Shopping on eBay?

[Desirée {PL Team}]

Just curious... how many of you shop for pinup/rockabilly/vintage clothing & accessories on eBay? Why? What do you like and dislike about it?

 

[STELLA RANAE VINTAGE]

I agree with all posts. I have been doing this for over 10 years and the flux of new "experts" in the field drives me crazy, Everyone now sells vintage...i stopped selling on Ebay for over a year and have gone to Etsy with a great response. I sell mostly vintage pre 60s and art but have included findings, fabric, home decor and a few post 70s pieces, just because.

 

Great New Items Most of the Store is on SALE!

 

Stop by and take a peek! Rockabilly, TIKI, Punk , Gothic , Lingerie and MORE!

 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/stellaranae

[Honey B Hooligan {Madam}]

I like etsy better for OOAK items, but ebay can be a TREASURE trove if you're patient. You can find great items that people are trying to get rid of from estate sales, etc. If you're not picky about "vintage" and "vintage inspired" then you can find some REALLY cute dresses, shoes, accessories. Personally, I don't care if an item is truely vintage (unless it has a price to match something that's ACTUALLY vintage!)

 

I don't get a ton of free time to go out thrifting, so I rarely get the chance to try on anything in person. So I do a LOT of my shopping online. My best advice? read the sizing charts very closely. Realize that if it's coming from China or Thailand, that it's probably not SUPER great quality (hence the $22 price tag) lol. Read the descriptions CAREFULLY. And Ask questions to the seller when you're in doubt. They may not know if it's REALLY vintage or if it's a copy, but they can always read the tag to you! 

[TheRetroNatural]

I use to really enjoy the ebay experience but I don't today..there's far more items of crappy quality amongst the gems and it can be tiring trying to sift through the vintage, vintage inspired, etc. If you're an insomniac then you might have fun passing the time (hours)..I like to browse for accessories but for clothing it can be a pain. I like etsy but the prices are high to me for half of the things I see and I can only order something if I really feel like it'll fit..like this skirt I scored: http://www.etsy.com/transaction/45886469

 

Many Etsy sellers have a no return policy and I'm thinking, what if it's the right measurements for you but still doesn't fit right?? Then you're just stuck!?  So I'm very wary of Etsy, proceed with caution and I read all the policies before purchasing anything.

 

Thrift stores, vintage shops that I can walk into are my preferred method. The colors are true, I can try the item on, and no shipping! Luckily I live in Long Beach and Retro Row isn't very far from me.

[STELLA RANAE VINTAGE]

In response to retro natural, and that is a great skirt btw...I have a no return policy on Etsy and I did on Ebay for good reason. In the past I have had gals purchase items and return saying it did not fit, wrong color, you name it. Only to find they have worn it to their show/event and returned it. I agree though, its is best if you can try it on for sure, I think that is the best method. I agree read the policies and ask questions:)

Even at shows I have had gals try on stuff that was too small for them and rip perfectly good vintage clothes and then never say a word to me...only to find out later...So I have my policy to protect me from bad people, and its a darn shame cause most people are not like this at all. It can be hard to buy online, you don't see details or imperfections...If I never had those experiences i assure you I would have never thought to be so harsh with my return policy.

With any vintage buys, I urge you to ask tons of questions and know your measurements. I always say if you get a dress that is larger you can always take it in, too small and it will never fit.

 

I have been doing this for over 10 years and with Ebay as a shopper, you can still find a few bargains if you have the time to dig. As a seller, the fees were killing me so I have not been back but I have some repro pin up umbrellas and car club jackets for ladies that cannot be put on Etsy, although lots of people do...I have nothing against repro stuff either I am an equal opportunity shopper!

WIth Etsy, the seller wants you to have the best experience possible and I get alot of return customers with my attention to detail, good packaging, real shipping, and extras (if you buy the dress I throw in the gloves, etc) and fair prices (well below market value) with lots of sales... Most Etsy sellers I know do way more and make it a personal experience. I have never been dissapointed with anything I ever bought on Etsy. They have a convo feature that you can have a solid discussion with the seller and the connection is made. I met alot of great people on their too, sellers and buyers and it becomes a bit of a community, which is what I like.

 

Everyone right now seems to be selling vintage online. People who do it for the passion of doing it (like me) and live the lifestyle everyday are knowlegable and friendly and will help anyway we can...people now are just doing it for the money and are listing 1990 clothing as vintage!

Don't get me wrong I sell mostly pre 60s to 20s but do include some 70s and 80s in my mix, but I also have art, vintage fabric, home decor, jewelry, etc I go to Estate sales and auctions for my inventory and get as close to perfect vintage as I can get. I have not been thrifting in forever but its always fun to go with your pals:)

 

[TheRetroNatural]

It sucks that the bad apples spoil things for others, but I completely get where you're coming from, Stella. I'd be furious if someone ripped a garment at a show..If I was the person who ripped a garment, I'd pony up the money and then take it to a tailor, it's just wrong to walk away!

I make sure to be cautious so I don't get stuck with an item that I'm unhappy with but I'd be more likely to shop from your store knowing that you really care about providing people with accurately described clothing and putting in that personal touch does mean a lot to shoppers :)  I've got to add you to my saved list!

[Amanda Arsenic]

I agree I myself have an etsy!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SkullsnKisses

Vera van Munster said:

Over the years and after finding Etsy.com, I've discovered there are wayyyy more people on ebay that haven't got a clue about what it is that they're selling.You see a lot of dresses from the 80s,90s & new millenium, that are listed as not only vintage,but as "deadstock" or listed by decade,rather than just calling it for what it is : "retro inspired".I don't do it.I just stick with etsy, or I shop at the local antique malls.The reputable stores on ebay are few and far between.

[STELLA RANAE VINTAGE]

Please do! and thanks doll!. Yeah, a few bad experiences has not held me back, but if shoppers would have told me they busted something up, I could fix or markdown, it is a bummer though...Look at my policy, its insane I have everything covered except for natural disasters because of a few crazy people...lol

I know alot of sellers that are good, Check my circle in Etsy too:), and if anyone ever has questions, feel free to contact me...but it is true that if you love what you do you take care, so as mae say,"Come up and see me sometime!"

There is just too many people that have no idea what they are selling, just doing it for the money. The money is good! I love money... don't get me wrong, but money isn't everything:0 That is why too I think we gravitate towards the "billy" livestyle...We can squeeze the last positive drop from anything!

Its funny, when I go to make a serious purchase (over 50 bucks is serious for me!), I ask them how long have you been doing this? Are you sure its from this era? etc. Hows the zipper? I don't think its insulting, its knowledge and I welcome those kind of questions, that way you can make the best informed choice.

 

I should actually be even more detailed in my listings, a loose button isn't a big deal to me, but I have had inexperienced buyers freak out over such a thing. I have to laugh, the garment has lasted for over 50 plus years and your picking out a loose thread and a button...

[Shana Nicole]

Sizing is SO rough... and their version of "vintage" can mean "old looking and dirty".

[Buttercup Clothing]

Unfortunately EBay has taken a turn for the worse since. A lot of their policies are highly unethical and breed mistrust - the last thing you want when doing business

.

I agree. I have gone back and forth with having my own virtual store front and selling on Ebay. I just left Ebay last week after having my last horrible experience with fraudulent and abusive buyers. I'm done selling there. I know it goes both ways, some bad sellers, some bad buyers, but those bad apples make it hard for those of us who are trying to please our buyers.

I have no experience with Etsy other than looking around, but I've seen mostly crafting items.

[Goldmine Trash]

 Amen to everything Stella Ranae said!

 

 Buttercup, isn't it sad? There's a handful of notorious scam artists peddling vintage on EBay who not only scam customers, but scam other sellers under their buying id's. And EBay's policies tend to favor the scammers and screw over the honest sellers. Good for you for closing up shop and moving on.  Etsy has it's probs as well, but overall is 10x better than EBay these days. I would recommend moving there.

[Buttercup Clothing]

It is sad. Ebay used to be fun, both for buying and for selling. I loved it. Now there are just too many people on both sides who have learned how to work the system. I've had several awful buyers lately who have learned how to get free items by filing false complaints. And I have read about honest buyers who are getting scammed and paying for items that don't ever arrive. It's just no fun for anyone anymore.