E-Bay to sell kids clothes?

[Linda S]

Just saw on the tag sale thread about this - who has done it and with what success? Any tips?

[Esmerelda]

I used to have a children's clothing store on Ebay. I learned a lot!

First, there are so many clothing items for sale, that a lot of people only look at the items where the bids are ending. Therefore, you want to make sure that your bids are ending at a time when people are home and on the computer! Monday nights around 8:30 Eastern worked well for me.

Second, if you have name brand clothes, put them in the title, as some people use the search engine. For example if you have Gymboree clothes, or Tommy Hilfiger, or Gap make SURE that is in the title. I also put the size in the title so if someone was looking for Gymboree XL it would pull it up in the search.

Third, Be honest with the condition. You do NOT want people angry at you!

Fourth, state what the shipping costs will be. That way if people are looking through them quickly, they will know how much they can bid and not have to take the time to look up shipping.

Finally, do NOT sell each item individually. If you do, you are paying fees for every single auction and those fees can really add up.

Good luck!

[Linda S]

Thanks! One more question - is it worth it?

[Esmerelda]

Wow-that is a loaded question. I have closed down my children's store, partially because it was SO time consuming!

If you have high quality children's items, I think it is worth it. For lower priced items the fees wipe out your profits. If you live in a large city with a consignment store, I would recommend selling clothes that way unless they are going to have a high price tag.

Just my two cents worth though!

[Linda S]

I know it was loaded, that's way I asked it. LOL
My firt clue was that you "used to" have the store...
We do have a consignment store here that I had thought I would try, but it's a pain because they only take one new client per week, so if you don't get in there on Monday early you have to wait.
We have a store about 50 miles from here that buys clothes outright which I like better since then I don't have to keep track of when I need to go back, but it is kinda far.
Thanks for the info!

[Esmerelda]

LindaS,

I left for vacation the day you answered my post. What did you decide? One caution about the store that buys clothes outright. Typically, here, they only pay about 20-25% of what the clothes are worth, whereas consignment shops that wait until your item sales pays 50% what it sells for. The first way certainly is more convenient though!

My rule of thumb now is if the item will sell for over $10.00 I will ebay it, otherwise, it is off to the consignment shop for me. My reasons for "used to" have a store, were that it was SO time consuming-yes, money can be made, but I already had a full time job, and it wasn't enough extra money to make it worth the stress.

If you have clothing that the consignment shop doesn't accept(some of them are VERY picky), if you have a women's and children's shelter or the local Child and Protective Services department always need donations. Sometimes, the tax write off you get from donations can be pretty good!

[Belle]

if you have a women's and children's shelter or the local Child and Protective Services department always need donations. Sometimes, the tax write off you get from donations can be pretty good!

I agree. I went to the Salvation Army website to get their valuation guide to price out items we donated for the tax write off. Wow, was I surprised! Things I might get $1.00 for at a garage sale were worth $5.-$8. based on condition! The woman at the thrift shop told me to estimate approximately one-third of what you paid for the item for the wirte off amount. If you have a lot of items, it may be worth considering if you itemize your taxes. And, it saves a lot of the aggrivation from using the online or consignment route, or even garage sales.

However, if you'd rather have the cash for vacation, then e-Baying clothes by the box may be the way to go. My friend has had some success this way. She boxes up boys in one & girls in another by size. I think she gets something like $25./box plus shipping. Since she has 3 kids, she has lots to sell!

Good luck whatever you do :D

{hugs}
Belle

[Linda S]

Thanks Esmerelda and Belle.

Either way I need to get organized! I have thought that the store that buys outright was a little on the low side for prices, but then I just got rid of the stuff so I was ok with it.

I like the $10 ebay "rule." The thought of a bunch of $3 transactions was a bit much and then all that packing up and shipping. I have a lot of girls dresses that have been worn like twice that might do well.

I always donate a bunch of stuff here also. I have never itemized them on my taxes, I've just taken the up to $500 in in-kind donations. But, it might be worth to do the extra paperwork! When we donate, we try to go to a shelter if possible.

Anyway, thanks again!