posted on August 5, 2002 11:13:32 PM new
I've just moved and came across some clothes (sport coats, dress slacks and the like) that sre in good shape but I no longer have use for and would like to get to someone who *could* use them. In all my eBay selling so far, I've done mostly electronics and computer stuff, so I have some questions on what to do here with these 'soft' items. (I'm not going into the online clothing sales business, so I'm not trying to be a jerk and ride someone else's coattails who's already done the hard work. I just want to avoid really stupid mistakes when I try to liquidate these few things.)
Specifically, I don't know if I should spend the money to have all the stuff dry cleaned before listing it. If I bought something online for myself, I'd clean it as soon as I got it, but I thought it might be more appealing to list this stuff as freshly cleaned and pressed.
And then, once sold, what would you recommend as the best shipping options - especially for things like slacks and coats - tyvek, plain cardboard boxes, USPS Priority boxes, wrapped in plastic, etc.?
posted on August 6, 2002 03:31:10 AM new
I have sold some clothing and have received some good advice from this board so I'll pass it along. Always check each item thoroughly for any stains (sometimes they don't show up in dim light), loose seams, missing buttons, etc. and put this in your item description. Measure carefully. Try to get an accurate picture of the color. As far as shipping, I always put mine in a plastic bag (I have a friend who works at JC Penney's and she saves them for me when I ask). I usually use the smaller oblong box from USPS unless it's something really small, then I adjust to size. If you don't want to spend the money for drycleaning try one of the at home methods (Dryel) or just state that it should be cleaned before wearing. You could also use one of the fabric sprays but use lightly because some people are sensitive to the smells. Good luck. Barbara
posted on August 6, 2002 06:44:33 AM new
I started selling clothing approx 4 months ago and here are some of the lessons I've learned.
Always put size in the title
Always launder clothing
If you smoke or have pets ALWAYS put that in the description as some people are extremely allergic
Pack in secure box and put clothing in plastic
ALWAYS include exact measurements in description
Take photos of all pieces-hang them up-don't just fold up a bunch of pieces on a table
Group types of clothing together such as all casual or all office style
Sell clothing in lots-one item at a time does not work well unless it's an expensive or designer label
I pack a dryer sheet in amongst the clothes if the buyer would like that-I always ask first in case they are sensitive to odors-most of my buyers appreciate the gesture
posted on August 6, 2002 10:06:13 AM new
Thanks for the help. I guess I'll start watching some similar items to see whether it'd be worth spending $1.75 on each item to have it cleaned. Or maybe try the Dryel route.
barbkeith, the plastic bags you mention - do you mean the zippered kind you might get a new suit in? Or something else?
posted on August 6, 2002 05:37:16 PM new
Have you thought about a local consignment store? From my experience it is getting harder and harder to make money selling used clothing on ebay, unless they are high end designer pieces.
posted on August 6, 2002 06:16:50 PM new
Hi SV, the ones I use are the ones that shirts come in. They are just regular plastic almost like a sandwich bag without a zipper. Every shirt comes in it's own bag. They throw tons of them away. She also gives me hangers because they are now throwing them away or giving them to the customer.
Great idea, palaco, I agree with putting the size in the title. A lot of times if I'm looking for something and the size isn't in the title I won't even bother with it. Barbara
