Everybody loves a bargain! I know I do. It's one of the many reasons that people love ebay. They're in pursuit of the ultimate great deal. The challenge for a seller is finding something everyone wants or needs, and to market it effectively, allowing the buyer to find that great bargain while you still make a profit.

Clothing is something everyone needs, but not everyone has access to new, wholesale clothing for resale. What about something as challenging as USED CLOTHING?

As a seller of USED, PLUS SIZE WOMEN'S CLOTHING, I can give you some tips on marketing these items. And if you're a buyer, you'll pick up some valuable information on what to look for when you're shopping.

FIRST, choose carefully in deciding what to sell. Ask yourself these questions:

• What condition is this item in? Is it like new? If not, can I repair it to nearly new condition? Look the entire garment over carefully INSIDE AND OUT. Check under the seat area of slacks, and between the legs. Is the fabric pilled, torn or worn? Look at the cuffs of pants and check for frayed hems. Are all the buttons there, and if not, are they easy to replace? Do zippers work?
• Has the item been altered? Does the label say size 20 AVERAGE but appears that it has been taken in or shortened? If so, it is no longer a 20 AVERAGE.
• Are there any stains on the item that you might not be able to remove. Make sure you hold the garment in good, natural lighting to determine this. Look inside, especially slacks inside the crotch area. Check underarms for perspiration stains.
• What brand is it? Is this a designer label or popular name brand?
• What kind of care does the garment require? Is it "dry clean only" and badly in need of cleaning? To do so may really cut into your profits unless it is something valuable that you know you can get a return on.
• Would you wear it? Even if its not a style or size that you would normally wear, is the condition such that you would purchase and wear this item without hesitation?
• Is it "vintage", "retro", or just "out of style"? If it's the latter, pass it by.
• How much do you have to pay for the item, and how much would you need to get for it in order to make a profit?  There is a lot of work involved in selling used clothing, and the profit margin is not large so you have to be a savvy shopper and spend a lot of time searching for the right things.

You might want to limit your selections to target a particular group. For example, sell high-end designer labels only, or quality children's labels, or men's big and tall clothing, women's plus size, swimwear, outerwear or women's petites. The best clothing stores do that, so why not you?  It won't be long and many of your buyers will mark you as a favorite because they know you carry the sizes and types of clothing that they are looking for.

And here are a few other tips that will make you stand out from the rest...

1. Invest in a good digital camera, at least 4 mega pixels, and take several photos, including a close up.
   
2. Consider grouping items together, such as a sweater with pants that match.
3. Start bidding low without a reserve.
4. Include information on shipping costs or allow buyers to calculate the costs. This means you must know the exact shipping weight when you list.
5. Write a complete description, including any defects, and always include measurements
6. Offer to combine shipping for multiple purchases
7. Have specific guidelines for returns, what type or amount of refund you are willing to give, and under what circumstances

Finally, develop a following by striving for positive feedback after every transaction. You're best success will come by describing items accurately and in detail, and by shipping promptly. Great products, great prices, and great service will give you an advantage over any brick and mortar, second-hand store and your customers will appreciate the savings of both time and money. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!