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I never thought to sell “all” the fabric as a lot. In thinking about it, I would hate to think I “again”, did the buyer a favor. Things to ponder. Maybe I will try that.
So, I have “many” smalls that I could sell, but am hesitant to do so, because I just wonder if its worth the time. As an example, I have at least 1,000 sewing patterns! I would venture to say that at least 250 of those are new, in original packaging, factory folds and complete. Some are vintage, some are new(er). I also have garment labels (Gucci, and quite a few fur labels). I once sold a roll of fur labels on Etsy, but then regretted it, because I thought “hmmm, could I have sold them individually for more?” That prompted me to stop listing them and just hold on to them till I figure it out. Spoiler alert, I still have not figured that out.
I also have at least 1,000 yards of fabric which I would love to sell, but again, is it worth my time?
I used to sell plenty of fabric on Etsy, but then realized my ROI was minimal, and it was more like I was doing the buyer a favor.
Does anyone have any advice on how best to sell any of these items?
Thanks in advance for any tips.I’ve been sewing since I was a child (not doll clothes-“my” clothes), so I never mind clothing repairs when I find something that needs it. Although I do have a death pile of clothing to be listed (I’m working through that slowly), I prefer to sell anything but clothing. Clothing for me is super easy, but I dislike the returns and Lord help you if they rattle off a slew of reasons why the item did not fit/work! I really do not want to hear the excuses!
I completely understand AtomicStar! I just listed a few clothing items that I had listed 2 years ago. I used the same photos I took 2 years ago and while I prefer to show the measurements, to minimize returns (wishful thinking), I did not do that in these listings. I may go back and do that, but not sure. I have a lot going on right now.
That is what I do not like about selling clothing. Returns. Ugh.Mr. Soul, don’t you love when you “win” at ebay? Someone else will come along and be happy to pay your new price. Good luck!
Just this morning I had someone send me a message asking why shipping was so high on a ladies vintage blazer type jacket. I asked her what her zip was, she sent it and I did have the shipping a little bit higher ($2.),so I adjusted it and let her know. She replied with “it’s still high. I went on to explain that I have worked in the garment industry a long time and then explained that the crepe fabric the jacket is made from is heavy alone. It has shoulder pads, the jacket is fully lined, has heavy embroidery, has metal hooks, and frogs. The jacket weighs almost 2 lbs and she was complaining about $12. shipping charges. I won’t absorb the cost for the shipping on a $34.95 purchase. Not to mention, last time I listed this jacket on ebay, I had it for $55., so she is already ahead of the game.
Anyhow, she purchased the jacket and sent me a note that she has purchased many of these in the past, and never paid more that $8. for shipping. I wanted to ask her if she purchased those jackets in the 90’s, and instead, I replied with “Thank you for your purchase, you will love the jacket, it is truly beautiful. Enjoy!” It’s a moot point to continue the back and forth with this one. jeesh!
Thanks Ironman. My original intention was to just redecorate, but truth be told, the apartment really needed more than a “band-aid”. As we all know, home ownership is a rabbit hole. Good luck with your rental!
I’ve gotten great things on CL for free in the past. Two beautiful wood ball and claw foot jewelry display cases! For free! I still have them. I may be selling them this summer. I don’t need them. I have only had a few flake out where they never communicated back, but I guess that is par for the course. And just this past week someone flaked on me on free stuff, so there’s that. Unfortunately, CL is no longer the goldmine it once was. My neighbors and I used to scour the free section during the summers and then get together to show each other what we scored. It was fun!
Thanks BigSally! Yes, there is a habitat restore and there is another store just like it, but the name escapes me right now. That is where I bought reclaimed wood to make they kitchen counter. I wish I had a planer, I would have made it look nicer, but hey! I can live with it for now. I am happy with how it turned out. I craigslisted a bunch of floor trim and window trim-saved me a lot of money. I truly enjoyed working on the carpentry aspect of the apartment, but honestly, if I had the cash, I would have hired someone to do it-just to get the air bnb going already. I’m guessing I’ll be done in July. Fingers crossed.
As for the 4 versus 6 people, I agree. I will get more income, but I want to get the hang of what I am doing first. Maybe next summer I could start with 6 people. I have 2 beds a great sofa that is not a futon, but about the size and more comfortable. I also have a futon, but that will serve as the couch for the “office” area.
Bummer on the plumber you had to hire. ugh. I do not look forward to that aspect of running an air bnb.
But Jay and Ryanne put the bug in my ear to do the air bnb about 2 years or so ago, so shout out to them for sharing their knowledge, experience, openness, and ideas! I truly do not think I would have done this if they didn’t make it seem so effortless. (But we all know it is not easy, and they are hard workers!)
AtomicStar, I’m just curious how you show/list measurements? I try not to sell clothing-although I do have a death pile of clothing to be listed-just to get rid of it. When I do/did list clothing, I try to show measurements in a flat lay using 4-5 tape measures at once. As an example:
If I am selling a blouse, I grab 6 tape measures (showing the front of the blouse). Tape measures can be purchased for .99 at Joann, so they are cheap.
-I show one on the sleeve length, one across the chest (from arm hole to armhole),
-one from shoulder at the neckline to the hem,
-one across the hip/hem area
-one across the waist area
-one across the upper arm/muscle area
-maybe one at the wrist (depending on the style of the blouse)
Then I do the same to the back of the blouse
I do this using/showing all 6 tape measures at once to give the buyer a good idea if the garment will fit them (hopefully, lessening the chances of a return).
It. Is. Time. Consuming. Which is why I don’t care for listing/selling clothing, and why I’m dreading said death pile.
I’d be interested to hear how you show your clothes. Do you use a mannequin/dress form? Flat lay? Hanger? While I’m always of the school of thought that more photos are best, there is always going to be some customers you just. cannot. please!I do own it. I have not listed it. I will be happy to share the link when I do list it.
Thing is I am working on a shoestring budget and am physically doing the work myself-by myself. I upgraded all the lighting, installed new laminate flooring, painted, gutted the bathroom (but I had a pro do the plumbing, tile, etc.). I also tore out the kitchen counter and made my own, tiled the backsplash, and painted the kitchen cabinets, removed the hinges and all to do the right way, so it does not look cheap. I also put shiplap in the smaller room/office. And I also trimmed out the kitchen with craigslisted trim-which I was so happy to get free! I’m sure I’ve done more, but I’m tired just thinking about it. Now I am getting the chimney cleaned, relined and cleaning the ducts. Btw. I have zero experience doing any of this, but through the magic of YouTube…and lately, with the help of videos “seejanedrill” on YouTube. Leah is a-m-a-z-i-n-g.Yes, I am renting a whole apartment. 3 bedrooms, however, I am listing as a 2 bedroom. I am listing as a 2 bedroom because I want to start out renting for max 4 people to start out, see how it goes. I am trying to keep the “rowdiness” to a minimum. This is a quite block and I don’t want to be the one to change that 😀 My thought is to make the smallest bedroom an office/workspace. If it goes smoothly, then I’d be open to adding a bed in the smaller room.
Yes, I live on the 1st floor. I don’t think I would ever rent a room in my living space. I would not be comfortable with that.Awesome. As soon as I get a chance, I’ll work on that. Again, yes-light is important-light is what makes a photo. My thing is I hear so many people overthink (in my opinion) photography for ebay or just re-selling in general. By taking the photos the way I do, you will never win an award for the photos, but it works. Especially if you are trying to keep your costs low until you can afford a better camera/lighting. Thanks for your input!
I’ve checked in to it a bit, and so far, from my homeowners to local government, I have not had an issue-which scares me. Seems too good to be true. I thought “Let me jump on this now..” because you never know! I’m excited to get started, but kinda nervous about it too. Anyone have any positive, funny, fun, or zany stories from their air bnb experiences?
