Cheerleading is fast becoming a favorite sport among both girls and boys alike.  Gymnasiums offering classes and competitions are springing up in big and little cities alike.  More cheerleading programs are being offered in small civic sports groups.  Not to mention that our friend across the great pond (UK) have jumped on the bandwagon introducing cheerleading as a sport in their part of the world.

With all this in mind, those who decide to sell cheerleading uniforms, supplies and accessories have a worldwide market to which to sell.  And the parents of the children who participate seem to be willing to shell out plenty of dough to keep their little spirit leader pepped up!

The following is some tips to help you sell your cheerleading items for top dollar:

1. Always place the phrase "Cheerleader Cheerleading" in your title.  It may seem a little redundant, but it is absolute necessary.  Many novices search only by one word; mostly, they will search for "Cheerleader," yet we refer to many items as "cheerleading [blank]."  For example, uniforms.  More commonly referred to as Cheerleading uniforms; however, some buyers shorten it to "Cheerleader uniform" which puts your "Cheerleading Uniform" toward the bottom of the search, if included at all.
   
2. Use the uniform category in Clothing & Apparel to list your item.  Many sellers that I seen make the mistake of listing their cheerleading uniforms in the regular clothing section.  This can be a costly mistake.  If your buyer is searching only by keyword, they will probably find your auction.  However, if they are browsing, as many like myself do, your item won't be seen and a potential sale lost.
   
3. List the measurement of the uniforms because size varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.  There are hundreds of uniform companies out there and seldom do they agree on what the measurements for a size Small or 12 should be.  Take a few minutes before listing your uniform to measure the bust, length of shell from shoulder to hem, waist and length of skirt.  This is especially true if you are selling a uniform that you purchased for resale because many cheerleading uniforms are altered for a perfect fit.
   
4. Did you forget your underwear?  Um hum, I mean bloomers.  Or briefs.  Or spankies, as has become the common term since the release of the move Bring It On.  But whatever you want to call them, make sure you've got 'em when you list that uniform. Buyers somehow just don't see it as complete unless their there.  If you don't have them, search eBay for them to include them with your uniform auction.  In this particular instance, the boy cut briefs are the "in thing" right now in cheerleading. (And in my opinion, but not everyone elses of course, white blooms are just a No! No! because they look too much like panties.  Just my 2 cents!)
   
5. Remember that your buyers are just often little league coaches without a clue as they are experienced high school coaches.   In selling cheerleading items, I have met many, many first time coaches who took on the job of leading a squad because they're daughter signed up to participate and her squad needed a coach.  They don't know where to begin and what they need.  Take the time to answer their emails, irregardless of how silly you believe the question to be.  You will make a customers for life if you can help add enthusiasm to their position.
   
6. Sell in lots when possible.  Let's say that you find three uniforms at a Goodwill store and you purchase them for resale.  Aside from the Halloween costume season, try selling all three in a lot.  Chances are that you will receive a higher price for the lot than you would if you sold the individually.  The only time that this does not apply is if the brand of the uniform is Varsity, the leader in cheerleader fashions.
   
7. Speaking of Halloween, choose a second category and choose Gifts & Occasions ---> Halloween ----> Costumes ---> Girls.  Many little girls dream of being cheerleaders and jmump at the chance to dress up for one for Halloween.  In this particular scenario, the smaller the uniform the better.
   
8. When searching for uniforms to resale, try to find authentic uniforms.  We all love those adorable uniforms you can purchase in support of your favorite team that are found at J.C. Penny's and similar stores.  However, those styles are a dime a dozen and the demand is somewhat low unless the price is just right.  If you can find uniforms that have the look and feel of a "real" uniform, you're profits will be much greater.  A particularly favorite style among younger cheerleaders is the sleeveless two-colored shell with a matching pleated skirt.  Older cheerleaders are often looking for the knife pleated skirt (skirt appears to have "strips" hanging from waist band) or the A-line skirt (simply straight, no pleats; may have small upside V shape cut at hem for each side).
   
9. Don't forget the shoes.  Cheerleading shoes are a hot commodity.  Because many middle school and high school squads require their participants to have several pairs of shoes just for practice, parents are always looking for a steal on shoes.  Make sure the shoes you are offering are still in great condition, showing little wear.  The top selling cheerleading shoes include Nike, Kapea and Asics.  Be on the lookout of those brands particularly!  The Hanes shoe offered at many Wal-Mart stores are not such a great seller, because they, like some uniforms, are so readily available anywhere.
   
10. A Cheerleader isn't complete without her poms.  And the flashier, the better.  Amazingly, the smaller the girl, the bigger she'll want her pom.  It's cute and it's comical.  However, the overall size of choice seems to be the small (between 4 to 6 inches), wide streamer pom.  From solid white to multi colors, there is a demand for them all.  Metallic colors are especially hot.
    
    One thing to keep in mind with the poms is this:  if you happen to have them with a uniform that matches, put them into a lot.  Adding poms to your auction will substantially increase the bidding price.
    
11. Camp clothes.  Many middle school and high school aged cheerleaders attend cheerleading camps during the summer.  During this time, they often wearing uniforms that match as ordered by their instructions; but many times they are permitted "free wear."  If they are permitted to do so, they like to sport spaghetti strap tanks with cheerleading logos and slogans on the front.  The "Cheer on the Rear" shorts are particular popular for camps.  If an item has a cute cheerleading saying on it, don't pass it up; someone out there will love it.
    
12. DVDs and CDs.  Whether they just dream of being a cheerleader or they actually are, it seems that they are really into cheerleading movies; right down to the silly film Sugar & Spice, a tale about a group of bank robbing cheerleaders.  Movies such as Bring It On and Bring It On Again are big sellers.  If you are particularly lucky to have a instruction DVD, count on make some fast cash with it.  Before listing, do a search to find the retail price and place a Buy It Now on your auction for 75 percent of its retail price.  If it is a recent release and in excellent condition, place it Buy It Now for 90 percent of retail (provided that you will make a still make a profit).
    
    CDs containing mixed music are quick sellers in the cheerleading department.   The more current the CD, the better the seller price.  Don't overlook these items when searching for cheerleading products to sell.
    
13. Cheerleaders like their Bling Blings.  Charms, hair bows and similar items are highly sought after.  These little accessories are often used when on the sidelines or as gifts, especially the charms.  Charms are often used as "Thank you" gifts at end of season events by coaches for a job well done.  Lots are especially great in this case.
    
    When it comes to bows, large lots are always great sellers.  If you have a knack for crafts, try making your own bows to sell.  Instructions are avaible everywhere online and the items needed to do it are easily accessible in craft stores and craft departments of big stores such as Wal-Mart.
    
14. And other simple items to round it out.  An e-book of cheers or custom made gift bags are ways to make some quick cash with products that compliment your other cheerleading items.  Beginning cheerleaders, and especially beginning coaches, love the e-books that offer a compilation of cheers that they can use. 
    
    For the gift bags, do a search online for Cheerleader bags.  When doing so, you'll come across a couple of cute little poems that relate to cheerleading with suggestions for products to include. For example, " a rubberband to remind you to stretch," and a rubberband is placed in the bag.  Simple but profitable.  Be sure to include an offer to customize them in your buyer's team colors because they love that!

A few ideas to get you started.   During the time I sold cheerleading products, I found the buyers to be fun individuals and easy to please (opposite of the nasty rumors about cheerleaders, right?!).   I hope you find your selling experience to be as pleasant as mine!