posted on April 19, 2001 07:35:07 AM new
I am looking for any advice anyone can offer for selling clothes on ebay...My wife is thinking about starting to do that, and we are gathering information that will help us along...
I already sell small things on ebay, and I think that grabbed her interest, and with garage sale season approaching, this seems like the best time to start something like this...
Any ideas on if it's worth it to try?
thanks in advance for the excellent suggestions I always get on these boards...
posted on April 19, 2001 07:53:59 AM new
I have been selling clothing items for some time now. Is it worth it? Sometimes, but other times it's not.
I have found that since the PO rates have gone up, that listing items in lots helps. Many people don't want to spend $3.50 and up to ship one item of clothing, so listing in lots make it alot more ecomonical.
Along with listing in lots, I also offer Fed Ex shipping, since it can be alot cheaper than the PO for items that weigh over 4+ pounds.
posted on April 19, 2001 07:54:25 AM new
Hi, I have been selling clothing on ebay for about six months, and the best suggestion I have is to research every brand and type of item. I've discovered that some brands that are really hot in my area, aren't hot at all on ebay. My biggest sellers were a group of Tommy Shirts for Junior's, with the logo clearly displayed across the front of the shirt.
I've heard that baby clothes really sell well, but I haven't gone there yet. That stuff is usually available at garage sales.
The other suggestion is to accurately measure your items. I measure the clothes' width and length. If there is a slit in teh skirt, I measure that too. And make sure that any flaws, no matter how small, are noted, because they WILL be found by the buyer!!!!!
Research the prices carefully, what you or I would pay $5 or $10 for, might not be worth that to other people. Also, remember that the buyers will be paying postage on top of the sale price. Most items ship for $4.60, the heavier items, (jeans, long/full dresses) ship for 5.05, so take that into consideration when evaluating the sale price.
posted on April 19, 2001 09:42:59 AM new
I've done almost no clothing sales on eBay except for a few new sweatshirts during the Christmas season of 1999.
I'm in the middle of launching a (hopefully) humorous t-shirt of my own design and have been surprised at how little Dutch auctions are used in the clothing category.
I assumed, before research, that new items available in quantity would be listed in the Dutch format when the seller could set a fixed price that they were willing to accept in return for moving quantity.
Since choice auctions are not allowed this seemed a usable method rather than endless duplicate individual auctions for each size and color variation.
I was surprised to find that only a fraction of 1% of clothing auctions are Dutch and many of them are for perfume or accessories, like wallets, and most sellers use seperate listings even when offering a large number of a new item in the same color, style and size.
Anyone with insights as to why this is happening?
Initially I only have one design, one color and two sizes. I'm going to try both Dutch and regular format listings so I might have a better understanding of actual results in a month.
posted on April 19, 2001 10:44:10 AM new
reston ray:
My dutch auctions have royally flopped. In my clothing categories, the bidders are looking for something unique.
Just my experience so far.
Also IME, lots work well grouped by size, season, brand, or style (casual, work, etc).
Best of Luck!
posted on April 19, 2001 02:29:47 PM new
I did a lot of clothes buying on eBay until recently. My last three purchases included clothing that was stained and listed in good to very good condition.
I think you should sell in lots of at least three or four similar items (don't mix seasons or sizes). You could list a nice dress or suit separately. Maternity is probably a big seller if still in style. Be meticulous in examining the clothing and toss anything with even slight stains or tears. (As my daughter says, "We can stain our own clothes, Mom" GIve measurements as items worn and washed will have shrunk.
Give the shipping cost in your description. It's not worth it to have to email the seller for this, and if you accept Paypal, you can be paid immediately w/o waiting to contact the buyer with the shipping.
posted on April 19, 2001 03:02:17 PM new
I assumed, before research, that new items available in quantity would be listed in the Dutch format when the seller could set a fixed price that they were willing to accept in return for moving quantity.
Since choice auctions are not allowed this seemed a usable method rather than endless duplicate individual auctions for each size and color variation.
///////////////////////////////
How would Dutch auction help in this instance? You still can't give a choice of size..so you would have to still have several Dutch auctions going to get all the sizes out there.
I have done t-shirts and sweats (I have a shirt press), and found them to be a flop on Ebay..nothing like at craft fairs..unless I personalize them with a name.
posted on April 19, 2001 06:20:08 PM new
I've been selling clothing for 2 1/2 years.
I started with used and now sell only new.
My experience with used clothing is it should be a good recognizable brand or designer name like Carole Little, etc. Or something which is expensive when new such as a cashmere sweater. Otherwise, you will be listing and selling stuff for just a few dollars.
Dutch auctions do not work in clothing at all. I had 6 evening dresses last fall, all the same size and listed them in a Dutch auction. Not one bid. When I listed them separately, I sold them all --some had several bids on them as I recall and went for a good price.
The photo is really important,and measurements are a must as manufacturers are not consistant with sizing.
Hope this helps!
sabreena20
posted on April 19, 2001 06:50:25 PM new
When you list Dutch the listing fee reflects the sum of the price times the number of pieces - so if you don't consistantly sell most you are throwing $ away. Also you do not get a second free try at selling dutch.
The only people who would buy multiple s at a dutch are resellers twins and a few wierfos like me who will buy 3 or 4 of one color t-shirt.
You have much more picky complaints on clothing than other catagories due to variations on sizing and subjective matters like color.
posted on April 20, 2001 05:19:47 PM new
Hi! I have been selling clothes on eBay for over 6 months and it has been tremendously successful! In fact, it has inspired me to open my own store.
I have found a niche in plus size women's market and I really enjoy selling. There are a few things you may want to do before beginning:
Get a mannequin (full or torso..there are plenty for sale on ebay!) I find it is more attractive to look at clothing pics not hung on a hanger against a doorframe.
Find a place in your house to take pics that is inconspicous. No one wants to see the clothes you are selling AND the inside of your shower if you are hanging your clothes on curtain rod (I've seen this! UGH!)!!
Be VERY CLEAR about sizing, materials, and the condition fo the garment. This will save you from being bombarded with emails OR from unhappy customers requesting refunds.
BE VERY CLEAR about your return/exchange policy.
You are welcome to review my 'About Me' page if you want to take a look at a clothing seller in action:
posted on April 20, 2001 07:23:49 PM new
Hi. I too was thinking of selling clothes. I am sure that this is a silly question but how do you pack clothes. ( I sell books and place either in a bubble envelope or box packed in plastic~ I like to buy books and have received wrapped in newspaper and that has left dirty marks all over my nice collectible book!) so would you pack in tissue paper and place in a large box?
What about belts? I have bought some very nice leather belts last week and am wondering how to pack?
Thanks again too, for all the wonderful suggestions people give on this board.
Suz23 here
posted on April 20, 2001 07:27:33 PM new
Belts - I would roll it up, put it in a plastic bag sealed and in a small box.
I always assume the post office will let it sit in the rain or drop it in a puddle.
i alway ship via priority. so far, i haven't sold anything that hasn't fit in either of their (free) boxes - either one size or the other. buyers like it because they tend to want their items quickly, usually; and i like it because all i have to do is slap a label on it, seal it up, and take it to the p.o.! i hate scrounging for boxes. usually i carefully fold the items up with tissue paper. now shoes is another story!
if you are planning on selling a lot of merchandise, you can visit www.usps.com they will ship you Priority Mail boxes and other supllies like labels, tape, and stickers free!
posted on April 20, 2001 08:51:13 PM new
Always assume your package will be left in the rain...........clothes should be placed in plastic bags before being put in a box.
(buy some bags ~ I don't want the clothes I just bought in your left over Walmart bag that had your dirty veggies or leaking milk on the clothing I just bought....and I don't want a garbage bag either)
Just my two cents.........for what it is worth......
posted on April 20, 2001 09:39:28 PM new
Yes I agree, definitely plastic bags. You don't know what might happen to the package along the way. I find that the generic, no-name, extra large freezer bags work well as they are usually thick and durable. I've used Tyvek envelopes to send most of the clothing I've sold.
posted on April 21, 2001 08:39:28 AM new
I ship all clothing priority mail as well, although I do have shipping supplies around for international customers and will ship lighter items first class if someone asks. I get all the supplies from the usps web site, delivered to my door.
I use gallon size freezer or food storage bags for anything that will fit into them. I use clean new trash bags for the larger items. This keeps the costs down and I have never had a complaint.
I always offer a choice of Tyvek bags or boxes for shipping if there will be a difference in price. Less than 50% choose Tyvek when given the choice. People seem to think the stuff will be safer in a box. They like having a choice.
That's what has worked best for me, you will do some tweaking as you sell clothing to find what works for you.
posted on April 21, 2001 05:57:05 PM new
THanks again for all your great suggestions. I will try selling these incredible leather belts next week~ picked them up for $ .75 canadian so I think they won't end up costing me something~ The packing suggestions were great as I wouldn't have thought of clean plastic bags to put the belts in. Suz23
Good Luck!!!!!
GIve measurements as items worn and washed will have shrunk.