What is the best way to describe preowns (clothing) ?

When I enjoy shopping for a “deal” and the item looks good, I base my decision on wording.

For [URL removed]

  • Mint condition
  • Pristine
  • Gently used or gently worn
  • Hardly worn, Preworn, Worn but clean
  • Newly worn once

What are the best keywords to look for within a description or title when searching to buy used clothes?

…but I’ve also noticed that some used garments are “rated” from 1-10 with a 10 being in the best condition

Should I settle for a Rating instead?

Any information or suggestion is greatly appreciated………+hanK yoU in Advance

asked almost 14 years ago

MONTROSE
Reputation: 8354
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8 Answers

Your description is pretty good. But to expand on yours, I like to describe things as honestly as I can and as simply as possible. I don’t like using a bunch of flowery words to describe what is still something that is used.

I sell mostly Used good quality Plus size clothing in this store. I try to be as accurate and detailed in my descriptions while keeping it as simple as possible

answered almost 14 years ago

Having several clear photos is in absolute must. Include detailed descriptions and pictures of any flaws you may notice. Give measurements, and be sure to include the size and color in your title. Make your item sounds as appealing as possible. Is it sexy? Stylish? Vintage? Use many adjectives to make your listing come to life. Instead of saying "Gently used sweater. From American Eagle. Size M. Worn once. Say something like “This adorable green sweater is from American Eagle, and is in excellent used condition. Only worn once, so it’s almost like new! It’s so trendy and cute, and would look great with any pair of jeans! The perfect addition to your fall and winter wardrobe. It is a size M, or medium and has a XX” bust, XX" waist, and is XX" long." Not only does this add pizazz to your listing, it also adds valuable keywords for those who search not only by title, but by the description as well. It allows the potential customer to know more about the item then just the picture can tell them, and it entices them into buying it by giving them ideas on how they can wear it, when they can wear it, and how good they will look when wearing it. It can also be helpful to group your item into a style, like “Goth”, “Preppy” or “Rockabilly.” This adds appeal to people who are into those styles and also are valuable keywords. Also realize how valuable that title space is, and avoid leaving empty spaces! Fit as many applicable key words into the title as you can without it looking crowded or just a jumble mess of words. Put them together carefully.

answered almost 14 years ago

I kinda like your description myself.

answered almost 14 years ago

I sell a lot of high end designer clothing and I stay away from flowery keywords in the item title. I use EUC a lot (excellent used condition). I also will say things [URL removed] “a lot of life left”, “may have been worn once”. The hard part is describing an item that has some obvious wear or defects. I have a $6000 dress up for auction right now (ebay) that has a tear in it – that is a difficult one. Sometimes I will say “this item is in good condition” – which to me means it has more wear than something deemed “in excellent condition”.

Since all of this is subjective – just try to be as honest as possible. I don’t like the number rating systems I think that it would take me too much time to figure out “what number” something was, and I can see myself getting into a disagreement with a buyer because they thought it was one number and I thought it was another.

answered almost 14 years ago

I think preworn, pre-owned and all those euphemisms for used are a turn-off, and make me feel like you think I’m an idiot. I don’t mind seeing EUC, gently used, etc., but used is used – not pre-owned, pre-worn, etc.

answered almost 14 years ago

Rather than a set of catch-all terms as my only descriptors, I may say something like “almost new”, “washed but never worn” or “gently used”, but also try to give description of any known damage, stains, etc.
I did sell two pair of Wranglers last year that I listed as “better than new”—both washed once or twice, and only one pair was ever even tried on! My buyer agreed & left excellent feedback! Actually, unless something was an actual designer item or big brand name, I would probably not even offer it for sale here unless it was in “like new” condition. I don’t want to purchase something myself that is ready for the rag bag (unless I’m getting ready for a costume party) and I assume that most folks feel the same. Exception would be something that is obvious “grunge-wear”—I hear that authentic Western jeans are much in demand in Europe/Japan, esp. if they have that cute little round wear mark where the Copenhagen can used to sit!
I also don’t like a “number” system, which can be mighty subjective from booth to booth and person to person. Best suggestion is to be honest and describe any damage accurately. Also give actual measurements!

answered almost 14 years ago

loneelk
Reputation: 128
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I always like to use Gently used and I mean gently it if doenst look new then i am not selling, I hate LIKE NEW cause honey if it was worn and washed then its NOT new its used.

When I have a new item I always make sure to say NEW with or without tags just so folks know

answered almost 14 years ago

mypiy
Reputation: 65
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I sell overstocks and customer returns. Sometimes, when the hang tags have been removed, it is not easy to tell if an item has been tried on and returned or worn once before returning.

When an item shows any signs of possible wear (fabric softener odor, or wrinkles from washing, not shipping.) I use phrases in my descriptions [URL removed] “Has been washed; no evidence of wear”; “Excellent condition, possibly worn once or twice”; “may have been washed; looks new otherwise.”

If an item has a minor flaw, I note the size and location of the flaw with a picture (that helps a lot!). If the flaw is too minor to show in the photo, I note that in the description, as well.

Bottom line — if I wouldn’t wear the item, I won’t sell it. Reputation and creditibility are everything for the small seller. Hope this helps.

Pat

answered almost 14 years ago

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