Discussion Topic: what makes a seller your favorite?

P

Patentleathershoes

VFG Veteran
VFG Past President
There are a lot of places I buy vintage, but was just thinking over the weekend....

What exactly makes someone your favorite, or among the upper echelon of favorite sellers, whether they be a webstore a physical shop, or an ebay seller.

Let's take factors of being related to them and other matters of accident out, or any other personal connection you have made before buying, or at least take that reason out of it. Because afterall, that can influence you to purchase initially, but there is something else that may keep you coming back. Even if you don't always buy.

What are some of the things that put someone on that list for you and keeps you going back again and again. Is it atitude? Having all the info you need right there so you don't have to chase them down for it? Do they simply have similar tastes as you do? Are they just down the street and you can get the items quick?

What is the "It" factor that puts someone on your handful of favorites status? (without naming names :)

Chris
 
The similar taste is a definite factor. Plus quality and new inventory when I check in. Now to be honest, I have never purchased from some of my favorite websites because I simply am not in a position to spend the big bucks right now, but the sites are wonderfully set up with beautiful items that are well presented, so I go back and check in to see what's there.

In B&M stores, it's also the taste factor, plus cleanliness and overall quality. My favorit shop is one I where I can only occasionally purchase for resale, but the owner is adorable, the ship is spotless, and she always has clean, attractive merchandise well presented.

Hollis
 
For on-line sellers, I like the ones that "sound" friendly - like they are smiling while they are writing up their descriptions. It makes me think that they like their product and that I will like it too.

carol
 
Quality obviously and reasonable pricing and a big plus is sellers that
either list letterpost air as an option for shipping, or are receptive to
using it if they have never used it before. I think shoddy quality and
overpriced shipping are my biggest complaints.

Sue
 
Similar taste is paramount for me as well. COndition, honesty, etc, all that is too. But the ones that might only have something for me occassionally keep me checking back because of the post sale. If someone packages something and it gives me the impression that they are a small business versus someone "getting rid of stuff" that makes me take notice and i am motivated to seek them out again even if they don't always have what floats my boat. Or the post sale follow up is in other ways great. and it doesn't take much to do.

I too, have a thing for pricing. However, it is not about being cheap, it is being fair. Not overinflating, but if a seller consistently undervalues their merchandise by a huge margin and not just a small amount to remain competitive if they sell things that are more comment, I really have to wonder how serious they take their business, or things might be too good to be true. When i am looking for an item for my wardrobe or collection, i sometimes shy away from things because if it is too good to be true, it probably is. Obviously, sometimes sellers run into something that doesn't fit in with the eras they usually have or with their expertise. It is still dated correctly but priced to move, and that i am not talking about either. I appreciate getting a "deal" but not a deal that i feel really guilty about or have to wonder how someone could even cover transaction fees with it.

I am confident that the website Hollis speaks of, the items are worth every penny, if not more, but i am of course talking about the $500 simple home made shift dress.
 
I think it also depends on if you are buying for resale, in which case
quality, low pricing and reasonable shipping are a real plus.

Sue
 
Absolutely Sue, I agree. i think i was more talking about personal buying. when i am looking for that perfect dress for an occassion and gambling just won't do.
 
I hardly ever even browse ebay anymore.. and maybe because I'm just launching my own site... but most of my shopping lately is on other websites or the mall. My favorite sellers tend to have more items in my taste than not and a well organized site. Easy navigation is a BIG deal for me (and oh PLEASE if anyone finds any problems navigating MY site, let me know!) as well as clear presentation, lots of pics & friendliness.
I don't like the sites that have SO much stuff that it's a chore to wade through (hence why I stopped shopping ebay) or the sites that seem like "big business"... I like a friendly touch. I like to feel like I know the owner a bit when I shop there.
And I'm with Chris.. strange tho' it may sound, I don't like sites that are way underpriced. Of course, I don't like the way OVER priced sites much, either... but there's something about serious underpricing that makes me nervous.
 
personally I like accurate measuring including hips. Many sellers just mention the waist measurement on trousers and that irritates me.I don't mind spending big bucks for a special item as long as the garment is described accurately.
Louise
 
Louise, I am curious, when you see garments with just a waist measure or waist and inseam, do you contact the seller for those measurements, or do you just sail right on by and take your business to a seller who includes them up front?

Chris
 
Good point, Louise--

My pet peeve in this department is lack of torso (I take mine mid-shoulder to waistline) & shoulder measurements. Unfortunately, not many 50's items fit me as I need at least 17" in each. I have found though that these measurements generally correlate. Not always, but often.
 
Interesting discussion, Chris! :)

Having all the info there is very important to me....it doesn't have to be a long elaborate description (sometimes those actually turn me OFF) but I need to know ALL the measurements and the shipping (if there is no shipping listed or no calculator, I immediately hit BACK) . I don't have a lot of time to surf...and being on dial-up, surfing can take forever (*groan* especially on eBay). If a seller wants my business, I shouldn't have to chase them down for all the pertinent info.

Once I have bought from a seller, customer service is what keeps me going back. Their packages don't have to be all fancy...but when I receive something that is neat and clean, protected from the elements along with a little note saying "Thanks so much for your business!" .... and I receive it in a timely manner....that makes me go back for more! :)
 
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