Poshmark Teases New Bidding Experience For Posh Shows Live Stream Shopping
Poshmark says they are testing a new bidding experience for Posh Shows, leaving sellers wondering if the platform is finally addressing long-standing complaints and allegations of dark pattern design practices.
The update posted on the Poshmark blog today give very few details beyond simply saying a new experience will begin appearing randomly for some users over the coming days as they collect insights to shape the future of live shopping on the platform.
Poshmark
New Bidding Experience Testing
At Poshmark, we’re always listening to your feedback and exploring ways to improve your LIVE shopping and selling experience. Your feedback helps shape the future of Posh Shows.In the coming days, we’ll begin slowly testing a new bidding experience which will appear randomly in some Posh Shows as we slowly gather insights.
Thank you for helping us shape the future of LIVE shopping—stay tuned for updates!
But the lack of detail hasn't stopped some sellers from speculating the new experience could mean Poshmark is finally addressing problems with "accidental" bidding that have raised concerns about intentional dark pattern design practices which have been reported to the FTC and other relevant legal and regulatory authorities.
A video posted by Posh Sidekick 3 months ago revealed troubling reports of problems with users "accidentally" bidding on items they didn't intend to buy - with users saying bids are even sometimes registered just from opening the app without actually even viewing a Posh Show.
Once a bid is placed, it is supposed to be binding according to Poshmark's policies but there's not a good way for sellers to help buyers in this situation since cancelling unintended orders may negatively impact the seller's account.
To make matters worse, users report at one point Poshmark had previously changed the bidding process to use a slider instead of a button to help avoid accidental bids, but then inexplicably changed it back despite feedback from both buyers and sellers.
Meanwhile, users have been sharing their accidental bid horror stories on Reddit.
I hate that Poshmark doesn't have a 2 step confirmation to allow you to confirm your bid. It feels like it's done on purpose so they can make their 20%.
I have seen this happen over and over again and I don't understand how the 'accidental bidding' is even occurring! I'm starting to think this is intentional...
This happened to me. I remember scrolling through the shows just to see what they were about, and the next thing I know I noticed that my Poshmark redeemable balance (I'm also a seller) was less than it should have been.
So I checked my purchases and damned if there wasn't a tank top that I DID NOT buy. It was for a little girl and I have boys lol. Still have no idea how it happened...
Not only do those "accidental bids" lead to a negative buyer experience and unnecessary friction between buyers and sellers, it's also likely to draw scrutiny from the FTC for dark pattern design and other bad business practices.
I'll be keeping a close eye out for more details about the "test" and will update as soon as there is any more information.
In the meantime, let us know in the comments below if you've experienced problems with "accidental" bidding in Posh Shows and what you think Poshmark should do to address the issue!
