FEBRUARY 2005

How To: Make Money Using On-Line Auctions

So last month you did a clean sweep and cleared your closet of all its clutter, right? And you were left with a pile of clothes, shoes, and accessories in new or good condition that no longer work for your wardrobe, right? Wouldn't it be great if you could snap your fingers and turn that pile or bag or box of closet has-beens into cold hard cash that you could use to buy new pieces that actually would work for your wardrobe? Well, consider that a possibility if you use a resource that millions of consumers are turning to every day - online auction sites.

I have been bidding and selling on online auctions since 2000, back before there were television advertisements, sniper software, and everyone and their mother online. While this recent influx of competition isn't so great when you are trying to win something, it makes the likelihood that someone out there wants your stuff so much higher. That Banana Republic pencil skirt from Spring '03 with the tags still attached? Someone is looking for that. That vintage blazer that you scored at a thrift shop and thought would work in your wardrobe? Someone really wants that. Their saying that one person's trash is another person's treasure couldn't be more perfectly suited to the world of online auctions.

Obviously the most well-known and highest volume auction site is eBay, but other auction sites include Yahoo! Auctions and the newly launched auction service at Overstock.com. Regardless of the site you choose, the basic guidelines for putting your items up for sale apply. If you are going to spend money (and time) to make money, you definitely want to do everything you can to ensure you make the maximum profit on your items. So register with one or all of these online auction sites, set aside some time on a weekend or weeknight to prep and list your items, and you're ready to go.

First, give your items a good once-over. If anything needs to be washed or pressed, take the time to do so. While online bidders are hungry for great deals on out-of-stick, hard-to-find, or unusual clothing items, they are still wary of items that look to be in less than stellar condition. So put your best foot forward by making sure your items are in saleable condition. Now grab a notebook, pen, and tape measure and set to work. Since online bidders are judging a clothing item by photos and descriptions alone, you want to provide as much information as possible to make alleviate any of their bidding concerns. Listing the item's size is important, but considering that sizes vary greatly from brand to brand, including detailed measurements is the best way to up your bidding appeal. You can measure your items flat or provide "real life" measurements (taken when the garment is on you or a dress form). Either is fine; just make a note in the auction listing of which you use. Here are the essential measurements to take and details to note:

Pants and Jeans - include the waist and hip measurements (flat or around), the inseam (length from the crotch to the hem), the rise (length from the crotch to the waist in the front and the back), and the leg width (measured around the widest part of the hem). Also note whether there are pockets, the type of closure (zipper? buttons? hook & eye?), whether there are cuffs. Note the material of the pants (taken directly from the tag is helpful) as well as whether they are "dry clean only."
Skirts - include the waist and hip measurements, the length (from top to hem), the shape (is it pencil? A-line? full circle?). If there is a slit, provide that measurement as well. Similar to pants, note the type closure, whether there are pockets or pleats, and the material/cleaning instructions.
Tops and Jackets - include the measurements for the bust (across the front or around), the length (from shoulder seam to bottom), the shoulder measurements (across the back of the shirt from seam to seam). For sleeves, measure the length from the shoulder to the hem and the length from the armpit to the hem as well as the width of the cuff. Include the material and cleaning instructions.
Shoes - in addition to listing the size of shoes, it is helpful to give a few measurements as well. The three most helpful shoe measurements are the length from heel to toe on the inside of the shoe, the length from heel to toe on the outside of the shoe, and the width across the bottom at the widest part of the shoe. Also include the heel height and the material of the shoes. If they are leather or suede, include whether or not they have been treated with a weather-guard. Now that you have all of your details about each item you'd like to list in your notebook, it's time to take some pictures. Years ago, bidding on an auction with photos of the item was an added bonus, but today few people will even look at auctions without photographs of the item included in the listing. Obviously the easiest way to take and upload pictures of your items is with a digital camera. If you don't have access to a digital camera, nearly all photo processing centers offer the option of having your photos loaded onto a CD. Simple use your regular camera or a disposable that you bought specifically for this purpose, and choose the CD option when you drop your film off. When taking pictures of the item, be sure to include the following:
A clear shot of the front of the item is the most important photo to include. Most auction sites will include one photo free in the listing fee. If you would like to maximize your bidding potential, it is important to include a few other photos as well.
A shot of the back of the item (if interesting). This is the most important when auctioning pants.
A detail shot. If the item has a pattern, a close-up might help the bidder better see the colors of the item and the design. If the items has interesting buttons or pockets, a detail shot might up the appeal.
A clear shot of the item's tag or label. This is especially important to include if you are auctioning a designer item or something from a popular brand. Bidder want to be certain that what they are bidding on is the real thing from the store or designer that you are advertising. This is also helpful if you are listing a vintage item, as many vintage dealers can determine the age and quality of an item from the manufacturer or store label.

With your information, measurements, and photos all together, you are ready to list your items on the site of your choice. Here are a few tips for attracting the maximum number of bidders to your auction.

Make your auction title eye-catching. Put the designer name or brand in capital letters to emphasize. Be sure to include the listed size. If your item is new with the tags attached, use the abbreviation "NWT." If it is new without the tags, use "NWOT." If the item is vintage, be sure to include that in the title.
Consider using the multiple listing option, especially if your item is vintage. Although "vintage" is a separate category and would seem the logical place to list a vintage item, many people browsing the general clothing section are interested in vintage items as well.
Include the original price in your auction description if you know it. People who bid on online auctions already know they are getting a deal, but pointing out exactly hoe great the deal is will add appeal. If you bought something new three years ago for $200 and are starting the auction at $5, that will draw in shoppers specifically looking for a killer deal.
Start your bidding low. Yes, you may be nervous that your auction will end low, but people are much more likely to place a bid on something with a low starting price. This will encourage more bidders to participate and you just might end up with a bidding war over your item!
List your item on a weekend for a seven-day auction. Considering the number of people who currently resort to "sniper" bidding techniques, it is helpful to plan your auction's end at a time when more people are online.
Be a good salesperson! If the item you are selling is similar to something recently shown in a magazine or on a runway, mention that. List ideas for how to wear the item, showing its versatility. It's your job to convince someone out there that their closet is missing out if they don't have this item, so try your best to list your item in the very best light. If you do decide to mention designer names when your item is not of that designer, be sure to do so responsibly. Clearly state that the item is NOT by the designer, but rather shares similarity to their styles. It is illegal to advertise your items falsely, so be sure to keep that in mind. But within the scope of legality, be creative!

If you use these tips and techniques for selling your unwanted clothes and accessories, before you know it, you'll have some newfound money with which to buy those closet essentials that you so greatly desire.