eBay is a wonderful place for the new-to-Square Dancing buyer as shops specializing in square dance attire are few and very far between.  The vast majority of the attire offered on eBay is previously owned, used items and there are a few things you want to look for in the description that will make both you and the seller a happy dancer!

Square dance dresses come in either one piece or skirt/blouse combo, both listed as dresses. There is also a longer length skirt called a Prairie Skirt.  The description may be a manufactured item, i.e. Malco Modes, Square D, Jeri Bee, etc. with tag attached.  The identification as Custom Made will usually refer to a high quality dressmaker design, you'll find that in competition/performance dresses.  Expect finished seams (serged edges) fine quality workmanship, beautiful unique designs.  Next a huge portion of the dresses will be classified as home made or home sewn, assume any dress that does not list a manufacturer to be a home made item.  As square dance clothing tends to be very expensive at specialty shops or online stores, many wonderful patterns are available for the home sewer.  This category will generally sell for slightly less than a manufactured item, however if the design is particularly unique it may not. 

Key Things to Look For in Description  

Square dancing, while great entertainment, can be very strenuous so look in the description for any mention of  underarm damage, either in the form of fading, weakened fabric or seam splits. A seller listing an item, blouse or one piece dress, should give you the information as to ".....no fading, weakened fabric, stains, spots, rips or tears".   If not included specifically in the description, ask your seller to please describe.  Another disappointment for buyers is a broken zipper, or stretched elastic.  A broken zipper is a major flaw, and should definitely be called out, however if it is a working zipper it would not necessarily be noted.  Elastic is also a major issue.  Elastic, and many, many dresses will have that problem as they tend to be laundered after each use, eventually gives out.  It is difficult to spot in a photo how tight is the elastic, so if not mentioned in the description as "elastic very good, tight, or elastic replaced" do ask the seller for further information.  Most of the fabrics will be a cotton/polyester blend for easy laundering, good color retention.  Fabrics may also be 100% cotton, nylon, satins, etc. but should be called out in the description.  Color is helpful, but very subjective, so if you are in doubt, contact your seller for further information.

Tips on Search

When you begin your search, look for sellers who specialize in square dance dresses, you'll recognize them by viewing sellers other items.  Those sellers generally are dancers themselves, or have a good understanding of the dancing items to be able to evaluate the item for you.  Look at their feedback, see what others have to say about their purchases.  Read that description carefully.  Feel free to email the seller with anything not covered in the description, always interesting to see what kind of response time and courtesy a seller shows you, this will also give you a good idea of the after sale treatment you will receive.  When you find those sellers specializing in Square Dance items, you can put them into your Favorite Sellers category.  eBay will then send an email whenever that seller lists a new item that might be of interest to you.

Measurements

Each item should give you the Shoulder to Waist measurement (on one piece dresses, generally not an issue with a two piece dress), the Bust measurement, Waist measurement and skirt length. Measurements may be called out as a total measurement around, or flat across, times two.  Be sure always to allow breathing room, usually at least an inch or two added to the measurement.   Hips are called out as "free" or "not an issue" on the very full skirts, but Prairie skirts will include a hip measurement.   It's up to you to check those measurements carefully to be sure the item will fit.  You'll find most sellers will not accept returns due to sizing. Try using a blouse or skirt that currently fits well and match measurements to that.

Purchase and Beyond

Now, you've found that perfect dress, asked any pertinent questions with regard to condition that were not explained fully in the sellers description, checked those measurement, and placed your bid and won!  When you receive your item, check it over carefully and please contact your seller if you find a major difference from what was described to what you received.  Keep in mind that you are purchasing a used dress, unless the description lists the dress as new, usually at a much reduced price than a brand new store bought item when you evaluate your item.  If you have concerns, contactl your seller through the eBay email message system, give the seller a day or two to respond to your concerns before leaving feedback.  Due to the high incidence of virus' contained in email, you'll find the eBay contact system is the one that sellers will definitely respond to. That feedback score and DSR ratings are most important to your seller, as well as your feedback as a buyer, so try to resolve any issues to both your satisfaction, we can't improve our service if we aren't aware of problems.   There are many wonderful, trustworthy square dance sellers on eBay, seek them out, their presence gives you many great choices, and the competition keeps us on ours toes. 

Hope you found these buying tips helpful, happy dancing!  Dancinlizzie