Selling clothes - where to start!

[Lochroy]

Hello, just after some advice please wise mumsnetters. I've only ever bought buy it now items from eBay and never sold anything. I have quite a few nice dresses I'd like to try and sell. Think Coast etc. probably around £80 each new which were for weddings. They've only been worn three or four times each, and all in perfect condition. Just no chance I'll fit into them again post DS' arrival and I need the money on mat leave!

Any tips on where to start please? Thank you.

Research what same/similar items have sold for. Lower your expectations (and I don't mean this rudely!) - some brands do hold their price but most don't!
Describe items in more detail than you would imagine necessary - all measurements, any faults however insignificant and LOTS of pictures including care label etc.
Always always send tracked/signed for.
Good luck!

Take many photos. Include the size label, and the washing/dry clean/fabric content label.
Take photos with a tape measure in the relevant places because some people only go by the size label and don't bother reading the description.
Include the measurements in the listing as well.
Try to describe the colour accurately ie: instead of 'green' put 'green with a hint of blue', 'green with a hint of yellow. it will reduce returns and help buyers to decide if it is correct for them.
Send tracked. Pack well, don't just shove it in a grey mailing bag and be aware that some of the cheap grey bags reek like smoke and you will get accused of smoking. If you do smoke, put it in the listing. Some people care about this.
No need to say why you are selling, how long you have had it unless vintage, or where you went on holiday. It doesn't matter, just clear, detailed description including type of fabric and accurate measurements.
Fill out the item specifics, it will maximise views and make it easier to find.

Thanks, this is all really helpful. I've already ordered some grey bags so fingers crossed, but I will check them!

What do you mean by measurements? Actually measure the size of the clothes?

yes, measure the dresses, I imagine like so:

Widest circumf at waist
Widest circumf at hips
widest circumf at shoulders
Drop from highest collar point to bottom hem
Length of sleeves not a bad idea, either.

Be brutally honest about any damage, such as tiny threadpulls or marks. Try to take pictures even if they can't see on the pics.

Great, thanks, I wouldn't have thought to do that as I'm obviously going to say what size they are.

As previous posters have said - lots of pics from all angles, labels, close up of fabric etc. You are allowed 12 images so use them.

I sell and buy on Ebay and so many times I've looked at an item but one or two crappy pics aren't good enough to persuade me to buy.

Likewise write a good description. If it's a dress you wore to a wedding or other special occasion say so. If you got nice comments when you wore it say so. If you are selling reluctantly or because it no longer fits or just having a clear out say so. People like to read about an item.

Make sure your item header says what it is - size,colour,brand,fabric etc. - get it all on there and it will show up in more searches.

Make sure it's clean and smells nice. Pack it up nicely - folded etc, don't just scrunch it up and shove it in a bag but take a bit of time and care in packing. Despatch quickly.

And yes, as others have said - give measurements - armpit to armpit, neckline to waistline, to hem etc. Measure it every which way!

Just to add to my previous list - please do not spray anything with perfume, use dryer sheets or Febreeze, it is a bastard to get out, and I still have purchases I can't wear because they still smell.

One of the most unpleasant things I ever received was a brand new item packed with a piece of dryer sheet, I had to put it back in the packaging and put it outside, it was truly foul.

I hate cigarette smoke but have always managed to wash it out, fake perfume is impossible to remove completely. It makes me feel ill.

Watch out that your parcel tape stays stuck to your bags too, sometimes it will lift off. I always leave my parcels for a while before posting in case they start to unpack themselves. I have different types of tape as I use various kinds of packaging.