HOW TO GET THE MOST FOR YOUR LEOTARDS.

Aside from their shoes, the leotard gets the most wear from the dancer or gymnast.  Dance studios and gyms are everywhere, but the specialty stores are not.  You can not purchase good quality leotards from just any store and they are a very expensive necessity from the specialty stores.  Catalog and online stores are also quite expensive, not to mention the high shipping rates charged.  Therefore, leotards are a very sought after item, new or used.

CHOOSING YOUR ITEM (S)

Top dollar is paid on Ebay for new and used leotards from quality manufactures.  When choosing leotards, try to choose from well known brands such as, GK, Eye Pleasures, Moret, Danskin, Eurotard, Capezio, and Body Wrappers. 

Velour leotards will generally sell better than others.  

Leotards with many colors and unique designs bring in more revenue than ones that are a solid color. 

Hologram leotards are a very hot item.

Patriotic leotards are highly sought.

LISTING

CHOOSING LOTS

I have found that you will get more for each leotard if you list them as a lot rather than individually.  You will want at least 3 leotards per lot. 

Choose your lot by size.  You do not want a variety of sizes in one listing.  Very important, leotards are not generally sized the same as street clothing size and each manufacture has their own sizing.  You also can not determine the size simply by the tag.  One manufacturer might have sizing in childrens, youth, junior and adult.  So a tag that reads small, may be from any of those categories.  You will need to measure the leotards shoulder to crotch and across the chest from underarm to underarm.  Leotards with the same or nearly same measurements are what you should list in the lot. 

If you have some solid colored leotards, place them in lots with at least one leotard having different colors and designs.  If you have an exceptional leotard or a new leotard, you can place it in a lot by itself, or with another pair that has a little more wear.

CHOOSING YOUR AUCTION TITLE

A very detailed auction title is very important in reeling in customers.  You want customers to find your auction when looking for any related items.  They may be looking for shoes, but see your auction and it sparks an interest.  Therefore, try to include dance, gymnastics, and leotard in the title.  If you do decide to list as a lot, make sure you also include "lot" in the title and the number of items in the lot.  Most importantly, include child or adult and the size.  Below are some examples of good auction titles.

LIKE NEW COSTUME DANCE GYMNASTIC UNITARD ADULT SMALL

LOT 3 DANCE GYMNASTIC LEOTARDS ADULT SIZE SMALL

DANCE GYMNASTIC CAT COSTUME BLACK UNITARD SZ CHLD SMALL

NWT LOT  DANCE GYMNASTIC LEOTARDS CHILD SIZE 7/8

INCLUDING PICTURES

Pictures are the best selling tool.  Include as many pictures as  you can and be sure to select gallery so that when your customers are searching for those jazz shoes, they see the picture of your nice leotards and have to check out your auction. 

Take one picture of all of the leotards in the lot together.  This should be your gallery picture. 

Then take a closer picture of each leotard.  If the leotards have a keyhole back or pretty straps across the back, include a picture of the back of the leotard.

You might even include a picture of the emblem or tags that show the brand.

WRITTING THE DESCRIPTION

This is a very important step.  Even though the title lists the size and you include pictures, the more information you give your customer, the better they will feel about bidding on your auction.  Be completely honest in your descriptions.  You should describe the following for each leotard individually:

1. brand or manufacture
2. color(s) and designs
3. style (tank, long sleeve, camisole, short sleeve ect.)
4. state if the leotard is velour
5. measurements (shoulder to crotch & chest)
6. material (including percentage, for example 95% cotton and 5% spandex)
7. condition or leotard, for example NWT, NWOT, fair, good, very good, excellent, nearly new, looks new, gently worn
8. any flaws such as piling, pulls, loose threads, holes or spots of wear

DECIDING THE LISTING PRICE

You do not want to lose money on your leotards.  But keep in mind, that leotards are highly sought and regardless of what you begin the bidding at, you are likely to get top dollar.  Depending on the condition, styles and manufactures, I start the bidding anywhere from $3.99 to $9.99.  The customers take it from there. 

SHIPPING CHARGES

The amount you charge for shipping is a large deciding factor for your customers.  You do not want to charge an arm and a leg.  Keep the shipping near the actual cost including any shipping supplies you may use. 

NOW YOU TAKE IT FROM HERE

I have successfully been selling leotards and dance related items on Ebay for 4 years.  I have done very well and wanted to share my experience with someone who wants to know how it is done.  I hope this has been a helpful tool for you.  Good luck!