Ruby Lane fees

I'm thinking about opening a shop on Ruby Lane and I'm confused about their fees. I have sent them an email inquiry, but being anxious I thought to try here as well since I know there are members with Ruby lane shops here.
It says they charge $54 maintenance fee plus listing fee per item (like Etsy) up to 80 items in your shop.
Then it says the $54 is waived after the first month. And then it says the minimum payment for a shop (with up to 80 items) per month is $54...
I am confused, do I have to pay $54 plus listing fees every month, or just the first month?
With the $100 joining fee this seems like a lot. I would have to be selling lots of stuff every month!
I'm trying to find new ways to increase my vintage selling business as I'm feeling Etsy is more and more focused on hand made stuff...
Thank you so much for any help!

 

Thank you! That's what I figured, I think I'll have to wait a bit for that kind of investment.

 

Thank you for your response!
I've had my Etsy shop for couple of years now (I sell vintage clothing and accessories, mostly 80's and older) and I've been doing ok depending on how much effort I put in.
Recently I have decided to really take my selling seriously, I want this to be more than just a hobby. Therefore I've been working on my Etsy, tried little bit on eBay and thought about starting a website (with e-commerce).
I feel like I'm struggling a bit and frustrated trying to find what works. As I said I have a feeling as if Etsy is more and more geared towards hand made stuff (and supplies), I've even tried posting on Etsy sellers groups on Facebook etc. to get other opinions but haven't gotten any input.
Ebay has just so much stuff, website I feel needs to have professional pictures...blah blah.
That's why I thought of Ruby Lane. It seems like a fancier, better version of Etsy.
Anyway, maybe I just need to do more action, less talking
Again, thank you for your opinion-maybe I'll give Ruby a try. After all it's not like you have to sign a yearly contract!

 

Thank you Vintagemerchant! If I do decide on Ruby I will use you as a reference. I recall seeing something about referral price!
I also appreciate your advice about posting, I will work on posting every day. sometimes when I don't have time, and then do I end up listing several items at once nd feel good about it! Never thought about consistency

 

Thanks Mary - I think I may give Ruby Lane a go as a seller... Etsy is too bogged down with junk and the searches don't work well for me. As a buyer I prefer Ruby Lane for consistency in older, quality, pieces and there aren't the same hobby sellers with stupid prices that are becoming epidemic on Etsy. My only major complaint with Ruby Lane is the searches are a bit over-organized and it takes a few tries sometimes to find what you are looking for. I often seem to end up with reams of doll clothes coming up in my searches.

 

I love Ruby Lane immensely.
I have always felt it was the Diamond of the vintage field online.

I think Jonathan you would do fantastic there.
IMHO it is imperative to have the VFG exist to keep true to history.
You of course are one of the experts in the field.

I was Exclusive to RL for a long time and may be again soon.

Recently went with Etsy for my vintage clothing but the new search there seems to of put the brakes on for me.

IMHO the hardest thing about RL is the AIP photos and waiting for them.
Only reason I ventured out.
I have brought many dealers to RL over the years and it is still the only venue I will recommend someone trying.
Believe me when I say I have tried them all.

To the OP I hope you try it.
Sandy

 

Just curious, how long does it take to get results from this venue? months weeks ?
And do they still have the unusual selling restrictions?

 

Once upon a time it took awhile for new shops online in general to get new sales.
Now with the search engines and how they work may be wrong but do not think it is a factor.

Being Exclusive and adding 7 items in a week will put one on first pages of the categories.

Another Time I think you would do well also on RL.

This thread has definitely been food for thought for me.
Sandy

 

Thank you, Sandy

 

Great thread! Does anyone have both a Ruby Lane shop and an Etsy shop? If so, do you have different items or the same item listed in both venues? My mother sells and collects antique dolls and has great things to say about Ruby Lane. I've thought about also opening up shop on there but as I do well on Etsy I am not willing to completely pull away and possibly lose devout Etsy customers.

 

Is this the venue that requires one to take returns? And disclose your address on your page?

And can different items be mixed? Say accessories ( hats bags) and vanity items and perfumes? Or are they 2 different lanes?

 

Thank you Mary!