Why isn’t anyone buying? What am I doing wrong?

C

CaptMicha

Registered Guest
I need to sell my vintage collection to pay for emergency veterinary bills.

I can’t afford a membership fee right now, even though I do recognize that it’s still a great value.

I’ve listed on Mercari, Poshmark, EBay and no sales yet.

So far, it’s a beautiful silk turquoise dress from the 60’s and a really cute flower dress from the 70’s. Both are in amazing condition, so I don’t know why no one is buying. I haven’t listed the rest yet.

I also wanted to list on Etsy, but they froze my account bc apparently, my SS # and name don’t match… Except they do… And I haven’t received any response from them yet.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to get these sold?

The prices aren’t outrageous either.

I don’t get it.
 
Hi CaptMicha, in my experience, the main reasons why a garment doesn't sell comes down to the following:
  • you're offering it in the wrong marketplace
  • there's a specific detail that reduces the market: eg. small size, unfashionable style or colour, damage.
  • the price is too high.
perhaps if you'd like to post a link or photos of the garment(s) we can advise specifically?

We've all been there, and it seems to be particularly hard at the moment. Sometimes sales are easy and sometimes hard and while there are usually factors, sometimes you just need to wait a while until the market improves for the type of wares you're offering.

I've been doing a lot of valuations lately and it was a total eye-opener: what something goes for varies hugely depending on where it's offered and what the market wants right now.

Nicole
 
Circa Vintage Clothing said:
Hi CaptMicha, in my experience, the main reasons why a garment doesn't sell comes down to the following:
  • you're offering it in the wrong marketplace
  • there's a specific detail that reduces the market: eg. small size, unfashionable style or colour, damage.
  • the price is too high.
perhaps if you'd like to post a link or photos of the garment(s) we can advise specifically?

We've all been there, and it seems to be particularly hard at the moment. Sometimes sales are easy and sometimes hard and while there are usually factors, sometimes you just need to wait a while until the market improves for the type of wares you're offering.

I've been doing a lot of valuations lately and it was a total eye-opener: what something goes for varies hugely depending on where it's offered and what the market wants right now.

Nicole
Click to expand...
Thank you, I appreciate it.
I’m not sure if I’m allowed to link to my listings.

I’ve listed on Poshmark, EBay, Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace at various price points to see what sells.

Etsy STILL hasn’t bothered to get back to me.

Etsy is one of the best places to sell vintage, right?
(link removed by admin)

And
(link removed by admin)
 
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CaptMicha said:
Thank you, I appreciate it.
I’m not sure if I’m allowed to link to my listings.

I’ve listed on Poshmark, EBay, Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace at various price points to see what sells.

Etsy STILL hasn’t bothered to get back to me.

Etsy is one of the best places to sell vintage, right?

https://posh.mk/xu3wK7lTaBb
And
https://posh.mk/uaNOcdnTaBb
Click to expand...

Only VFG members can post links to selling sites here but you're welcome to post photos and ask for advice.

Every marketplace has its strengths and weaknesses: it's about finding the right place for what you're selling. \\

I've only sold through ebay (bargain hunters paradise) and my own website but find that the best way to sell is in person, through your own shop or market. Plus it's nice being able to talk with customers and help them put an outfit together. But the costs are much lower for online marketplaces, which is why they're so favoured.
 
Circa Vintage Clothing said:
Only VFG members can post links to selling sites here but you're welcome to post photos and ask for advice.

Every marketplace has its strengths and weaknesses: it's about finding the right place for what you're selling. \\

I've only sold through ebay (bargain hunters paradise) and my own website but find that the best way to sell is in person, through your own shop or market. Plus it's nice being able to talk with customers and help them put an outfit together. But the costs are much lower for online marketplaces, which is why they're so favoured.
Click to expand...
Thank you, a brick & mortar isn’t possible for me.

Are my prices too high?
 
CaptMicha said:
Thank you, a brick & mortar isn’t possible for me.

Are my prices too high?
Click to expand...

It's hard to say without knowing more, but I do encourage you to research what others are selling for: check out auction results. Ebay realised prices (you can access through Advanced Search) and auction houses. One of the services I use is 'Invaluable', it lists realised prices at a number of worldwide auctioneers including Augusta Auctions and Kerry Taylor (who both specialise in clothing). You need a subscription but it's well worth the money: a month's subscription is only $30 and you can do a lot of research for that.
 
Nicole is exactly right about no links from non-members but OK to post photos as long as you aren't asking for pricing help.

I have never had good luck pricing vintage for a quick turn around. It is so individual in sizing and in hitting the right person seeing your item.
 
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I have sold vintage clothing and even doing all the research to help things sell, doesn't always make a difference. I think as others have suggested it is a case of finding the right person and that for me ususally has meant slow sales
 
It's true that vintage fashion is very idiosyncratic and it can take time to find the right buyer. This is probably why so much of the market focuses on products where size is less of an issue; accessories, jewellery.

Selling by auction is one way to avoid the slow demand issue, but unless you offer your wares in the right venue, the price is generally lower.

Nicole
 
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Sometimes it takes a bit of time to find the right buyer. Ensure you have clear, detailed photos and descriptions for your vintage items. Promote them on social media, vintage fashion groups, and consider adjusting your pricing strategy if needed. As for the Etsy issue, keep following up with their support for resolution. Wishing you the best of luck!
 
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