How to Buy a Vintage Sports Jersey: For all collectors !

Size - First and foremost, you should always look for the size of the item you're interested in.  It can be the most perfect jersey that you've been looking for, but if it's three sizes too small or too big you won't be able to wear it .......Unless you are a Collector and looking to put the jersey in a Frame, the size will not matter so much. The seller should have the marked size of the item listed or, if the item has no size tag, their estimate of the size based on the measurements.   Always check the actual clothing measurements, even if a size is given, to make sure it will fit you.  Most sellers (such as myself) will not refund money if the item does not fit you when it arrives. Remember that modern day sizes are much different then vintage sizes from the 60s, 70s, 80s and even the 90s.

Measurements - Look for the measurements of the clothing on the listing.  If there are no measurements, you should click the Ask Seller A Question link and ask for them.  Manufacturers vary considerably in their sizing, so a size 14 from one seller is not the same as a size 14 from another, sometimes by as much as two full sizes different.  Actual measurements will let you know if that item runs small or runs large or is spot on for the size it's marked.  Take your own measurements and keep them handy by the computer so you have the numbers to compare the measurements against.  Also, vintage jerseys from the 70s, 80s and 90s to present day all will have different cuts and will fit different even if they are all Marked Large.

Pictures - Most sellers post pictures of the clothing item they are selling.  The quality of these pictures vary greatly, but they should give you at least a general idea of the style, color and cut of the item you're considering.  If the picture does not give you all the information you need, do ask the seller for more pictures and ask questions to clarify, color, style, trim, etc.. 

Condition - Look for an accurate description of condition in the listing.  Does it have stains, rips, holes, loose stitching?  Is the fabric worn or covered with wash fuzzies?  Are there buttons missing or is the zipper broken?  If the condition is not described nor even mentioned you should not hesitate to contact the seller and ask.  Never go by pictures alone as flaws can be easily concealed in the pictures.  If there appears to be a stain on the item in the picture, but nothing is mentioned in the description, do ask the seller for clarification of the spot you see in the picture.  It could be an oversight on the seller's part or the camera could just have cast an odd shadow or had dust on the lens. 

Brand Name - Adidas, Nike, Diadora, CCM......Brand names and labels for collectors jerseys are very important and say alot about a vintage piece.  Some people wouldn't be caught dead in a brand name you could find at Kmart yet other shoppers don't care what the label name is as long as fits well and feels comfortable.    Usually, the tag will give you a good indication on weather the jersey is truely authentic or not.  So make sure to look for these tags in the pictures.  If the seller does not provide a picture, simply ask.  Also keep in mind that some vintage jerseys have had their tags cut off for what ever reasons.  If this is the case, be sure to check the sellers feedback to see how reputable they have been within the community before bidding.  If they have high feedback and say that the jersey is authentic ....chances are it is.

Fabric Content & Care Instructions - This information is usually the most likely to be missing from the listing.  What the clothing item is made of can make a big difference in your use of the item.   People with allergies to fabrics (specifically the plants and/or animals that make up the fabrics) must be careful to buy items that won't trigger an allergic reaction.  Even if you don't have specific allergies to be careful about, the fabric content can give you an additional idea of what the material would feel like.  A good seller will usually describe the feel of the material, even if briefly, such as soft, smooth, silky, nubby, etc..  Being able to read in the listing how to care for the garment, with care instructions, will help you decide how much work and money you want to put into each item of clothing.  Also, material of a specific jersey will give you a good indication on authenticity.  Real and authentic collectors jerseys are usually made with a specific material. 

Shipping Costs - Jerseys can be heavy.  There is no getting around that simple fact.  A simple football or hockey jersey, for example, can easily weigh over three pounds just packaged in a mailer bag.  The best way to deal with higher shipping costs for clothing is by purchasing more than one clothing item from the seller.  Look at that seller's other items and see if there are more clothing items in your size and style.  Make sure the seller offers combined shipping before you purchase.  You'll pay much less per item to ship than buying single items from many different sellers.  Another way to save money is to see if the seller offers USPS flat-rate shipping for combined purchases to addresses within the USA.  I've found that three to five jerseys can easily fit in a USPS flat-rate box.  These flat-rate boxes are a set rate of $8.10 regardless of weight as long as the box can close and seal shut without bursting open.  As a seller, for example, I charge $9.25 for a flat-rate box, which is the flat rate plus $1.15 for handling.   Keep in mind that handling charges (the amount you pay over actual shipping charges) do vary by seller.  Many sellers will offer flat-rate shipping if you ask nicely and the item can fit in the flat-rate box.

Cigarette Smoke & Other Odors - This can be a difficult and delicate topic to bring up with a seller, but for the sake of your budget, allergies and sinuses, I recommend clarifying whether the seller is a smoker, which will most likely scent the clothing they sell, before you purchase any jerseys from that seller.  Most non-smoking sellers will clearly state that fact in their listings.  Many sellers who smoke will also also note that fact in their listings.  The decision to buy or not to buy an item from a seller who smokes is up to each person, of course, but this is information you should know if you are at all sensitive to or intolerant of cigarette smoke.  If you don't ask before purchasing you could end up with an item you can't even bring into the house let alone wear until after it's cleaned.   As for other odors, I've purchased items from sellers who enclose unlaundered dryer sheets or pieces of dryer sheets in with the clothing.  While it's definitely a fresh smell, it can be absolutely overwhelming, even causing sneezing and watery eyes.   If you have allergies to scents, do yourself and the seller a favor by letting them know not to enclose anything scented in with your purchase.  No seller wants to inadvertently trigger allergic reactions in their customers.  Further more, odors and cigarette smoke in a collectable jerseys can be very hard to get out.  Often try-cleaning is necessary, however, washing a rare or hard to find jersey can be a very scary thing.  I wouldn't want to take the chance.

Return Polices & Credits - Not all sellers offer return polices because not all sellers have the time, money, storage room and/or patience to deal with them.   If you do your shopping correctly, as outlined above, you will rarely need to return a jersey.  Be aware of a seller's return policy before you purchase the item, that way if you're not positive if the style will work for you, you can know in advance if you'll be able to return it so you can spend that money on something else.  Keep in mind that sellers who do accept returns, almost uniamously, will not refund shipping costs for items you want to return because they don't fit or you just don't like.  Expect to pay for shipping both ways and be required to ship back the item you are returning in order to receive a refund of all of your purchase price (or most of the purchase price in case the seller charges a restocking fee).  If you do get an item that was improperly described and the size, condition or brand are not as stated, do contact the seller and politely and nicely explain the circumstances.  Most sellers offer a return, credit or partial refund option for items that were improperly described.  Do not, under any circumstance, expect to be able to buy an item, wear it to a special function and then return it for a refund.  That's unfair to the seller and will make you an undesirable buyer quick to be blocked from buying from that seller again along with every other seller they share information with.  Sellers do share the names of undesirable buyers so their friends can block them before ever having to deal with them. 

Pricing - This is the best part of buying collectable jerseys on eBay - the fantastic prices!  For example, I purchased a very rare Roberto Baggio 1994 Juventus jersey from a seller on eBay.  This jersey was one-of-a-kind and was only worn by the team a couple of games that season.  Since it was a jersey I had been looking for, I think I got a great deal of $195 USD.  The jersey is now in a frame in my office.  Pricing for many collectors may not be an issue as some may be willing to pay top dollar for a jersey that will complete a collection.  This is music to every sellers ears.   

Addiction: -Remember, buying on eBay is no different then going to the casino and spending hours at the Black jack table.  Especially when it comes to bidding on rare and hard to find items, bidding can become like blinking and is very addictive.  Please bid responsibly ! 

THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING THIS ARTICLE & WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN OUR STORE SOON !

www.stores.ebay.ca/lavillage