Pricing/Shipping help

I

inkedpalm

Registered Guest
I need help! I am about to put up the 1940's dresses and the Goldworm dresses on eBay. I know eBay is a hit and miss, believe me I have missed many a time. On the whole I do okay but I hit the wall when it comes to fabrics, styles, and price when it go any further back than the 60's. I just freeze up! :powwows:

I've done my research on other sites and these dresses can go for quite a bit, but those are sites with very experienced sellers and those with serious vintage knowledge. I don't fall into either category. I'm okay with that. But I shiver to think of starting these at 9.99, although I see others that do and are successful, I'm not much of a gambling type gal.

Can you experts help a girl out? Is there a rule on how to price? Can you give me something a little less vague, something my simple brain can grab hold of? And what is the best way to ship international so the items are insured? I'd appreciate any knowledge you may choose to share. :help:
 
As far as insurance, I have added a certificate of mailing for international packages. It doesn't pay to replace any items, but it proves without a doubt to the person that you mailed the item. I just randomly put in 2 ;bs 3 oz to the UK and certificate of mailing is $1.15 on on First class international.

I don't think "experience" matters if the item is a good item and presented well. People who are more experienced may command a higher price for their stuff because they have a following of buyers willing to bid based on their reputation, they have enough info on the item and detail to give confidence. Keep in mind, just because its on a website doesn't mean it will sell.

If you have good photos, point out all the flaws, provide all the pertinent measurements, etc, your items won't be at a disadvantage. That being said, some examples of a designer go for more than others regardless of seller - some designers have years that sort of exemplify their heydey and are more desirable.

As far as price, I would start out by figuring out what 3rd key is. Take the price you bought it for and multiply it by three. I would put the starting bid there, as no matter what it sells for, you have made a profit on it. Whatever happens after that is gravy. The bidders will decide what the "fair price" is at the moment. I think for winter stuff, I would personally wait til August hits but maybe other people have better advice. For me, I look at it is staying in business versus hoping to find that one "holy grail" to make a killing.

Also, if you are on ebay, it helps if you have listed stuff or continued to list stuff prior to these things rather than to not list for 6 months, have folks forget about you, then put the auction on and see how it flies.
 
>Patentleathershoes
THANK YOU! I have often felt that those bidding trump all else, anyway that is how I've done it thus far, and it has worked. I think it is sheer intimidation that has me frozen, I'll just go for it! I've never felt that I'd get wealthy selling my items, I just have an immense love for Vintage and I want to pass those items on. I am always happy when something I had no clue on sells high. I never want to lose that kind of happiness.


I so appreciate the common sense answers. Especially the International answers.

I'll watch for other comments.
 
Oh I like that rule of thumb for pricing, I need to look into into uk shipping before I list any vintage on ebay, mainly I sell lots of clothing or other stuff so I only ship to Canada and the US, but that is great advice!
 
Originally posted by coffeegrl
Oh I like that rule of thumb for pricing, I need to look into into uk shipping before I list any vintage on ebay, mainly I sell lots of clothing or other stuff so I only ship to Canada and the US, but that is great advice!
Click to expand...

You might be missing out by not shipping to the UK. I find that certain types of items often go to Sweden and Japan too. Australia also. Just may expand your pool of buyers/bidders,
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top