What We Look for in Vintage Clothing Listings:

Many things can help make an online listing more accurate, honest and successful. This list, written by trade members of the VFG, is our guide to best practices. We do not require all these for membership (membership requirements can be found here), but encourage these practices to be followed.   

Show a shot of the label.  Often seeing the label helps corroborate the date estimate, and gives the buyer further confidence. The label also gives the buyer information about the level of a designer's work.

Do not use the term "vintage condition."  This frequently used phrase really offers no information to the buyer, and it seems to imply that all vintage clothing has flaws. Instead, be specific in describing the flaws.

Give as many measurements as is necessary.  Fit is crucial with vintage clothing purchased online! You will get fewer questions, and fewer disappointed buyers the more measurements you offer. Many sellers offer bust, waist and hip, but depending upon the garment, there are other important measures.

Make a condition report on each item that gives a true idea of the garment's wearability.  Use a chart, or clearly define what you mean when you use terms like "excellent" and "good."

Show a photo of any flaws or alterations.  Picturing, as well as describing gives a much better idea of the scope of any issues.

Present your vintage items in a positive light.  Invest in a good iron or steamer, and make sure items are shown to their best advantage.

Use key words that are appropriate to the garment.  There is nothing but disappointment in opening a page to find that a garment called "Mod" is actually from the 50s or 70s. Keyword spamming is actually a violation of some web sites' rules, and ought to be a violation of all competent sellers' own ethics.

Tell the fiber content of the fabric, to the best of your determination.  At least describe the fabric (how heavy is it? how does it feel? how does it drape?) and become as familiar with fabric types and jargon as you can, so you can learn to pinpoint the material as accurately as possible.

Make your photos as clear as possible.  Use the best camera you can afford (try to find one with good macro capabilities for your close up shots), and use a tripod if needed to get a clear picture. "A picture is worth a thousand words," but only if it is clear enough!

Show the item from different angles, but refrain from showing shot after shot of the same thing.  Make sure you photograph all key angles and details, including unobstructed, full-length views of the front and back, as well as flaws and alterations. Buyers don't need to see how fantastic the item looks from the front over and over, so save your space for other photos.

Date items accurately and place in the proper category.  The more accurately you can pinpoint the vintage, the more trusted you will be as a seller. Never use "vintage inflation" to sell an item, such as calling something from the late 1940s "WWII era."

Develop a set of clear and professional terms of sale.  Make sure you spell it out so that buyers know exactly what to expect. Take a look at trusted sellers for ideas for your own terms.

Check your spelling and proofread your listings.  Now that spell check tools are ubiquitous, why not use them?