posted on February 23, 2001 10:17:08 AM
Hi all - I like to buy clothing on Ebay but have all but quit bidding for the following reasons: <p>1. Fewer & fewer sellers seem to measure! I don't like buying things that don't fit...and a size 4 can have a waist anywhere from 22 - 28 depending on the manufacturer. Please take the extra time to measure and I'm sure your sales will increase (and probably your feedback too, because it's hard to be glowingly excited about something that was too big or too small and resulted in money spent on a worthless item. <p>2. If it is lightweight, consider shipping first class. If I don't have to pay $4 - $6 for an 8-10 oz item, I'll bid or bid higher!! <p>3. If you are going to charge handling...please at least make an effort to handle it...like folding it!! In the past couple of months I've received too many items that looked great in the pic, hanging beautifully and unwrinkled -but they were wadded into a tiny box for shipping - they looked like rags when opened! I don't leave negs for this, but it is hard to leave ecstatic feedback on these either! (I fold, wrap in tissue, then in plastic, then box or bag!!) <p>4. Try to tell me what it's made of and some idea of the fabric. 100% cotton can be like a sweater...or like a fine ladies handkerchief! It's 80 degrees here now and it helps alot to know! Care instructions (i.e. dry clean only) help if they are available too. <p>I know these steps take time...but I for one would be most appreciative and bid more and higher when they are provided!! I just tried to find a pair of white jeans - and none in the approx range of possibly applicable sizes gave anything but an inseam - so no bid from me!
[ edited by fraidykat on Feb 23, 2001 10:20 AM ]
posted on February 23, 2001 12:42:44 PM
fraidykat-
I couldn't agree with you more. I sell mostly clothes, mens & womens & I always give measurements.
BUT, there is one thing that beats me
to no end. I can sell ANY sizes except the 2-6 range. Even in shoes, size 5 & 5-1/2 are just out of the game for me. Any clue why this could be? I could understand if I had the same problem overall, but that's just not it.
posted on February 23, 2001 01:09:53 PM
I agree with you on the measurements. I was looking at an auction for a slacks today and it said size 8. It was on another auction site, I clicked on the question and answer screen and others had already asked for measurements. The sellers response was "I don't know what to tell you, it says size 8, not reg, pet, or tall. That's all". Guess what--I would never buy anything from this seller!!
posted on February 23, 2001 01:26:46 PM
haleigh - My only idea on this is that a lot of people that could fit in and buy sizes 2 - 6 are juniors and are far more used to 1, 3, 5, & 7. Plus womans clothes in these sizes seem scarcer (even at retail) than the 10s, 12s, etc, so they look also in juniors for adult looking clothing. When I sell these I often cross reference, i.e. 3/4 or small in title (and then in description, give measurements and say tag size). I've had really good luck with this method. Good for you with the measurements too, I think it is doubly important in these sizes because most 2 and 4 clothing is upper end, and more generously cut than some other lower end brands! But...same as you with small shoes - no luck whatsoever.
posted on February 23, 2001 01:35:03 PM
Nothing personal luvmy2bears (a.k.a Ms. Size 2), but I'm going to have to hate you forever now!
Don't mind me, I'm just bitter. I've got a gym appointment in about half and hour and I don't really want to go.
Question for clothing sellers (or anyone else who might know): I know sizes can be very different from brand to brand, but on average what does a size 9 equal in waist size?
posted on February 23, 2001 02:56:01 PM
I wear a 4 petite. I can sometimes wear a regular size 2 or 4 but not often. I think there is more of a market for sizes 2 to 6 in petites. I am no Junior either, I was born in the late 1940's.
I dread going shoping. I usually have to go to high priced specialty stores to find anything that is appropriate and fits. I would love to be able to buy on eBay.
posted on February 23, 2001 05:09:13 PM
Hello,
Mostly lurking but just started selling high end clothing so thought I would add a couple of thoughts.
Another reason to add what the fabric make is that a lot of people cannot wear certain fabrics because of allergies or the way they feel against their skin.
Measurements are very important, doubly so, if the item is not guaranteed NEW w/tags as a worn item may have been dry cleaned, washed etc. and the size will no longer reflect the true size the tag states.
You have to be really careful with suits as a lot of suits are paired in different sizes. We have up an Ann Taylor high end suit right now that is a size 2 jacket and 4Petite skirt. So make sure if you list suits - check out both garments sizing.
posted on February 23, 2001 05:18:16 PM
I'm not a junior and wear a 4 but not petite and agree re: measurements in listings. I've unknowingly bought too many items described as my size that would fit the petite folks! Describe, describe and describe some more. If I can't feel it or try it on, I like lots of information and a picture doesn't tell me anything other than a general idea of color (sometimes) and style. I like measurements, material, washing instructions, etc. I pass if the seller hasn't given me enough scoop to know if it will even fit me.
posted on February 23, 2001 05:20:43 PM
I have another peeve about clothing. When listing the material, say whether it's a knit or woven. A t-shirt can be 100% cotton and so could a button-up shirt but there's a big difference.
As for the rest of what you say fraidycat, here here! Oh, and I do all of that for my auctions But my stuff is at the other end of the size spectrum, plus sizes. But it's the same thing, a 22 from this manufacturer may fit different than another manufacturer.
~~Angels fly because they take themselves lightly ~~
We're trying to make the presentation look good. One problem we have is that our pics are super clear in Adobe, super clear in Auction Manager Pro but when downloaded to ebay they get that fuzzy look -
posted on February 23, 2001 07:36:44 PM
Geez, where were all you size 4's when I sold those silk pants this weekend?
Here's my instructions for measuring clothing for what it's worth.
How to measure a blouse:
For the bust measurement: first lay the blouse out flat, face up on a table or the carpet. Make sure the item is laid out fairly flat, buttons all done up, and wrinkles smoothed out. About two inches below the armpit, measure across the front of the blouse and multiply that measurement by 2 (you are measuring two thicknesses of fabric). That is the bust measurement. This is the only measurement for purchasing a blouse many prospective buyers will need or want.
To get the length of the blouse, on the shoulder, right next to the collar on one side of the neck, measure down from there to the bottom of the blouse. That is the length.
To get the sleeve length measurement, measure from the top of the sleeve where it attaches at the seam to the shoulder of the blouse, all the way to the very end of the sleeve, including any cuff if it is long-sleeved.
Some women want to know how big around the sleeve opening is, especially on Plus sizes as some manufacturers cut this a bit close. With the sleeve flat, measure sideways across the sleeve about 6 to 8 inches below the seam where the top of the sleeve attaches to the shoulder of the blouse. This lets a Plus sized woman know if her upper arm will fit in the sleeve. With today's loose fitting styles, this is not much of an issue in may cases.
To get a hip measurement (some of us are bigger in the hips than in the bust.) Measure across the blouse at the bottom, or on an extremely long blouse, about 28-30 inches down from the top of the blouse. Follow the directions given above for measuring the bust.
How to measure pants:
For PANTS WITH SOME GATHERING OR ELASTIC IN THE WAIST:
To get the waist measurement, lay the pants flat on the floor or a table with the zipper up if there is one, and the button buttoned if there is one. With the waist flattened, measure all the way across the top from one side to the other. Take the measurement and multiply times 2 (you are measuring 2 layers of fabric). This is the measurement for the "unstretched waist measurement." If there is elastic in the waist, it will fit a person usually much larger than that. So next stretch the waist band out all the way from side to side, still trying to keep it pretty flat and measure from side-to-side again. Multiply it times 2 and this is the "stretched waist measurement." This is easier with a second pair of hands, but one person can manage. This measurement lets a person know, not only will the pants fit on the body, it will let them know if they will be too tight or too loose feeling.
For PANTS WITH NO GATHERING OR ELASTIC IN THE WAIST:
To get the waist measurement, just follow the first step on the above instructions. There is no "stretched waist measurement."
TO GET THE LENGTH OF ANY PAIR OF PANTS, you measure the "inseam".
Inseam is a shortened version of "inside seam on the leg". This lets the person know if it will properly cover the entire leg, or if they will be waddling around with folds at the ankle, or look like they are going crabbing. (A local joke in my home town, used when people wear pants that are noticeably too short! The idea is that when you go crabbing, you wear short pants that won’t get wet if you happen to step in the water!) Anyway, you measure the seam running down the inside of the leg on one only leg from the crotch seam to the bottom edge of the pants. (The bottom edge is called the hem, and the stitched thread that holds it in place has the same name.) Different styles of pants ride higher or lower on the waist, so the only sure way to know how long they will be on your legs is to measure the inseam. Some sellers give the measurement on the outside seam from the top of the waist to the hem, but this does not tell one how long the legs actually are.
TO GET THE HIP MEASUREMENT FOR ANY PAIR OF PANTS, place pants again on a flat surface. For small ladies, juniors or petite sizes, measure across the pants again but 7" below the waistband. Multiply times two for the complete hip measurement. For Women's Plus sizes, measure in the same fashion, but 9" below the waistband and multiply times two.
Please note - do not measure across the crotch area and call this the "hip measurement". That I believe would be the "seat measurement" and is less useful to a buyer trying to figure out if the pants fit. The hips are the widest part of the lower portion of the body.
Potential bidders on clothing will appreciate full information on the exact measurements of an item. This may save sellers email questions and having to chase down the item in their inventory and measure it. I have bought most of my personal wardrobe on eBay over the last 3 years. Due to past experience, I will not bid on clothes unless I can get the measurements to insure they will actually fit. As you may well know, measurements for a given size can vary greatly from one manufacturer to another. Many times, I have not bid on an item I was very interested in because the seller could not give me the measurements in a timely manner. Some could not figure out how to measure the item at all, there I wrote this up som time back.
posted on February 23, 2001 07:39:51 PM
Geez, where were all you size 4's when I sold those silk pants this weekend?
Here's my instructions for measuring clothing for what it's worth.
How to measure a blouse:
For the bust measurement: first lay the blouse out flat, face up on a table or the carpet. Make sure the item is laid out fairly flat, buttons all done up, and wrinkles smoothed out. About two inches below the armpit, measure across the front of the blouse and multiply that measurement by 2 (you are measuring two thicknesses of fabric). That is the bust measurement. This is the only measurement for purchasing a blouse many prospective buyers will need or want.
To get the length of the blouse, on the shoulder, right next to the collar on one side of the neck, measure down from there to the bottom of the blouse. That is the length.
To get the sleeve length measurement, measure from the top of the sleeve where it attaches at the seam to the shoulder of the blouse, all the way to the very end of the sleeve, including any cuff if it is long-sleeved.
Some women want to know how big around the sleeve opening is, especially on Plus sizes as some manufacturers cut this a bit close. With the sleeve flat, measure sideways across the sleeve about 6 to 8 inches below the seam where the top of the sleeve attaches to the shoulder of the blouse. This lets a Plus sized woman know if her upper arm will fit in the sleeve. With today's loose fitting styles, this is not much of an issue in may cases.
To get a hip measurement (some of us are bigger in the hips than in the bust.) Measure across the blouse at the bottom, or on an extremely long blouse, about 28-30 inches down from the top of the blouse. Follow the directions given above for measuring the bust.
How to measure pants:
For PANTS WITH SOME GATHERING OR ELASTIC IN THE WAIST:
To get the waist measurement, lay the pants flat on the floor or a table with the zipper up if there is one, and the button buttoned if there is one. With the waist flattened, measure all the way across the top from one side to the other. Take the measurement and multiply times 2 (you are measuring 2 layers of fabric). This is the measurement for the "unstretched waist measurement." If there is elastic in the waist, it will fit a person usually much larger than that. So next stretch the waist band out all the way from side to side, still trying to keep it pretty flat and measure from side-to-side again. Multiply it times 2 and this is the "stretched waist measurement." This is easier with a second pair of hands, but one person can manage. This measurement lets a person know, not only will the pants fit on the body, it will let them know if they will be too tight or too loose feeling.
For PANTS WITH NO GATHERING OR ELASTIC IN THE WAIST:
To get the waist measurement, just follow the first step on the above instructions. There is no "stretched waist measurement."
TO GET THE LENGTH OF ANY PAIR OF PANTS, you measure the "inseam".
Inseam is a shortened version of "inside seam on the leg". This lets the person know if it will properly cover the entire leg, or if they will be waddling around with folds at the ankle, or look like they are going crabbing. (A local joke in my home town, used when people wear pants that are noticeably too short! The idea is that when you go crabbing, you wear short pants that won’t get wet if you happen to step in the water!) Anyway, you measure the seam running down the inside of the leg on one only leg from the crotch seam to the bottom edge of the pants. (The bottom edge is called the hem, and the stitched thread that holds it in place has the same name.) Different styles of pants ride higher or lower on the waist, so the only sure way to know how long they will be on your legs is to measure the inseam. Some sellers give the measurement on the outside seam from the top of the waist to the hem, but this does not tell one how long the legs actually are.
TO GET THE HIP MEASUREMENT FOR ANY PAIR OF PANTS, place pants again on a flat surface. For small ladies, juniors or petite sizes, measure across the pants again but 7" below the waistband. Multiply times two for the complete hip measurement. For Women's Plus sizes, measure in the same fashion, but 9" below the waistband and multiply times two.
Please note - do not measure across the crotch area and call this the "hip measurement". That I believe would be the "seat measurement" and is less useful to a buyer trying to figure out if the pants fit. The hips are the widest part of the lower portion of the body.
Potential bidders on clothing will appreciate full information on the exact measurements of an item. This may save sellers email questions and having to chase down the item in their inventory and measure it. I have bought most of my personal wardrobe on eBay over the last 3 years. Due to past experience, I will not bid on clothes unless I can get the measurements to insure they will actually fit. As you may well know, measurements for a given size can vary greatly from one manufacturer to another. Many times, I have not bid on an item I was very interested in because the seller could not give me the measurements in a timely manner. Some could not figure out how to measure the item at all, there I wrote this up som time back.
Woven means you can see staright flat threads running back and forth and it's not a stretchy type of material. Example: Sheets are woven. plain old Levi jeans are woven. drapery fabric and your couch fabric are woven. A plain white cotton blouse that one would iron is woven.
Knit is usually somewhat stretchy, many times very stretchy. It's made up of super-tiny loops. If it's made of sweatshirt, T-shirt, stretchy material or like that, it's a knit. Go to a fabric store (Hancock's or JoAnne's in my area. Read the signs in the stands above the bolts of fabric. Mostly all the cotton woven fabrics that are fairly plain like calico for making quilts are on one side of the store. All the knits and fancy woven fabric are on the other side. Funny thing. The bolt that any fabric is on will be stamped on the end usually with what the fabric content (cotten, linen, wool, polyester) and say "woven" or "knit". Not always, but many times.
You many times cannot tell what the fabric is actually made of unless it is marked, or you have quite a bit of experience handling fabrics. But learning to distinguish between knits and woven fabrics should not be too difficult. Find a helpful fabric store clerk, they would likely be willing to show you. An easy task here in the south...
For information on various fabrics (some way advanced even for me) go to:
posted on February 23, 2001 08:23:20 PM
Duly noted! I sell clothes every now and again, and I never really thought about it unless a bidder emailed me for exact measurements. And thanks, meadowlark, for your great tips. I am going to keep these on file for when I sell clothing the next time!
Martiniswiller (not my name on eBay)
posted on February 24, 2001 06:07:34 AM
I sell new and used clothing items and I always include measurements in my ads. I try to be very descriptive an accurate and I still receive email questions. So you can never put enough information about clothing. I have found that most clothing pieces are still too heavy to go first class. But I try to sell at a bargain price so the buyer doesn't mind paying shipping. It's still less than a catalog!
posted on February 24, 2001 09:03:17 AM
I know that I have been asked several times by potential bidders what the measurement of shoe is.
It's easy enough when you don't have a pointed toe. Then what? I must admit, I don't know how to measure inside of a pair of dress heels with a pointed toe!
Do you know?
posted on February 24, 2001 09:50:43 AM
Haleigh,
You have two options with shoes. Most want measurements solely so that they can compare to their current shoes. So you can say here is the measurement toe to heel, please measure against your current pumps, flats etc. This way they are measuring apples to apples.
In general trying to give exact foot placement measurements for heels etc. is not what is really needed. But if you have someone insist on that, measure heel to toebox - the widest part of the front of the shoe. Let the buyer know that is what you measured so they can then compare those measurements. Unless they have really long toes that would work.
Generally, I would steer away from that type of measurement. The length and width at the toebox are the most important and should be given always.
The bottom line with clothes and shoes is that you want the fit to work. In order to be succesful at that you have to provide the detailed measurement information so the client can ensure all areas will fit. Even if they love the pics, the price etc., if the item does not fit they will not be happy and may return. Take the extra time. You will win out in the long run if clothes are what you primarily sell.
We use 1/4" slimmasater goldblade to measure with and it is a piece of cake. It is a small flexible measuring tape that works great. Probably ran about $5 at home depot or lowes etc.
I too am primarily a clothing seller. This past fall, I ended up with over 70 high end designer suits from an estate sale, all in size 4!!! Most had been minimally worn and many were in NWT condition. OK...since I am a 6 and rarely have the need for a business suit, they have gradually been listed on eBay over the winter months. I now have about 10 left that are lightweight spring suits and I have started listing them, thinking it was a better time of year to list these. [p]
I've done fairly well with them, but not as well as I thought they'd sell considering their condition and the designer labels. I do find that this size attracts a pretty limited bidding group. I've had designer suits in size 8-12 range in the past, and they always sold extremely well, sometimes way over what I expected and often with multiple bidders. I guess, there are more of us in the 8-12 range of sizes than the 2-4 range. [p]
I do also measure, measure and measure some more, often including shoulder to shoulder measurements, sleeve length, skirt length as well as the standard bust, waist and hip measurements. I also include photos of the whole suit, the jacket, details and even the skirt alone. It sure saves time on answering emails. When I ship, all clothing items are folded and wrapped in tissue with ribbon (bought tons of ribbon at a garage sale for pennies)and an attached sticker with thanks, requesting feedback, my email and eBay name, yada, yada. Seems like a lot of work and often, I would love to switch to simple widgets and list them with minimum fuss...but, like selling clothes and all the work seems to come with the territory. So far it seems to work!! and with minimum problems and no returns!! Also, all my clothing goes out Priority (hey, free boxes) and my original low start price reflects the cost of shipping via Priority.
[p]
Hey, YPay..I too end up with fuzzy looking pix. They appear crisp and clean from my Sony digital camera and still stay crisp looking even after cropping. But on my listings they look fuzzier. Can't figure it either.
[p]
Anyway, just my 2 cents worth!!
posted on February 24, 2001 11:00:01 AM
Atireus,
The shoulder to shoulder measurement is also done by us and should be in most women's clothing auctions.
My partner and I were department managers at Nordstorm's #1 store for many years. The reason the size 2-4 range does not sell as well is the abundance of that size. As a buyer, say we had 100 suits we could purchase. We would purchase 50 in the 2-4 range, possibly 15 6's, 15 8's. Which leaves only 20 suits left for all sizes over 8. Just like collectibles, when there are few and you find them they will sell for higher.
As a personal shopper I also noticed that smaller sized women have more self esteem and like their bodies more than us normal size or larger size. They tend to love clothes and what they look like on and they do buy more = more clothes in stock for this size. I know I personally am now at a larger size than I have ever been and I am not buying any clothes at all as I am sure I will be back down to that pre-baby size of 4-6. Until then I do not want to spend the money.
So if the majority of multiple purchases are to the 2-4 set than as a buyer that is the quantities we bought in. Which means a Ann Taylor suit in a 10 of a particular fashion -there may have only been 5 in the whole store. So when you find one you can re-sell it will sail out as the choices are minimal.
I was a shoe manager for several years and the same applies. The average female foot is a size 8. We would have 100 Via Spiga or Cole Haan shoes to buy. We would buy probably 60 - size 8's, and one or two etc. of the rest. So a size 11 foot if they wanted the newest high fashion shoe would need a personal shopper to snag when they came in or shop all the time as there was only going to be 1 or 2 pairs. Especially when you are dealing with high fashion, what is hot now. You get a European run and you only get 100 pairs. Then the run is done. No re-orders, nor swap with other stores etc.
Anyway, supply and demand. So if you can find shoes over a size 8 or suits over a size 6 you should be able to sell well. The 2-4 should still sell but may take a few lists.
posted on February 24, 2001 04:04:26 PM
Thank you to everyone here who took time to post & educate. I have learned lots & will apply them in my listings.
posted on February 25, 2001 07:49:37 AM
Haleigh-
It seems that I can never find anything in the 2-6 size range. Even though I wear petite, I can sometimes get away with items that are not a petite. I can wear any of these sizes depending on the manufacturer. Inseams are something that are not sometimes included. I am a 5' 2" but have a short waist and long legs. So, it helps to have the inseam listed for pants. Another thing that keeps me from bidding on clothing are the pictures. A dress that is folded and only shows a picture of the top portion. Or a navy blue dress with a print and the back ground is to dark to see the print clearly. Or just a one line description of the item. Another thing that is some sellers don't include is if an item has an elastic waistband and the size of the waistband unstretched and then stretched.
posted on February 25, 2001 02:52:21 PM
Theresa,
That is a very good point. The elastic as is or stretched does make a bog difference and should be measured.
posted on February 26, 2001 12:24:41 PM
Love the extra measuring tips you all took the time to post - hope more sellers read the thread - seems most that have posted do all the things to make buying a pleasure already! I'd love to find it more common so I don't have to skip over so many items that are lacking the basics! I'm sure lots of people wring their hands over why their "great" clothing items don't sell without ever realizing why! The more info provided, the greater success to the seller.
posted on February 26, 2001 02:05:18 PM
Okay all you size 2-4's...check out my auctions! Just started on 2/25 and running through the next 7 days!
EBay ID: 14meplz
Any feedback on my description would be appreciated. This is my first go around w/ selling clothes on EBay. I do agree on the description. I don't even bother w/ auctions that have no measurements. I could be a size 2-6, just depends on the brand.
I do have a suggestion for sellers on clothing. If it's something like slacks or blouses I only look for lots of 2 or more usually. I don't mind paying $4 shipping for pantsuit or a dress but not just one pair of slacks or a blouse.
luv
~~