Could someone who shops ebay give me some advice on ebay stores and this Idea?

Question

I am an expert seamstress and am considering opening an ebay store to sell hand made reproductions of vintage clothes such as 30, 40, & 50's & 60's womens and childrens dresses. I have beautiful patterns. Does anyone think this would work on ebay? Would a regular ebay auction be better as far as expense os a store? Thanks

Answer 1

Sounds like a great idea to me, providing you can get your materials cheap enough to make money on it.

Start out with a few samples ... and you could even make to order ... that way you don't have to have a huge inventory ... at least to start.

Try it and see how it goes!!
Let us know your ebay ID

P.S. ... I am a plus size old hippie who buys ALL of my clothing on ebay ... and I know plenty of other people who do the same, of all sizes.

Answer 2

Definitely run a few auctions first. If you are new to eBay you should buy and sell a few lower end items first to build your user feedback and get a 'feel' for the scene.

There is a good bit you should learn before you attempt a full blown business, particularly if you are a newbie to online auctions. Even an occasional seller should take the time to learn the basics. The eBay information on buying and selling is excellent.... be sure to do some homework. Check out the guides offered and you might want to see if they still have a mentor program. That way you are less likely to have a bad experience that would discourage you. This idea of yours sounds like it could be a real winner... take a little time to make sure it has a chance to succeed.

Look at lots of other auctions for the same general types of items. See if there is anyone doing what you have in mind as well. It does not matter if there are others... it will be your custom product as well as the way you sell it that will get you customers. That is the reason for looking at many auctions. Note who seems to sell the most and who has the highest/best feedback ratings. Look closely at the way they title, word and illustrate their listings. What kind of return, payment and shipping policies do they have? Clearly stating these can often make the difference in happy customers and positive feedback or non-paying bidders and irrational negatives. Note the photos used as well. These can make the difference between a low sale and a high return.

Check the listing service options too. Many experienced sellers use Auctiva, which is a basically free service that allows more photos along with free enlargements so folks can see the details of an item. There are others that bear looking into as well. Note which ones the best looking/selling listings use... there will usually be a link to the service near the bottom of the listing.

Once you have some experience, have refined your sales pitch and policies and sold a few pieces with happy customers, the store will be the best bulk venue with a few straight auctions to get folks to visit the store. In the long run, if you have a stock of items or if you have a decent number of styles and designs, not only will you sell more, but the ultimate cost per item to sell will be substantially less.

The advice is by no means comprehensive! It is just to give you an idea of where you need to begin and some of the considerations you will need to address. Again, this idea sounds like a very good one... take the time to learn how to do the business end, then I vote Go for it!!

You might want to consider a line of Victorian style clothing too. Just a thought...

Answer 3

Try auctioning some of your clothes first-this will give you an idea of what people are willing to pay for them. If everything goes as well as you like then try a store.But you never know-you may get such good prices from the auctions you may not want to open a store!! And yes,vintage clothes is a great idea for ebay. Really play up the fact that they are handmade and the best of luck to you!!

Answer 4

I think its a great idea. I love 40's glamour myself.

I sell on eBay sometimes and I have a friend who has a store called ZDiva. She does not make things herself but it might give you a sense of what is out there. I think eBay makes it much easier for people to start their own businesses with little overhead. Plus you reach a larger audience compared to opening such a store in your home town.

My only concern would be with getting the right fit. I guess knowing one's measurements would be important. I know there are people with hobbies of buying and wearing vintage clothes.

Perhaps you should try listing a few items and see how it goes before opening a store.

Answer 5

a store is great if you have a lot of item or if you are not in a hurry to sell something since you can list them for longer and it cost less now you still will half to do auctions to promote your store because although you pay to open a store eBay still dose not promote your stores like your auction meaning if you use a search your store item won't show up.

They tried to do it but with so many items pages popping up i think they need to revise it, once your store take off and it seems like more is being bought on your store than on your auction you can maybe list 3 auction and let the rest go to your store i would make sure that your 3 auction or how many you choose are a very popular item so people will want to look in to your store.

I think a store save on listing fees and gallery but you still half to pay the monthly fee on top of the listing feel and gallery. try the auctions see how they go if you start doing really good then think of a store but i wouldn't do a store before you know if the auctions work or the items you have are working.

Good luck.

Answer 6

All I can say is....oh....my....goodness!!! Yes, yes yes! Go for it! I am an eBay addict. I am also a lover of all things vintage. I have been searching for months for some quality vintage styled clothes and have come up with moot. Another idea you may want to toy with....make your styles available in plus sizes too. Authentic vintage clothes run small and the bigger girls of today who love them find it very upsetting that there is nothing available in their size. Also....I would love to chat with you about making some plus sized 1950' style tea dresses for me. If that's something you think you'd like to do please feel free to drop me a line. I will give you my eBay ID so you can check my feedback. Take care and I sincerely hope you follow this dream through.

Answer 7

Yes, as long as you provide clear photos and detail of your work. As a seamstress myself, I would want an assurance of the quality of your work. I'd make a few sample garments and in your store, give a link for special orders.

I would consider whether you could live with selling your garments at a ridiciously low price if you have few bids.

What have you got to lose?

Place your merchandise in several categories and use lots of buzzwords in your description to include re-enactment and theatrical groups. School plays always need costumes

Answer 8

I would try them in auction first. I have found to have a successful ebay store you have to have a LOT of items in it ( and ready to be shipped). Right now I have 488 items in my store. But I sell jewelry. And sometimes my children's clothing.

As for pageant dress-THEY DO NOT DO WELL at all! I have sold them and they never go for the amount that they should.

Answer 9

I would try to do regular ebay for awhile, but yes I think the idea is excellent! I love those clothes!!!

Answer 10

i would try just selling individual items to begin with. i can tell you where a seamstress could rake in some bucks on e-bay PAGEANT clothing. those crazy pageant mom's pay THOUSANDS of dollars for one dress for their 4 year old... and they buy bathing suits, pro-am modeling wear, patriotic wear, western wear, casual wear (that's not so casual)... check that out, you will be in shock!