posted on November 30, 2000 09:58:33 AM
I have some clothing to auction off, and have been toying with the idea of using a mannequin, since some of it is lingerie and some backless dresses that would show better on something (not on me! ). I can get one of those flatback mannequins pretty cheaply, but I would have to drive quite a distance to pick it up if I wanted it right away... I've been thinking of just having it shipped later instead, but am wondering if it is worth just going ahead and driving now. Those of you who use mannequins, have you found that it makes a big difference in bid numbers/dollars?
posted on November 30, 2000 11:08:16 AM
I have recently started using a mannequin to sell my childrens' clothing. I have gotten great response from it! I have also had my mother and neighbour model some of my clothing and it looks so much better than just the piece of clothing photographed lying on the floor or hanging from a hanger.
The only thing about using a wall-hung mannequin like mine (what I would consider flat-back) is that the back is actually open, and with lingerie, you would probably want to photograph the back, which would look odd on this kind of mannequin.
If I had the money for it, I would purchase a full-size dressmaker's mannequin on a stand/pedestal. Barring that, my next choice would be a life-sized store mannequin, but I prefer the headless kind. Sounds wierd, I know. LOL
Anyway, that's my take on it. I know that I am much more impressed when I see a clothing auction modeled on a mannequin or a real person. It gives you a much better sense of what it will look like in actual use.
posted on November 30, 2000 11:16:08 AM
The presentation on a form or mannequin will make a big difference. One of the perceptual differences to the potential buyer is that they will be able to see how the clothing hangs on something appropriately shaped.
We do a lot of clothing manufacturing and selling and use dressmaker mannequins for photographs. If the item is light colored we cover the mannequin in a dark t-shirt to provide distinct contrast so that the item shows up well. Conversely, a dark colored item gets a light t-shirt. We adjust the mannequin to the appropriate size so the clothing display at their best fit.
posted on November 30, 2000 11:19:49 AM
Personally, I think it makes a huge difference. I found often there was no way to get an outfit to look good no matter how I tried displaying it, hangers just don't cut it.
I had a sizable increase in my sales after buying a mannequin. Most clothes simply look better on a human form.
Since it will be a long drive to pick up a manneqin, may I make a suggestion? EBAY. I bought mine last summer and paid right around $30.00 including shipping and I had it in my hands within three days.
Unrelated (sort of) side-note after I unpacked the mannequin I went in and took a shower, when I got out I caught my 3 1/2 year old son touching (feeling up) the breasts of our new plastic roomate. He looked at me and said "look, boobs". Gave me a laugh.
posted on November 30, 2000 11:31:43 AM
Gotta say a mannequin (or model) is definitely worth the money. I got two headless torso mannequins (the type used in department stores) early this year, and they have been a lifesaver when it comes to showing clothes. Once you have one, you won't want to go back to hangers. The dummies show off the clothing "in the round" and also look tres professional.....plus they can double as Halloween props (we had fun covering them with blood and gore this year...one was hanging by a noose!! the kids adored it!)
I also have a gal-pal who is very pretty and whenever she comes over I talk her into modeling a few items. Those items always sell!! Sometimes I even get email asking me about her or (thinking it is me!) asking "Are you single". Hehehe. I take her out to dinner as a thank you. I don't think I would have the nerve to ask her to model lingerie though. That would be a tad too much to ask.
posted on November 30, 2000 12:03:05 PM
I'd love to get my hands on a mannequin , so to speak ! But they are rather costly to buy new . Why didn't I think of ebay ? Duh..
I often work as costume-mistress for our community theatre and recently found a very large size mannequin at a thrift store and bought it for that purpose.
Not so handy for selling Vintage clothing , which tends to run small , but I'm thinking of " borrowing " it between shows for large lingerie such as nightwear and slips , which sell well .
Everyone is right so far , " shape " improves sales .
I've improvised for some vintage clothing and lingerie by making my own flat torsos from colored card ,including arms and necks , to hide the hangers and fill the sides out ; plus I always find something to fill the bust ...I've used everything from socks , tangerines and even small funnels ( great in circle stitch bras ! )
If I have to hang it on a door , I pin the skirt out to the side a little and also angle the sleeves . Taking picture shots from the side is sometimes more realistic and effective than just straight on. ( Especially vintage bras !! )
All very time-consuming ; a mannequin would be way simpler. Happy hunting .
posted on November 30, 2000 12:41:33 PM
Does this mean I should put up these 4 mannequins I have that are in my way everyday? Wooooo, off to find my camera.....
posted on November 30, 2000 12:55:40 PM
brighid868: Halloween? What a great idea!!
If you are looking for a REALLY cheap way to dispay clothing on a form, A couple months ago I found something when I was looking for ideas on how to make mummys and other dead guys on a halloween website. This is how to make a body form also seems like it would be great for people who sew their own clothing too. You need two people to do this.
Get tight-fitting old shirt(long sleeves) and pants that you don't mind ruining. A whole LOT of duct tape (dollar store). Have a partner wrap duct tape around you until the shoulders, torso and hips (don't do the arms) completly wrapped up. Next have your partner cut the tape and clothes up the back and when you are out, retape up your new manniquin form. If you try this I would probably do this in a small size so you can fit different sizes of clothing. I believe many manneqins are a size 2 or four.
I did hands and arms for halloween and it worked great. Next year I am going for the full body. If I knew how to post links to pictures you could see how this looks.
posted on November 30, 2000 01:21:39 PM
Thanks, everyone. After reading your responses, I am now thinking that I'll wait till next week (more money on hand) and purchase an "in the round" mannequin instead of just the flatback one. Your words were pretty persuasive. I knew my own reaction as a buyer when viewing listings that used them, but I think you just tipped the scale for me!
On personal notes:
Jozi -- I agree!
Avalon -- good idea. The guy I'm buying from actually offers a flatback set of one black and one white for that same purpose
cmbtboots -- I actually found this guy on ebay ... then noticed he was nearby, called him, and got offered all sorts of good deals that he hadn't listed online
brighid -- cool friend! But then the way you thank her is so classy, no wonder she's your friend
uglimouse -- I thought of doing that same thing last night! gmta -- glad to know it works!
spotty -- I sure would -- they seem to sell well here!
Mark -- hunh?
cmbtboots -- nono -- too much work -- but I'll bet it's killer for Halloween!
Thanks again!
[ edited by kinkajougirl on Nov 30, 2000 01:24 PM ]
posted on November 30, 2000 01:59:49 PM
I don't sell a lot of clothes so a mannequin is not very practical. When I have something with sleeves though I stuff them with tissue to give them an "arm in the sleeve" look. It helps make the photo look a little more 3 dimensional.
P.S. Don't use newspaper, the print rubs off on the clothing.
posted on November 30, 2000 06:38:04 PM
I bought a dress form for $2.00 at a garage sale, however, she has ended up mostly modeling men's suits. She does do a pretty good job of that.
We would not think of selling clothing without a model of some sort. That is usually me. It does help to have a husband that is actively involved in the business to take the pictures.
I know that as a buyer, I look at the clothing on a form, skip by the items just hanging.
There is a whole page somewhere on the internet on how to do the duct tape dress form thing. Its supposed to be great as it will reflect any little weirdnesses about your body so you can fit things to yourself better. But you need a partner to do the whole thing and I can't get the husband interested. Ah well, you can't win em all.
Have a great night & happy selling.
posted on November 30, 2000 09:19:14 PM
I broke down last summer and bought two mannequins - one flat-backed and in a small size to show the smaller clothing I sell, and one full-figured (and fully adjustable) for the plus sizes. "Margaret" is hot-pink velour, and other than a dial between her boobs, she shows clothes off great! (I put a dickie on her when the dial would be a real turnoff).
I've also seen lots of eBay pictures with live models, with the photo taken in such a way that they are not identifiable (neck down). This is great if you have a friend or family member of the right size, as their face is not going to get spread all over the universe.
posted on November 30, 2000 09:24:52 PM
I use a dressform, the kind seamstresses use. It is adjustable and sits on a pole. The pole prevents me from using it very effectively for lingerie (or pants for that matter).
I think that the torsos, the ones where the body has some kind of pose and it sits on a tabletop, are better for lingerie, even though they are not adjustable.
posted on November 30, 2000 11:10:05 PM
I have requested that ebay close my account as I don't want to bother selling anymore.
I do have 3 mannequins I think I will sell after the holidays under my other id.
The mannequins do make your item show better. The hanging ones are great for smaller sizes. For larger sizes, I use my male torso mannequin but a bra stuffed with balloons underneath.
). I can get one of those flatback mannequins pretty cheaply, but I would have to drive quite a distance to pick it up if I wanted it right away... I've been thinking of just having it shipped later instead, but am wondering if it is worth just going ahead and driving now. Those of you who use mannequins, have you found that it makes a big difference in bid numbers/dollars?
