Take a picture of your own item
Many auctions end with no bidders and few (if any) lookers and watchers simply because the clothing seller has not taken a picture of their item. Your buyers have only what is on their computer screen to tell them whether or not your garment is worth the time and money to bid on it.
Pictures that are blurry and unclear give the buyer nearly no idea of what the garment actually looks like, and can often make your item look in worse condition than it really is. Be sure to focus your camera properly, and if the picture doesn't turn out right the first time, try it again. Practice makes perfect!
Dark pictures also will cause problems with clarity. If you cannot get sufficient light inside to take a good picture, take your items outside in the sun for a much better result.
Taking multiple pictures enhances the value of the item and gives your buyer the opportunity to see your garment from many angles. Taking pictures of the back and the front of the garment is a must, and additional pictures of little details.
You must describe your item
For every seller that lists a garment without a picture, you have a seller who puts up one picture of a costume with little to no description. Be sure that you describe your costume in detail, especially anything that makes it unique or comfortable. Remember that you are the eyes and the hands of the buyer, and they are relying on you to know what you are selling. Describe your item as if there were no picture at all in the auction!
Reveal any and all imperfections.
Whether it's a tiny little run or snag or a re-done hem, be sure to note any modifications to or imperfections in your costume. This includes, but is not limited to, any of the following: spots; stains; runs; tears; holes; moth damage; mildew damage; pilling/piling, unraveling; odd smells (including tobacco or moth ball odors). It may take more time during listing, but it will increase your customer's confidence in your integrity and your honesty.
How should I ship my costume?
When you have successfully made your sale and your buyer has paid for their item, you have a number of ways to ship your item. In the United States, most sellers prefer to use USPS (United States Postal Service) to ship their items.
Shipping via USPS Parcel Post is the cheapest way to send your costume via USPS. You will need to purchase (or find) packaging material to put your garment in to use this service. eBay clothing sellers use many different types of mailers to ship their goods, including Tyvek, Poly, Paper and Bubble Mailers. Shop around before purchasing and be sure that you're getting the best deal on your mailer purchase.
If shipping via USPS Priority Mail (typically a 2-3 day delivery), you can receive free mailing supplies, including boxes and tyvek mailers. By far, USPS Priority Mail flat rate boxes are the best deal for shipping for shipments that include many items -- for one flat fee, USPS will ship anything you can fit in their flat rate box to anywhere in the United States of America (including Hawaii and Alaska).
Whichever method you use to ship your item, be sure that you ship safely: If the mailer you're using isn't already waterproof, place your costume in an inner bag (grocery bag, small trash bag, ziplock bags, etc.) that will provide the garment with water resistance. You don't need to package the item to withstand water submersion, but do keep in mind that many buyers live in residences where the USPS carrier will need to leave the package exposed to the elements. One good rain storm can ruin the costume your buyer just purchased, so be prepared!
If you print your postage online via PayPal or the USPS website, Delivery Confirmation is a must-have and is free. Delivery Confirmation provides proof that the item you sent was dropped off at its delivery location, and if you accept PayPal, DC is a requirement for seller protection. Don't let that package leave home without it!
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