posted on July 20, 2004 02:45:23 PM new
Hi! I am a plus sized woman and it is a problem when clothing sellers do not put the bust, waist, hip, and length measurements of the garments they are selling in their listings. Yes, it takes time, but I'm much more likley to bid, especially on impulse.
I regularly email sellers to ask for the garment measurements. I have even had to gently instruct them on how to lay a garment flat and measure it, as they have claimed ignorance. A very few have the gall to tell me it just can't be measured because of the style. Duh! One did not even have any tape measure, yardstick or ruler in the house. By the time I get the answer, my impulse to buy may have died.
I don't know if it's true in misses sizes, but in plus sizes, garments vary drastically in size and fit not only from one manufacturer to another, but even different styles from the same manufacturer. A 1x in one style might measure the same as a 3x in another style.
There is one seller that I believe is on these boards, is a very nice fellow, and is reselling items he has bought in bulk from one of the brand-name plus-sized catalog houses. He has hundreds of items listed but does not put the garment measurements for each item. As I said, I do understand it takes time.
Instead, the catalog's size chart is pasted into each auction. Any plus woman knows that will not work for telling them if the item will actually fit. If I ordered the same item from the catalog when it was for sale there, yes, I'd pay more, but would have been able to return it for a refund or exchange if it didn't fit.
The absolute worst part of that size chart, though, is that it makes search results for just one (plus) size impossible on Ebay. If I say I want to see dresses in a 1x, every one of his auctions for dresses shows up, for 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, etc.
If I just do a search for 1x clothing in general, every darn one of his auctions shows up. I've learned to spot the "style" of his listings and thumbnails, and breeze past all without looking anymore. But they still are a bother for me when searching, and surely for other shoppers.
I am homebound much of the time, but I like wearing nice things. I actually buy nearly all my clothes new on eBay. You'd think sellers would do the little extra step to make sales, especially for those impulse buys.
Oh, I doubt I will change the one seller's mind. I like his stuff when I have looked, but won't bid. I don't want him to feel "attacked" here. I'm just venting.
posted on July 20, 2004 03:44:26 PM new
I agree 100% meadowlark I wear a 3X 4X top cause I like my shirt long and roomie(to hide that gut lol...like it really helps) and a 2X-22/24 stretchy jeans. If a auction doesn't at least have the bust and length I'm not buying ! All hail the seller that takes the time to do this !!
posted on July 20, 2004 06:40:30 PM new
You do know, right, that you can do a search that automatically excludes one or more sellers?
Seller Search page, at the bottom.
As for the rest, like most people you want what you want and can't see any reason why you shouldn't get it. Sellers are only able to do so much and still enjoy selling as a profitable and fun activity. And they can't see any reason why they should exert themselves further.
It's the gap between what buyers want and what sellers are willing to do that is the cause of nearly all the moaning on this board (and probably elsewhere, though I haven't checked).
As for me, I have purchased clothing from Marc and have been satisfied with it. Just ordered my size. Never occurred to me to ask for measurements; all this stuff is pretty loose-fitting anyway.
posted on July 20, 2004 06:54:34 PM newYou do know, right, that you can do a search that automatically excludes one or more sellers?
Seller Search page, at the bottom.
Please emnlighten me. I don't have a clue what the Seller Search page is. I looked at Search, under Search for Seller, and it only gives you the option to look at a seller's items, not exclude a seller.
I have a number of saved searches and I have found no apparent way of excluding a particular seller.
Please do not ask me the size because I have no idea. So what are you waiting for, start your bidding NOW!Please feel free to email with important questions.
posted on July 20, 2004 07:31:32 PM new
I feel very fortunate to have found a seller on eBay who makes hospital scrubs and on her ABOUT ME page, she not only gives all the measurements for all of her sizes (up to 5X), but she doesn't make the item until you have won the auction and she checks your size. She is doing a big business, and a lot from me!!
It's just nice to know when I order something from her I know what I will be getting!
What bugs me is when I find an auction and am looking for more info, I lose interest really quick when everything is in small print and one large paragraph - in caps! no less. Forget it!!
Not me! My auctions are simple, short and sweet - and in large print.
posted on July 20, 2004 08:45:52 PM new
Hi iareateacher! I love that name! My daughter just got her teaching certificate and got a kick out of that, too.
I don't mind giving her name at all - she'd probably love the advertisement! Her eBay name is "sew_big" and she has a lot of auctions going.
She will make scrubs in any type fabric or pattern you request if she can find it. It takes about a week to 10 days after the auction, but I think that's pretty good considering they are made for you!
I am slowing replacing my old scrubs, getting about 3 at a time to save on shipping. I have had lots of compliments at work on them and have given her name out there, too. They are made very well.
Good Luck! I know you will enjoy them if you get them!
^..^ meow ^..^ meow ^..^
posted on July 20, 2004 08:57:07 PM new
glassgrl, I'm trying to think of another important question besides size
Can't imagine why anyone would need to know that
posted on July 20, 2004 09:08:44 PM new
rosycat,
Do you live near Reading, PA
Famous for great outlets, great prices too. They were there years before outlets started showing up all over the place.
Love the half price Vanity Fair store.
posted on July 20, 2004 10:04:28 PM new
No, I live in Illinois. But my Dad's family is from PA. We used to visit and the outlets were great - a lot of fabric outlets in the area around Chambersburg. There isn't a lot around here - just the chain store outlets. Sigh.
About the only real outlet here is for pottery, Western Stoneware and I love that!
Parklane64 - Oops, I am blushing now! Do you think there was some airbrushing done to those photos?? LOL!!!
^..^ meow ^..^ meow ^..^
Time Spent With Cats Is Never Wasted
[ edited by rosycat on Jul 20, 2004 10:05 PM ]
posted on July 21, 2004 12:29:49 AM new
I know that I am really asking for it, but have any of you "large sized women" ever thought about losing weight? The lady I date & love very much has lost 50 lbs. in the last yr. Going from a +size to almost a 10. Don't tell me it can't be done. I am 75 & she is a mere 70, just a child.
Life Is Too Short To Drink Bad Wine
Sure we've probably each lost at least 1000 lbs. or more over time!
Edited to add: I once worked with a black chick that I joked with off and on. Once we got on the subject of diets. She said "No way, Unh-uh. More cushion for the pushin'!"
LOL!
[ edited by meadowlark on Jul 21, 2004 03:40 AM ]
Thanks for the instructions! I appreciate your time.
Unfortunately, eBay does not allow one to winnow it down as well to certain categories in that type search. I have a lot of small saved searches that are delivered in bite-sized chunks.
[ edited by meadowlark on Jul 21, 2004 03:30 AM ]
posted on July 21, 2004 04:37:17 AM new
First I'd like to say I know the plus sizes sell well on ebay as they do well in catalog sales too. I had a nice Leslie Faye dress size 18 I bought it at a gar.sale but it was new with retail tag of 60.00 in a garment bag -- pretty good if working in an office & if you dont want to spend much. Anyway, I listed it and got a few questions about the measurements.
I found that annoying. I mean, its a size 18, I did put the sleeve length and knee length but I felt like I was not going to do all that with bust measurements etc. for 9.99 (or whatever it was I listed at). Maybe I am wrong, and maybe reading this thread there is more to it for plus sizes -but when I buy clothes I go by my size and I can almost tell by looking at it, if it will fit me or wear right on me. Except for catalogs (if they even do it) where in the world do they detail all that much information?? Or are you saying because you dont get the benefit of trying it on, all that should be listed?
posted on July 21, 2004 04:45:55 AM new
Catalogs don't generally list all those measurements. They give you the size. Most do contain a size chart, however, it's pretty universal. Used clothing sells for so little, it's a real PIA to sit there and measure every part of the garment. That's why I usually don't sell clothes. If I sell something of mine and I say a size 4, it's a size 4. (Sorry gals, I really could use an extra 10 lbs if anyone wants to give it to me. I'm on the other side of the spectrum - too skinny and I'm told that all the time.
I do know that sometimes clothing runs a bit big or a bit small and maybe that's where the complaint comes in. Newport News clothing runs big. I can buy my size in Sears and it fits. I buy from Newport News and it's a bit large. So part of me can understand the original complaint and the other part of me says that it's really a lot of work to get those measurements and then sell the item for pennies.
Cheryl
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Benjamin Franklin
posted on July 21, 2004 05:18:07 AM neware you saying because you don't get the benefit of trying it on, all that should be listed?
YES! that's exactly it, since I cannot return it.
...clothing runs a bit big or a bit small and maybe that's where the complaint comes in.
Yes!
I buy from Newport News and it's a bit large...
Not for me. They have traditionally run 1 or 2 sizes smaller than Lane Bryant.
I am convinced now that this is a problem only in plus sizes. Besides that, plus-sized women are shaped differently from each other. Drastically, in some body parts in some cases, unlike a size 8. Some are busty with narrow hips, some are hippy with smaller busts. Some have a defined waist, some do not. Some styles of clothing are loose and flowing, some are fitted.
All those factors can make it difficult to get a proper fit (unless you just want to wear sweats and mumu's) without the measurements or trying it on.
Let's say I see a killer rayon dress on eBay I love. I HAVE to have the measurements or try it on, no matter the manufacturer or posted size, since I'm "pear shaped". EVEN if it says "plenty of room in the hips. Well, that's just an opinion. Maybe maybe not.
I have noticed consistently that women who ARE plus sized and selling their wardrobe after a gastric bypass (lots of those now) many times include the measurements. Those who aren't plus-sized, but are selling clothing mostly do not.
I always search for my exact size. When I first started shopping eBay, one out of at least every five garments I bought without the measurements was too small in one area or another. So I no longer bid if I can't get the measurements.
Anyway, It takes me less than a minute to lay a garment flat and measure. I have used wording I cut and pasted from MS WORD that I just plugged the measurements into and paste the whole thing quickly into my usual html.
I don't expect you guys to do the same. Just saying plus sized women are more likely to bid if they can be sure it will fit properly.
posted on July 21, 2004 07:28:13 AM new
In my listings I always take the time to measure my clothing. I wear sizes in the 2X size. I am currently trying to lose my weight and I will gradually list my clothing as I go down.When I measure the clothing it sells
posted on July 21, 2004 08:32:00 AM new
sanmar,
did you hear this??MORE CUSHION FOR THE PUSHING!!
you know you asked for it!!
But i agree,plus size women should lose weight instead of whining .
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
posted on July 21, 2004 09:16:58 AM new
I always put the clothing measurements in my auctions. All of them...plus size and maternity and kids clothing, etc. Can't imagine the number of question emails I would have if I didn't. I would constantly be pulling items to measure them. That would be a huge waste of time. Might as well do it at the outset. It really doesn't take a lot of extra time. I've gotten pretty quick with the tape measure. I'll have more auctions up and running Thurs PM if anyone is interested in browsing. Amy
posted on July 21, 2004 11:19:41 AM new
I only have store items up for sale now but plan to put about 150-200 auctions up on Thursday about 6-7pm pst. Many of these new items will be plus size. I almost never start anything over $9.99 and it's usually much lower.
posted on July 21, 2004 11:43:45 AM new
So what happened to the era big is still beautiful for women out there?
Did star jones get the stomach stapling done? Looked like she has become smaller to me? And carnie wilson - I saw her the other day on tv - is she pregnant? What a waste to do the stomach stapling thing and then get pregger's. (unless of course she couldnt get pregnant because the weight was a factor?) Still, her body looks strange now, very disproportionate. But the stapling thing is just the beginning. You have to have boo-ku bucks when you eventually need the other plastic surgery. (to get rid of the extra skin, etc.)
Some women are big, but they dress nice and can carry it off. A girl in an office I worked at was very big, but she always dressed fabulous and she had the proverbial pretty face as well.. I noted to myself you hardly notice the weight that much because she kept herself very attractive. Changed jewelry every day to match outfits, etc.
posted on July 21, 2004 12:43:44 PM new
Star Jones has been losing a bit of weight for her wedding, which is getting media attention. Once on The Veiw, the talk show she co-hosts daily, she said she mostly doesn't try to lose all the weight anymore. One time she did but felt horrible the whole time, and didn't like who she was when she was much thinner. I think she was saying her attitude was pretty bad.
She has made it very clear she is happy at the size she's been. Of course, any girl would put forth some extreme extra effort for wedding pictures they plan to look at for decades to come.
What a lot of people don't understand is that is is very difficult for a number of us to lose weight. I'm talking major hunger, weakness, and trying to deal with that in a busy life and not bite anyone's head off. Many of us don't eat much more than skinny people. There is a misconception that all overweight people sit and gorge themselves with boxes of doughnuts, etc.
Yes, any of us CAN lose weight. Other people have their shortcomings, painful to confront and handle that they themselves have not handled either, but their problems/shortcomings are not visible to the average person. There are shortcomings in every person around you and on this board. Isn't it silly to pick out one type to rail on?
