Seller Spotlight: Rochellesells

Hello and welcome to the June 2011 installment of "Seller Spotlight." I started this feature in 2010 in the hopes of educating Anthro buyers on the eBay process. I wanted to highlight eBay sellers that I know personally, or have had very good experiences with, so that Anthro community members could build up a log of trusted sellers when they are searching eBay for older pieces that they may have missed.

So, first things first! I did not have a Seller Spotlight in May for a couple of different reasons, but mostly because I was super busy with my "real-life" job, and then my husband and I took a (much-needed) mini-vacation. But I've got a great seller to introduce you to in June, and her name is Rochelle (her eBay store is called RochelleSells). I met Rochelle through the eBay Clothing, Shoes & Accessories discussion board, and she has always impressed me. What I like about Rochelle is that she keeps it positive, and is always looking for ways to improve her business, whether it's by asking good questions or just thinking things through out loud. She's very open-minded and is constantly working to make sure her customers have a good experience. Let's meet Rochelle!

(Q) When and how did you get started selling on eBay?

(A) I started selling in June 2004. I was living in Atlanta, working as a newspaper reporter, but ready for a new career. I'd never even been on eBay, but two good friends were selling - one coupons and the other clothing and handmade jewelry. It looked like fun, so within a week I had read eBay for Dummies, bought some lovely items from the site and I was hooked.

(Q) One of the things that I really admire about you is that you’ve really grown as an eBay seller, and that you’re now considering doing it as part of your full-time income. What are some of the things you’ve learned as you’ve gone along, or that you wish you would have known starting out?

(A) I wish starting out that I really understood the importance of bookkeeping and inventory control. I still am not where I want to be, but much better at seeing the money coming in and out. I also wish I had started out selling clothing. It makes me feel really good that someone wanted something I listed, got it from me, and is wearing it.

(Q) What kinds of items do you look for to sell, and what is it about an item that draws you to it?

(A) I try to sell pretty. I personally love colors, sparkle, interesting and unique clothing details. I know a tiny bit about sewing, so I pay some attention to clothing construction.

(Q) How did you find out about Anthropologie, and what attracts you to the brand?

(A) I used to walk by the Anthropologie store at Perimeter Mall in Atlanta all the time. I'd look at the displays, but because I am plus size, I just didn't go in. But one day something caught my eye, a dress I think. And I went in. I felt like I had just walked into the life of someone I want to be. I'm happy with my own life, of course, but imagine living in an all Anthro world!

(Q) Do you have any favorite Anthro items that you have sold?

(A) Yes. It was a patchwork seersucker floral cotton skirt, perfect for the summer. I found it in Indianapolis and I just loved it. It was a larger size, a 14 or 16, I think. So flattering! It sold quick, too. I also have a non-clothing item I bought for resale but can't bear to left go of. It's a carved wooden mirror stained gold and glass mosaic. Everyone comments on it.

(Q) eBay and PayPal can be mysteries to unseasoned eBayers or people who have never used the site. What recommendations do you have for buyers so that they have good experiences?

(A) eBay can be a hard nut to crack, but the rewards are so worth it. The site does the most complete job I've found of putting the world at my fingertips. First off, buyers need to understand that eBay is not one entity, it's thousands of people just in one place, but all with different ways of operating. Reading feedback comments is essential -- buyers are pretty honest, and you want to see how well someone performs before you get their money. Read the description and look at the photos. Ask questions. Make sure you have a clear sense of what you are supposed to receive before you send your money.

(Q) What do you think is the hardest thing for a seller to communicate to a buyer? And how do you deal with that issue?

(A) Item condition is. Selling pre-owned clothes has got to be the most difficult category. I go over the item back and front, fiddle with the zippers and buttons, etc. before listing, then list any flaws, or just don't list it. I want my buyer to open their package and go "Wow!"

(Q) What advice do you have for buyers who are looking for Anthropologie items – especially when there are other sellers who aren’t as scrupulous as others, or may be falsely IDing pieces as Anthro when they clearly are not?

(A) Know your Anthro brands. Look at the Anthro site, note brands. Then search for those specific brands here. A lot of sellers are ignorant, some are scammers.

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I'd like to thank Rochelle for her answers. I truly enjoy reading her posts on the eBay discussion boards, and I think she is an inspiration to all of us who hope to make the eBay selling experience into something more than just a faceless transaction. Rochelle has a few Anthropologie items listed for sale right now, including a NWT Odille "Preppy and Peppy Blouse" in the green colorway (see it here).

I've included a permanent link to Rochelle's store -- RochelleSells -- in my blog roll. I hope you've enjoyed this feature and I'll be back again next month with another seller profile.

XOXO,
Sara

If you are an eBay seller of Anthropologie items and would like to be featured on Seller Spotlight, please contact me via email at saraefarr(at)gmail.com

Seller Spotlight: Cenafan

Hello and welcome to the April 2011 installment of "Seller Spotlight." I started this feature in 2010 in the hopes of educating Anthro buyers on the eBay process. I wanted to highlight sellers that I know personally, or have had very good experiences with, so that Anthro community members could build up a log of trusted sellers when they are searching eBay for older pieces that they may have missed.

I'm really excited to bring you April's spotlighted seller -- I'm pretty sure that all of my Canadian friends will rejoice to meet her because she is based out of the Toronto area ... which means no customs charges for Canadian buyers!! I know that Anthro charges pretty steep fees for shipping to Canada, so I am very happy for my north-of-the-border friends to meet Heather, who sells under the eBay ID Cenafan.

I came to know Heather through my friend Rachel, who was the first seller I spotlighted in this series. What I love about Heather is her down-to-earth attitude and the fact that we have a lot of common interests, including sports cars!! So, without further ado, let's meet Heather!

(Q) How and when did you start selling on eBay? Also, you went from being a part-time seller to a full-time seller – how did that impact your approach to selling on eBay?

(A) I've been on eBay for about eight years. I've sold very part time for the past seven. In October of last year (2010) I went full time. HUGE change. Thinking about it as a business meant a more serious approach to my sales and buyers. I implemented flat rate shipping costs to all locations and now ship daily (not including weekends). I've also greatly expanded both my type and quantity of inventory. I attained Top Rated Seller status* in January and will continue growing my business.

(Q) Is there a particular kind of item that you specialize in, or prefer selling?

(A) I don't have any particular type or brand of items. I do love selling Lululemon items (but that is a personal loved brand). I also love unique items, which is where Anthropologie items come in. I don't have as easy access to these items as some other sellers I know as there are very few Anthro locations in Canada. Being close to Toronto does help with my ability to find items, and I love finding them while on inventory trips in the USA. My store is a mix of everything ... from high end, to funky, to vintage, to trendy, to classic. I am also trying to expand my menswear inventory.

(Q) How did you come to find out about Anthropologie clothing, and what do you like about the brand?

(A) I learned about Anthropologie from eBay. I would never have known (about) it without the knowledge base of other seller friends. I love the eclectic-ness of the pieces. The natural fabrics. The artistry of the pieces. My favourite brands from Anthro are Moulinette Soeurs and Floreat. I think they have stunning pieces.

(Q) You are based in Canada – I know that’s an awesome draw for Canadian Anthro fans because the store charges ridiculous shipping fees to ship from the U.S. to Canada. But what about selling to U.S. buyers? Do you think there’s a challenge there?

(A) I think the only challenge I face in comparison to U.S. sellers is the time it will take to receive the item. Even though we are "just over the bridge," it is still an international transaction. Most U.S. buyers are used to getting their items in a couple of days ... and I can't provide that service without charging high shipping costs. So it becomes a balancing act for the buyers. Do my unique items and great prices outweigh the slightly longer wait time? I hope the answer is yes.

(Q) I see that you still list some items at auction on eBay – what do you think are the benefits of auctions for sellers? For buyers?

(A) For sellers, I think the benefit is higher traffic. On nights that I have auctions ending, my traffic often doubles. For buyers ... it's the thrill of getting a great deal. The joy of the snipe. The good old days of eBay. :)

(Q) What tips would you recommend to buyers in order for them to have good experiences on eBay?

(A) Read your seller's terms of sale. If you don't agree with something in those terms, then that is not the seller for you. COMMUNICATE! If you have concerns/questions/comments. Contact your seller. eBay/Paypal disputes should be the last step after all other avenues have been depleted. If you are shopping for clothes, know your measurements. Every good seller I know lists multiple measurements for every item. Those are there to ensure you are happy with your item. Enjoy!
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I'd like to thank Heather for sharing her answers with us, as I think she's a great eBay seller.
I've included a permanent link to Heather's eBay store -- Cenafan's Fashion Finds -- in my blog roll. I hope you've enjoyed this feature and I'll be back again next month with another seller profile.

XOXO,
Sara

If you are an eBay seller of Anthropologie items and would like to be featured on Seller Spotlight, please contact me via email at saraefarr(at)gmail.com

* Heather mentions that she is a Top-Rated Seller. This is a category of seller that eBay recognizes for superior customer service and the standards that a seller has to meet to achieve this designation are quite high. eBay's description of a Top-Rated Seller is a seller who "consistently receives highest buyers' ratings," "ships items quickly," and "has earned a track record of excellent service."

Seller Spotlight: Hucktom

Hello and welcome to the March 2011 installment of "Seller Spotlight." I started this feature last year in the hopes of educating Anthro buyers on the eBay process. I wanted to highlight sellers that I know personally, or have had very good experiences with, so that Anthro community members could build up a log of trusted sellers when they are searching eBay for older pieces that they may have missed.

I am super pleased to bring you March's spotlighted seller, who sells on eBay under the name hucktom. The lovely lady behind the eBay ID is Jean (her eBay store is "Maggie May's Amazing Merchandise"). I got to know Jean through a Facebook discussion group of eBay sellers that I belong to, and she is the nicest lady. She also has a great sense of humor and a great perspective on eBay selling. She is generous with her time and knowledge, and a class-act seller.

Now, let's meet Jean!

(Q) How and when did you start selling on eBay?

(A) I really started selling on eBay in December of 1999. I found a big box of old books in my attic while getting out the Christmas decorations and had pretty good luck (selling) them. I was hooked!! I got bored with books and started doing some collectibles but didn’t like that. About 8 years ago, I decided to try clothing, and since my mother was a huge fashion fan, I found I enjoyed it and had more knowledge of clothing than I realized.

(Q) What kinds of items do you specialize in?

(A) I like to sell classic women's clothing. I love pretty things, so the prettier the better!!!! I also love selling men's neckties and suspenders. I have been known to turn around a guy's tie to look at the label. I think ties are just amazing. I also adore sweaters!!!!! I love the feel of soft cashmere, and I think a pretty sweater can be a real wardrobe plus.

(Q) How did you first find out about Anthropologie, and what do you like about the brand?

(A) I have several nieces who love Anthropologie, and I heard more and more about the brand in my groups and the eBay forums. My daughter-in-law also loves Anthro. I like Anthropologie because it is pretty without being prissy and fashionable without being too trendy. I love learning about the brand from reading blogs like this one (Anthropologie Treasurebox).

(Q) What do you think is the most important information that a seller can provide to buyers?

(A) I think the main thing is an honest description. I use the term "excellent" less than a lot of sellers because I never want my customers to be disappointed. I also think that sellers need to provide accurate measurements and clear pictures.

(Q) A lot of sellers tend to look for the bizarre and unusual, but I notice that you tend to carry a lot of timeless, classic pieces, which tends to fill a market that is, quite frankly, underserved on eBay. Is this a conscious choice on your part and/or something you're drawn to when you're looking for items to sell?

(A) I am naturally drawn to classic pieces. As I mentioned, my mother loved clothing and for quite a few years worked in fashion retail. I was always "dressed" by her in a classic mode. I rebelled in the "flower child" era but it didn't last long. I do still like some of the more funky styles, though.

(Q) One of my good friends has had a lot of bad experiences buying items on eBay — and she's bought from sellers with good feedback. What advice do you have to buyers when they are evaluating whether to buy an item? There are lots of good sellers out there, so what things should she — and other buyers — look for in their sellers?

(A) I think sellers with lots of experience are a real plus to the eBay community. If someone has been selling for many years, they are usually dedicated to selling and want to make their customers happy. Another important point is communication. If you are unhappy with an item it is to your advantage to let the seller know. If they are a good seller, they will work with you for a good outcome. Feedback is important but it’s is also important to remember that every seller can make mistakes or run into unreasonable customers.

(Q) Finally, do you have some favorite Anthro items that you've sold over the years?



(A) I really like Odille because it is so feminine and pretty, and of course, I have sold several Sleeping on Snow sweaters that I would have worn, if I could fit into them. I think my favorite of all time is the Moulinette Soeurs' silver "Spirited Away" dress. I love the color and romantic style. (Ed. note: Jean has this dress up for sale right now in her eBay store in a size 10; you can see it here!)
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I'd like to thank Jean for sharing her answers with us, as I think she's a great eBay seller. I've included a permanent link to Jean's eBay store -- Maggie May's Amazing Merchandise -- in my blog roll. I hope you've enjoyed this feature and I'll be back again next month with another seller profile.

XOXO,
Sara

If you are an eBay seller of Anthropologie items and would like to be featured on Seller Spotlight, please contact me via email at saraefarr(at)gmail.com

Seller Spotlight: Hangingaroundkatescloset

Hello and welcome to the February 2011 installment of "Seller Spotlight." I started this feature last year in the hopes of educating Anthro buyers on the eBay process. I wanted to highlight sellers that I know personally, or have had very good experiences with, so that Anthro community members could build up a log of trusted sellers when they are searching eBay for older pieces that they may have missed.

I am super pleased to bring you February's spotlighted seller, who sells on eBay under the name hangingaroundkatescloset. The lovely lady behind the eBay ID is Kate (her eBay store is "Kate's Closet"). I have bought some older Anthropologie catalogs from Kate, and I first got to know her eBay store through the readers of this blog, who raved about Kate's selection and service. My own buying experiences with Kate have been wonderful, and I wholeheartedly recommend her as a great Anthro seller on eBay.

Now, let's meet Kate!

(Q) How long have you been selling on eBay, and how did you get started?

(A) I have been a member of eBay since 2004 but I didn't start selling until 2007. I had bought a pair of Victoria's Secret Uplift Jeans (oh, this is embarassing) and found that when I got them I would either have to go on a diet or sell them on eBay. A diet wasn't an option so I decided to sell them on eBay. It was that purchase that precipitated me collecting an assortment of new and used items to sell in Kate's Closet. The first thing to go was a Land's End tankini.

(Q) What made you decide to specialize in selling clothing from Anthropologie? What attracts you to the brand?

(A) I have a good friend who has been Anthro nuts for years. She introduced me to the store on a shopping trip and it didn't take me long to become an admirer of Anthro's feminine style. I placed an order in September of 2007 and was happy to find that the line sold well. January 2008 brought a new year and I decided to dedicate Kate's Closet solely to Anthro items.

(Q) There are several sellers on eBay who specialize in selling Anthro, but they are very unresponsive to buyers and/or their inventory is questionable. Your customer service, on the other hand, is spectacular and second to none. How do you reassure buyers if they have worries?

(A) Thank you so much for your compliment. I believe reassuring buyers starts with the listing itself. An item with flaws should be described as such. I overstate my case if I feel that my pictures don't do an adequate job of capturing a small stain or slight pilling by listing an item in "good condition" rather than in "very good condition." If a buyer contacts me with a question I will do my best to answer them honestly and in a timely fashion. If a buyer has made a purchase they are not happy with, I will often take the item back and refund their money. In the end, I want my customers to be happy.

(Q) Have there been any seasons/years of Anthro's collections that you are particularly fond of? Do you have a favorite piece?

(A) Oh my, you should see the top drawer of my filing cabinet. Inside, I have catalogs stacked a foot or more deep that go back as far as 2004. The hard drive on my computer stores other catalogs that date back to 1999. Here are some images of favorites that I have sold in the past.







(Q) I've noticed over the past few months that you've added other brands to your inventory. What other kinds of clothes and items do you like to sell?

(A) I was hoping that no one would notice! The truth is, there are some things in my closet that have accumulated through the years. Among those are items that I have found in second-hand shops, bought on eBay, or picked up in department stores. What they have in common is usually some small draw like embroidery, carved buttons or floral print. I am listing them in the hopes that they will find new homes. My heart still lies with Anthro, though, and that will continue to be my focus.

(Q) Finally, eBay is a fast-changing world for both buyers and sellers. What do you think are some good tips for buyers to make sure that they don't feel overwhelmed?

(A) Read a seller's listing carefully. If you need more information or pictures, use the "Ask a Question" link at the bottom of the item's page to contact the seller. Check a seller's feedback and detailed seller ratings. Negative feedback in light of excellent detailed seller ratings; i.e., their stars look "full," may mean that the seller had an incident with a rare angry buyer and nothing more. Sometimes numbers lie: A Tracey Reese Size 2 might fit like a Maeve Size 6. Compare the measurements given in the listing against something comparable that you own. This extra step may save you from unloading an item if it doesn't fit.

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I'd like to thank Kate for sharing her answers with us, as I think she's a great eBay seller and I really enjoy looking at her eBay listings. Right now, she has quite a few lovely items, such as 2008's "Orinoco V-Neck" by RicRac (size small, see it here).

I've included a permanent link to Kate's Closet in my blog roll. I hope you've enjoyed this feature and I'll be back again next month with another seller profile.

XOXO,
Sara

If you are an eBay seller of Anthropologie items and would like to be featured on Seller Spotlight, please contact me via email at saraefarr(at)gmail.com

Seller Spotlight: Jill_Mazz

Hello and welcome to the first installment of Seller Spotlight in 2011! I started this feature last year in the hopes of educating Anthro buyers on the eBay process. I wanted to highlight sellers that I know personally, or have had very good experiences with, so that Anthro community members could build up a log of trusted sellers when they are searching eBay for older pieces that they may have missed.

This month's featured seller is Jill, who sells under the name Jill_Mazz and has an eBay store called Sneaky Chic. I first met Jill through my friend Rachel. Jill is one of the nicest sellers I've ever met, and the care she takes selecting her items and presenting them on eBay is incredible. What I like most about Jill's eBay store is that she not only has a few Anthro items, she also has a large, varied inventory of non-Anthro items. Her store is a very well edited collection. (A permanent link to Jill's store can be found in my blogroll.)

So, without further ado, let's meet Jill.

(Q) How and when did you start selling on eBay?

(A) I started selling on eBay in 2006. At that point, I was just selling my children's old clothes. When that first auction for a lot of toddler clothes fetched over $100 I was hooked. I dabbled in children's clothing for a year or so, and then I moved over to women's clothing.

(Q) How did you find out about Anthropologie, and what attracted you to their clothes?

(A)I found out about Anthropologie while I was doing my clothing research for eBay. I absolutely love Anthro's unique and romantic stylings that allow a woman to be incredibly feminine without looking like Pollyanna.

(Q) I notice one thing immediately about your listings, and that's the care and thought you take in presentation — each photograph is very nicely done and really presents each item in a way so that buyers can truly "see" it. When you photograph an item, what are your goals? Do you have any tips for outfit photography?

(A) Thank you so much for the kind compliment. Buying clothing online is incredibly difficult. When I take my pictures I want my buyers to see every detail of my items so they are comfortable with their purchases. Clarity and full disclosure is paramount to me, and so I do my very best to present my offerings so that there are as little "surprises" as possible when they arrive in the mailbox.

I guess if I had any advice to give, it would be:

• Take the picture of your item in the cleanest way possible. It's okay if you don't have a manni or form. Keep it off the floor, or use a sheet or large posterboard as your background. Or you can hang it against a door in your home.
• Try to present your item how a person would wear it. Steam or press your item. If you're lying the clothing flat, line up seams so the buyer can understand the shape of your item.
• Use the macro setting on your camera to take closeups of any details on your item. Look for the "tulip" icon on your camera — that is most likely the macro setting.

(Q) What are your criteria for choosing an item to list? Do you look for certain styles? Sizes? Or you do you aim to have a mix-and-match of inventory?

(A) There really are a lot of variables that come into play. Choosing an item to sell almost always falls under three categories for me: brand, size and style. I tend to stay with quality, well-known brands and larger sizing. But if something is super cute yet in a small size I might still consider it.

(Q) Are there any Anthro items that you've sold that really speak to you or are your favorites?



(A) I absolutely loved this cardigan from Moth (pre-2005). It was so lightweight and I'm a sucker for ruffles.



The second piece I really loved was this long cardigan from Sleeping on Snow (also pre-2005). The embroidery was absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, I never got to sell it; handwashing revealed many moth nibbles. It was a shame for sure.

(Q) There are a lot of Anthrophiles out there that love to find older, more unusual pieces on eBay. What advice do you have for them in terms of choosing their sellers wisely?

(A) Don't be afraid to research your seller. Feedback percentages and detailed seller ratings ("the stars") show only the past 12-month history, but a neat website called Toolhaus will list every single negative or neutral feedback a seller has had for his/her entire selling career. With Toolhaus, it is very easy to see patterns in bad seller behavior.

And for those really hardcore Anthrophiles that are searching through eBay — be sure to report any seller that uses "Anthropologie" in his/her item title when the item isn't really from Anthropologie. It's the only way that eBay will finally clean up those Anthropologie keyword spammers!

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I hope you've enjoyed this feature and I'll be back again next month with another seller profile.

XOXO,
Sara

If you are an eBay seller of Anthropologie items and would like to be featured on Seller Spotlight, please contact me via email at saraefarr(at)gmail.com