.
How long do Poshmark auctions typically last?
Poshmark auction durations typically range from 15 to 60 seconds. Sellers choose the countdown length before starting the auction. Fifteen and thirty seconds are most common.
Can sellers cancel an auction after it starts?
Buyers’ bids are binding. However, sellers can cancel an order after an auction ends if needed. Poshmark does not clearly outline penalties for occasional cancellations, though repeated cancellations may affect account standing.
Are Poshmark auctions available in all countries in 2026?
Poshmark auctions are available in regions where Posh Shows are supported, including the United States and Canada.
