Vulpilist: 6 tips to sell quickly

Vulpilist: 6 tips to sell quickly

Whether creating listings on Vulpilist, the Sartorial Marketplace or on another marketplace, you had to wonder “how can I sell quicker“? Fortunately, Vulpilist the Magazine tells you all its secrets to help you find potential buyers and then close the deal!

1. Find the right price

A Marinella tie

Before anything else you must think of the price. You should investigate the average sell price of the item – in itself and regarding the maker.

Let’s take a concrete example. On Vulpilist, ties are on average 20-30€ but specific makers or details can lift the prices up: prestigious brands such as Marinella Arnys can sell from 40€ and 7-fold ties, even without known label, can sell from 30-40€.

Also, bear in mind that the average price may be for items in very good condition. If your item is damaged you may want to reconsider your price.

The Vulpilist team is always pleased to help in case you are having troubles setting up a price. Contact us just below!

2. Repair if necessary

Jacket armpit lining

If the item you want to sell is damaged, even a bit, whether it is a suit, jacket or an accessory, you would want to spend some time or money to repair it. A garment in perfect condition or no visible flaw will sell much quicker! Sometimes all it takes is to replace a shoe heel or sole, polish a leather shoe, sew a jacket lining or dry clean to dramatically increase the value.

For example, jackets armpit linings tend to unstitch. It’s easy to stitch it back: no need to ask for an alteration tailor, a needle and a white cotton thread are enough.

Even when you have to ask a professionnal to help -a shoemaker for example- and it costs you, the risk is worth it.

You can still sell a garment or accessory “as it is” but in most cases the price will be expected to be much lower than the retail price (of course) but also than the same item but repaired.

3. Take good photos

When selling online, the quality of the visuals is key. It contributes to build trust with potential buyers and helps them decide whether they want to buy or not – you won’t buy a suit with only a few pixelated photos, will you?

In order to take good pictures you don’t need a reflex or digital camera (although it helps a lot!) as today most smartphones’ cameras are quite decent.

The lighting of the item you shoot is crucial. You should take photos with daylight as domestic lightbulbs’ color is yellow-ish and would transform the render of the item color. Also, try to take advantage of the lighting to create volume to the item (a front light usually flattens the curves and it is then harder to see).

Now you got the trick, let’s talk display.

Garments and accessories display is key to convince buyers. The background should be as neutral as possible, such as plain white. Jackets should at least be on hangers and ideally worn by yourself, and ties should be rolled up. It will dramatically contribute to highlight the fabric, the details, the cut. Here are a few examples of what should be done.

The lighting is brought by the daylight. The volume of the suit can be easily read.
The background is a plain white wall.
The lighting is brought by daylight. The quality of the photo lets us read the grain of the fabric.
The background is a plain white cotton sheet.
The lighting is brought by daylight (outdoor).
The garment is worn, which lets us easily imagine how it would fit.

Also, too many photos is better than too few. Shoot the details (buttonholes, hand stitches…), labels, etc. Buyers prefer to have the widest look on what they intend to buy.

Finally, do not forget to shoot the potential flaws! Honesty is key, especially on Vulpilist where it is fine to sell a damaged item as long as you accurately describe it so buyers know what they purchase.

4. Polish the written description

Photos are the first way to connect with potential buyers. The written description comes just after!

The more details you add, the more elements your buyers will have which will ease his purchase decision. Also, a detailed description helps building trust just like fine photos.

We advise to begin with a general description of the garment or accessory you sell. Begin by describing what is in the photos and also what can’t be seen (flaws, hidden details…) – you would want to reassure your buyers! Here is an example:

2 buttons bespoke jacket, Zegna 120s fabric (medium weight, can be worn midseason), two vents. No padding. The tailor who made it is unknown.

Excellent condition. A little stain below left pocket and sangs on lining (see photos).

Then, adding detailed measures will tremendously help potential buyers to know what they are buying.

In you want further advice on how to get standard measurements, please visit the Vulpilist FAQ – there’s the chapter “How to correctly measure your garments” and the following ones that should help you measure jackets, trousers, coats…

Here is an example of an ideal jacket/coat measures description:

Shoulder to shoulder: 19.1 inches (48.5 cm).

Armpit to armpit: 22.4 inches (57 cm).

Across fastening : 22 inches (56 cm).

Length from collar to hem: 31.9 inches (81 cm). No fabric available to let down.

Shoulder to cuff: 24.4 inches (62 cm). 1.2 inches (3 cm) available to let down.

Armpit to cuff: 16.1 inches (41 cm).

Cuff width: 6.3 inches (16 cm).

Maximum lapel width: 3.5 inches (9 cm).

Do not forget to add measures too when selling accessories, such as tie lenght/width, dimensions of a leather bag, etc.

5. Be there to answer questions

Be as courteous as a Fox!

If you followed our advice on photos and description, buyers will almost have all the elements to decide if they want to buy. Almost! There will still be additional questions and answering them with courtesy will help convince your buyers.

Corresponding with potential buyers is also a great way to show them that you also are an enthusiast and rightfuly gain their trust.

6. Be ready to accept a price offer

Why not accept a 15% off offer
made by a potential buyer?

One in the hand is worth two in the bush! The old saying is quite right as a sold listing at a lowered price is better than one staying online for a undetermined time.

Price offers should indeed be considered very seriously but not accepted under any circumstance.

A price offer can be the sign that your listing was a bit overpriced. If the price offer is close to the market price, then why not! If it’s clearly underpriced you may want to answer that you would gladly meet your buyer halfway. Haggling is part of marketplaces: embrace it and you will not regret it!

We hoped you enjoyed this article.

It’s now time to practice: let’s meet on vulpilist.com and list your garments!

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