Marc Chevalier
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- Messages
- 18,192
- Location
- Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California
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I just received a PM from a Lounger looking into selling vintage menswear on eBay. Here's my advice for him and anyone else who wants to do the same.
Looking to make the most out of selling on eBay? Then forget vintage sharkskin ... unless in a very large size and in a very vibrant, unusual color (bright orange, emerald green, very electric blue, etc.)
Unless you're into hawking vintage rayon Hawaiian shirts and top-notch rockabilly stuff (which tend to be expensive to buy, even for sellers), the most bang for your buck will tend to come from vintage 1930s and early '40s double-breasted suits with highly-placed buttons and strong patterns (wide, large pinstripes, for example), or single-breasted suits with peak lapels. Included waistcoats are a plus. Try not to bother with suits smaller than 39 R. Focus as much as possible on finding size 40 and up. The bigger the size, the more valuable the suit. Also, condition is key. Unless the damage is very small (or in the lining), it will otherwise reduce the value considerably. The most valuable suits of all are 1930s double-breasteds or single-breasteds with belted-backs, especially with intricate pleating on the backs. Find one of these in good condition and a larger size, and you'll probably earn more than 400 dollars for it on eBay.
Below suits, try 1930s or '40s spectator shoes in excellent condition and larger, wider sizes. These can also go for hundreds of dollars, depending on their color combinations (black/white and brown/white captoe oxfords sell best). Be sure to list them in eBay's "vintage men's shoes" category.
Finally, there are hats. Vintage 1940s fedoras do best, especially if they're a very light grey or beige, in excellent condition, and a 7 1/4 or larger. Vintage '40s Borsalinos in larger sizes command the highest prices of all.
Where to find this stuff? In your area, maybe thrift stores and estate sales. Where I live (L.A.) doesn't offer much these days. I find my merchandise on eBay.
Oh, and take the best photos that you can: clear, defined, from various angles, and in accurate color. (Use Photoshop if necessary, but don't give a false impression of your merchandise. Make sure the photos stay authentic to the items.) Use such buzzwords as "vintage," "1940s," and "large size."
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I just received a PM from a Lounger looking into selling vintage menswear on eBay. Here's my advice for him and anyone else who wants to do the same.
Looking to make the most out of selling on eBay? Then forget vintage sharkskin ... unless in a very large size and in a very vibrant, unusual color (bright orange, emerald green, very electric blue, etc.)
Unless you're into hawking vintage rayon Hawaiian shirts and top-notch rockabilly stuff (which tend to be expensive to buy, even for sellers), the most bang for your buck will tend to come from vintage 1930s and early '40s double-breasted suits with highly-placed buttons and strong patterns (wide, large pinstripes, for example), or single-breasted suits with peak lapels. Included waistcoats are a plus. Try not to bother with suits smaller than 39 R. Focus as much as possible on finding size 40 and up. The bigger the size, the more valuable the suit. Also, condition is key. Unless the damage is very small (or in the lining), it will otherwise reduce the value considerably. The most valuable suits of all are 1930s double-breasteds or single-breasteds with belted-backs, especially with intricate pleating on the backs. Find one of these in good condition and a larger size, and you'll probably earn more than 400 dollars for it on eBay.
Below suits, try 1930s or '40s spectator shoes in excellent condition and larger, wider sizes. These can also go for hundreds of dollars, depending on their color combinations (black/white and brown/white captoe oxfords sell best). Be sure to list them in eBay's "vintage men's shoes" category.
Finally, there are hats. Vintage 1940s fedoras do best, especially if they're a very light grey or beige, in excellent condition, and a 7 1/4 or larger. Vintage '40s Borsalinos in larger sizes command the highest prices of all.
Where to find this stuff? In your area, maybe thrift stores and estate sales. Where I live (L.A.) doesn't offer much these days. I find my merchandise on eBay.
Oh, and take the best photos that you can: clear, defined, from various angles, and in accurate color. (Use Photoshop if necessary, but don't give a false impression of your merchandise. Make sure the photos stay authentic to the items.) Use such buzzwords as "vintage," "1940s," and "large size."
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