( 
)I've been buying and selling handmade clothing on eBay for over 3 years now. In this guide, I will provide an outline for buying boutique-quality children's clothing on eBay.
To find custom made clothing on eBay, simply type in "custom boutique" in the main search box. A good way to find complete outfits is to sort your search by highest price first. Or, if you have a price range in mind, use the advanced feature to specify a price range. If you have an idea on the theme of the outfit you would like, use appropriate search terms, in addition to "custom boutique", such as "custom boutique birthday" or "custom boutique christmas" to further define your search.
Look through the galleries to find interesting sets, or if you are a treasure hunter, look at even those without gallery pictures. In the listing, expect to see clear pictures with some close-ups, along with a well-defined description of what you will receive (don't forget to read!). On the outfit, look for even top stitching, smooth lines, even gathering, and an overall neat presentation. On the other hand, don't let the presentation fool you. Try to see past the pictures and envision the outfit on your child.
If you find a set you want with a BIN (buy-it-now), and it seems reasonable, buy it. This may be the only time the set will be offered. A smart move would be to email the seller and ask if she can make more than one set. If so, you may get a second chance offer, even if you aren't the winner of the auction. Take this in consideration when you place your highest bid. A sniping service is a great option, as well. Check if the seller has an eBay store. If you like the auctioned set, most likely she will offer other sets you will like. Many sellers offer discounts on shipping of multiple purchases.
Most sellers prefer Paypal, but a few only take checks or money orders, so make sure you check the payment terms before buying. Expect to pay $5-$10 depending upon the weight of the set for shipping. The set should come properly packaged in a box and protected from the elements and from being overly crushed, so that is the expected shipping rate, domestically. Most ship priority. Many ship only with insurance.
One of the advantages of buying custom made clothing is you should get a perfect fitting outfit for your child. Read the seller's feedback before buying and observe the comments. If they have glowing feedback, take that as an indicator that they do better than average work. Keep in mind that some buyers leave simple feedback for everyone, without specific comments; but in general you should see lots of comments like "amazing quality" or "perfect fit" or "we will be back."
One of the disadvantages of buying custom handmade clothing is it takes time. The seller should state average shipping times in the auction listing. If not, email before purchasing the item and ask. Expect anywhere from 1-6 weeks for shipping. Popular eBay designers do this for a living and may state long shipping times, but don't let that deter you unless you are in a hurry. Most likely you will receive an amazing outfit as a reward for your wait! If you are in a hurry, email the seller before the purchase and ask if you can be guaranteed shipping by your date.
One of the most important responsibilities of the buyer after the sale is to respond to emails. It is very frustrating to a designer to not receive the requested sizing and/or measurements needed to start a set that has been purchased and paid. It is impossible to start on a custom set without the measurements. The shipping time frame begins after the payment and measurements are received. Most designers can work with a size reference. For instance, if your child wears a lot of Old Navy or Gymboree, tell them that information. Measurements insure a perfect fit, but a size reference is better than nothing.
Don't forget to leave positive feedback if you are happy! Many sellers don't consider the sale final until your feedback is left. If you aren't happy, email the seller. Most sellers are more than happy to make adjustments or compensate for a problem. You should be happy; but conversely, remember you are dealing with a small, home-based business owner and not a big corporation that can more easily absorb losses.
I hope this has helped. If you have any other questions or want advice, please use the "Contact Member" form on my about me page. I am more than happy to help!
Happy Shopping!
Lucinda
Tip.Top.Applesauce
http://stores.ebay.com/Tip-Top-Applesauce-Clothing-Company
To find custom made clothing on eBay, simply type in "custom boutique" in the main search box. A good way to find complete outfits is to sort your search by highest price first. Or, if you have a price range in mind, use the advanced feature to specify a price range. If you have an idea on the theme of the outfit you would like, use appropriate search terms, in addition to "custom boutique", such as "custom boutique birthday" or "custom boutique christmas" to further define your search.
Look through the galleries to find interesting sets, or if you are a treasure hunter, look at even those without gallery pictures. In the listing, expect to see clear pictures with some close-ups, along with a well-defined description of what you will receive (don't forget to read!). On the outfit, look for even top stitching, smooth lines, even gathering, and an overall neat presentation. On the other hand, don't let the presentation fool you. Try to see past the pictures and envision the outfit on your child.
If you find a set you want with a BIN (buy-it-now), and it seems reasonable, buy it. This may be the only time the set will be offered. A smart move would be to email the seller and ask if she can make more than one set. If so, you may get a second chance offer, even if you aren't the winner of the auction. Take this in consideration when you place your highest bid. A sniping service is a great option, as well. Check if the seller has an eBay store. If you like the auctioned set, most likely she will offer other sets you will like. Many sellers offer discounts on shipping of multiple purchases.
Most sellers prefer Paypal, but a few only take checks or money orders, so make sure you check the payment terms before buying. Expect to pay $5-$10 depending upon the weight of the set for shipping. The set should come properly packaged in a box and protected from the elements and from being overly crushed, so that is the expected shipping rate, domestically. Most ship priority. Many ship only with insurance.
One of the advantages of buying custom made clothing is you should get a perfect fitting outfit for your child. Read the seller's feedback before buying and observe the comments. If they have glowing feedback, take that as an indicator that they do better than average work. Keep in mind that some buyers leave simple feedback for everyone, without specific comments; but in general you should see lots of comments like "amazing quality" or "perfect fit" or "we will be back."
One of the disadvantages of buying custom handmade clothing is it takes time. The seller should state average shipping times in the auction listing. If not, email before purchasing the item and ask. Expect anywhere from 1-6 weeks for shipping. Popular eBay designers do this for a living and may state long shipping times, but don't let that deter you unless you are in a hurry. Most likely you will receive an amazing outfit as a reward for your wait! If you are in a hurry, email the seller before the purchase and ask if you can be guaranteed shipping by your date.
One of the most important responsibilities of the buyer after the sale is to respond to emails. It is very frustrating to a designer to not receive the requested sizing and/or measurements needed to start a set that has been purchased and paid. It is impossible to start on a custom set without the measurements. The shipping time frame begins after the payment and measurements are received. Most designers can work with a size reference. For instance, if your child wears a lot of Old Navy or Gymboree, tell them that information. Measurements insure a perfect fit, but a size reference is better than nothing.
Don't forget to leave positive feedback if you are happy! Many sellers don't consider the sale final until your feedback is left. If you aren't happy, email the seller. Most sellers are more than happy to make adjustments or compensate for a problem. You should be happy; but conversely, remember you are dealing with a small, home-based business owner and not a big corporation that can more easily absorb losses.
I hope this has helped. If you have any other questions or want advice, please use the "Contact Member" form on my about me page. I am more than happy to help!
Happy Shopping!
Lucinda
Tip.Top.Applesauce
http://stores.ebay.com/Tip-Top-Applesauce-Clothing-Company
Guide created: 12/29/06 (updated 06/15/08)
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