More and more schools are requiring uniforms, and not necessarily private schools, but public, especially charter schools as well.  eBay is an excellent source for buying and selling uniform items.  And just because your children don't wear uniforms to school, does not mean you do not have uniform items to sell!  Consider those khaki church pants, that white summer polo shirt, or last year's navy blue jacket as items with definite uniform potential.  As a seller there is much that you can do to maximize the exposure of children's uniform clothing. 

Item Condition 

Keep in mind that many parents are not necessarily picky about having new items for school uniforms, so don't be hesitant to sell used clothing items that are in great shape.  The eBay key word here is EUC for clothing items in excellent used condition.  New items should be noted as buyers may be searching specifically for new apparel.  Note this by including the key words New or NWT for New with Tag or both.

Dennis or Flynn & O'Hara Brands 

Schools vary widely with uniform brand requirements.  Many schools require Dennis or Flynn & O'Hara brand uniform items specifically.  If the item has Dennis on the label or was purchased at a Dennis Uniform location, be sure to include Dennis in your title.  Keep in mind not all Dennis items will say Dennis on the label.  So if it came from a Dennis store, give it the title it deserves.  Be sure to read my guide to Selling Uniform Plaid Items too for more detail on Dennis and Flynn & O'Hara.

Lands' End Brand 

Lands' End is another popular uniform source and parents love the quality associated with that brand.  However, it is often misspelled.  As a seller, eBay is looking out for you and all three spellings show up in search results, but Land's End items are all that show up for buyers searching Land's End.  Lands' End and Lands End listings appear whether the buyer searchers Lands' End, Lands End or Land's End.  So misplacing the apostrophe will increase your visibility on eBay.  Clear as mud?

Other Brands 

Gap, Old Navy, JC Penney, and French Toast are some other popular uniform brands.  While fewer schools may require these brands exclusively, parents may prefer them, so make sure you've got them in your title.  However, many schools do not or cannot specify a brand requirement so be confident selling your item regardless of brand. 

Uniform in Title 

Include the word Uniform in the title, and you will be pleased with the increased exposure.  As a seller, if you have the space, you may consider adding School with Uniform to your title, though you probably won’t have the room.  School is not as common in listings as Uniform so if you have room for only one, always opt for Uniform.

Color

When selling children's clothing, keep in mind most solid colored items in tan, khaki, white, green, black, red or navy blue, regardless of brand or designed use, are potential uniform items.  Be absolutely certain to put the color in your title.  A word on khaki items: We all know our pictures on eBay are not always true to color.  If you have khaki items to sell, realize some schools are particular about the shade of khaki.  If you have lighter stone colored items, while they may be appropriate for some schools, these may be unacceptable at other schools.  In your item description, provide an accurate description of the khaki color, especially if your picture makes it look darker or lighter than reality.  The color name khaki will connote a darker color than the name stone.

Item 

Uniform items often include polo shirts, shorts, skorts, skirts, pants, blouses, shirts, jumpers, jackets, sweaters, vests, belts, shoes, socks, tights, bike shorts (for under skirts) and hair accessories.  Be certain to include one or more of these keys descriptive words in your title as well. 

Shirt Styles 

Some schools are particular about collar styles.  With a boy's shirt, be certain to specify in the description whether it is a button down collar or not.  Girl's shirt styles can include peter pan collars, camp shirts, and more.  Include these descriptors like Peter Pan or Button Down in your title if you have room, but always include them in your description.

Pant Styles 

Many schools require pants with belt loops, as a belt is part of the uniform.  If you have some black, tan or navy blue pants or shorts, woven or corduroy, eBay is a great place to sell them.  However, if they don't have a belt loop, be sure to note that in the auction description to avoid a disappointed buyer.  Some schools require pleated pants, others flat front.  Some require shorts with cuffs, others without.  Provide your buyers with all the pant styling detail they need.

Size 

Including the size in you title is absolutely critical.  Buyers on eBay will allow you a bit of leeway here.  If the item says 6, but could fit larger, put 6 6X in your title to maximize your exposure.  Be certain to include the actual tag size in your description, and an explanation for the 6X in your title.  For toddler sizes, 4 and 4T should both be in your description.  However, unless you have the room, don’t include the word Size.  Buyers are usually not searching for Size 7, just 7 and the title reads fine without the word size.  As much of a pain as it may seem, buyers will inevitably ask for pant waist measurements, inseam, skirt length, sleeve length and/or chest size.  As a seller be prepared and maximize your bids by providing these measurements in the auction description. 

Gender 

Some uniform items, such as polo shirts, pants, shorts, jackets or sweaters, may work for boys or girls.  Avoid putting boy or girl as a descriptive word in your title.  Most people are going to search for something like Old Navy White Polo, in a gender specific category, and won't be using the term girl or boy.  To maximize your exposure, you can place the item in two categories, one for boys clothing and one for girls.  Adding the terms Boy and Girl will not increase our exposure nearly as much as a double category listing. 

To recap, as a seller, the ideal title for a uniform clothing item would include an example like the following:

New NWT Gap Uniform Navy Blue Pleated Pants 10

This will receive far greater exposure than:

Gap Blue Church or School Pants for Boys Size 10

eBay Lots 

Selling clothing in lots is popular on eBay.  However, for uniform items, consider not doing so unless you have a lot of the same item, same size, style and color.  For example, a lot with 2 white, long sleeved, button-down shirts, both size 8 would be great.  However, while a lot that includes a white polo, a red polo, tan pants and a pair of navy pants all size 10 may have worked perfectly last year for your son, you must consider realistically, what are the chances your potential buyer can use all of those items?  Maybe red is not allowed at their school, or their son needs size 10 shirts, but size 8 pants, or they must purchase polo shirts with a school logo and only want the pants.  You will probably receive a better financial return, if you list items separately, unless they are very similar.

Timing 

When is the best time to sell uniform items?  Certainly, peak back-to-school buying begins in July and is heavy through Labor Day.  While items will sell year round, consider selling auction style during July and August only.  Keep other items in your eBay Store during the rest of the year until the following July.

You can maximize your profit on children’s clothing items by viewing them with their uniform potential in mind.  Make certain to include the appropriate key words in your titles, and key details in your descriptions to attract as many buyers as possible.