Getting your items ready to list and sell

You’ve got some items to sell. Great. Make some money!!!! Whether these items are yours that you no longer use or you’ve sourced to sell, here are some basic tips to keep in mind no matter what platform you choose to use.

Clean clothing items. Start with clean items. Wash according to care tags and avoid any heavily perfumed products. Check carefully for any stains or marks. Use a lint roller or fabric shaver to get rid of any pilling or fuzzies. For items that are new with tags, I will spot treat and freshen up with the steamer. For dry clean only items, I use a home dry clean kit.

Fix or repair items. Items usually get donated because of minor flaws. Buttons can be easily replaced. Check and pull seams gently to inspect. Check hems and crotches. Don’t be afraid to do a little mending. Be sure to check zippers, zippers sometimes only need to be cleaned and realigned.

Clean shoes. I keep a shoe cleaning kit consisting of magic erasers, Scotti tool, Goo Gone, scrub pads, old toothbrushes, saddle soap and leather conditioner. All sneakers get laces removed, a hand wash and air dry. Think of how you would expect a pair of shoes to arrive, even if preowned, send the buyer a clean and disinfected pair of shoes.

Take good and plenty of photos. Each platform is different and allows a different amount of photos. Be sure to take photos of front, back, tag, fabric, detail, flaws, up close, modeled, hanger or flat. You want to show as many views of the items to avoid any questions. The cover shot is the most important picture. It will catch the buyers eye and draw them in. A lighting kit is not necessary from the start, choose an area that has plenty of lighting to take your pictures. Choose a neutral background and avoid clutter. There are plenty of editing apps to use if your lighting is not the best.

Provide measurements. Last thing you want to do is miss a message from a buyer asking for measurements. They are looking to buy now. They don’t want to wait days for you to respond. Get in the habit and provide measurements from the start. Include the basics-rise, inseam, heel height, platform height, bust, length and sleeve length. You will still have the occasional buyer ask for more measurements.

Use templates. Using a template that you copy and paste into the listing can help to ensure you don’t miss any vital information. This way, you just add the information as you go along. Having different templates for different items will make listing easier.

Provide detailed descriptions. Descriptions are important. You want to provide all the information necessary for the buyer. Fabric content should be included-I always add if material is thick, thin, or stretchy. If item is preowned, elaborate on the condition. Include and describe any signs wear or flaws. Buyers want to know if an item is button, zip, elastic, pull on, slit or oversized. There are plenty of ways to describe necklines, dress types, sleeves and heels. This terminology will come easier to you as you continue to search comps.

Optimize listing titles. The title and the cover shot are the most important to get right. Be sure to include brand name and style. Use the entire space allowed. Capital letters for the brand will make your item stand out. No need to include size in the title as the buyer can narrow their search. Color can be avoided in the title also, unless the option is not available. Be sure to add any specifics that someone may be searching for such as party, holiday, boho, festival, career, dance, business casual and cocktail.

Pricing. Not every buyer negotiates, there are buyers that know what they want and purchase at the listed price. The rest of us buyers are looking for a deal. Most platforms are allowing the buyer to make an offer on items. For this reason, you want to price your item at least 15% more than you are willing to sell for. Many buyers will price up to 30% or more to allow for offers. Keep in mind fees and shipping when listing. Always search comps and see what you items has sold for in the past.

Have more tips? Questions? Contact me and let me know! Happy selling!