eBay

2011limey1 · ‎05-26-2013

Hi, I'm a buyer, and have been lucky in that I've always had great sellers in Canada, the U.S. and China.

This mostly happens on U.S. Sites, but more and more I've been seeing it on Canadian sites too.....and let my caveat that by saying this CERTAINLY is not all of you! If you have a garment to sell, whether it be new or used, PLEASE ensure that you take the time to IRON it and not display it on a bent wire hanger stuck on a doorknob of a very messy room! Sometimes they look like they've been just taken out of the wash or it's been stuck in a suitcase for a LONG time!. Even some purses on wire hangers in a messy area sure takes the "ambience" out the of item! I always move along quickly.

Also, if displayed on "Judys" - and say it's a sweater - underwear on "Judy" wouldn't go amiss! Same if it's for pants - even a bra wouldn't hurt - they look awful;-)

i*m-still-here · ‎05-28-2013

rose-dee........ that's exactly the type of information I've been looking for and I thank you for posting it.

In the areas which I am knowledgeable in, I've become so very finicky about condition, and that's why I'm unsure about these garments.

However, years I go I was much more forgiving but since I buy for re-sale I came around to the way the masses think.

The holes and damage didn't show until I photographed them for selling, and then I started to notice that there was damage I'd have to report. (What a nuisance!)

Have you ever noticed that overseas buyers (especially UK buyers) are very forgiving about condition?

American buyers want their antiques to look old but they want flawless condition.

Americans would rather buy repaired items than pieces with normal wear and damage.

Some repairs are extensive.

Years of experience have taught me that buyers are much more accepting of repairs (even bad ones) than they are of damage.

rose-dee · ‎05-29-2013

Have you ever noticed that overseas buyers (especially UK buyers) are very forgiving about condition?

American buyers want their antiques to look old but they want flawless condition.

Yes, I think many U.K. buyers of antique clothing are much more sophisticated as collectors in the sense that there is far more information and interest in the subject in the U.K. I think those buyers consider collecting antique garments as a historical pursuit and I believe they have a deeper appreciation for the textile arts.

You're exactly right with respect to U.S. buyers. I think American buyers of antique or vintage clothing are more often than not looking for something they can wear, which means, as you say, they want the garment to have an antique appearance without the wear or damage that time causes. Flawless antique garments, especially those over 100 years old, are extremely rare. However, this is also why reproductions sell relatively well to the U.S. (and I suppose why I'm able to stay in business on eBay:-)).

There is also a percentage of U.S. collectors of antique clothing who are looking for an investment, as opposed to simply enjoying the artistry of an antique garment for its own sake (despite flaws), and these are the people who will pay large sums for a perfect or near-perfect antique piece.