Preloved Clothing Sales - What puts you off/invites you in?

[Bobsmyaunty]

I'm running one on Saturday - we've had some amazing things in including loads of evening dresses, wedding dresses, party dresses, tops, maternity some designer (including a jenny packham dress) etc. We've rejected anything which is bobbly/poor condition.

To do the clothes justice, I'd like to try and make it as pretty as possible and move it away from any jumble sale connotations.

So, I wondered - if you were coming to my sale what would you love to find/hate to find? I'm thinking of anything, layout, signage, assistance...

Any comments v much appreciated!

I agree with Skully about mess and smell.

I'd hate to see things vastly overpriced. A customer wants to feel they are getting a bargain -that's the point in buying used.

I was in a shop in half term where hats and scarves were displayed hanging on string, like bunting but with hats! There were other things tied and pinned to a big board. I haven't described it very well, but it looked fantastic.

Thank you! I'm loving the hat/bunting idea. Creative display must be where it's at!

... also thinking air freshner or something to make it smell nice.

I agree - organisation is the key. If its not a jumble sale then it shouldnt look like one.

I hate having to ask what price each and every item is-in fact if there are no prices visible I just dont ask-nor do I buy.

So yes,sorted into types ,then labelled very clearly with size and price.

Also how do customers pay for things? Will there always be someone knowledgable working the till/writing receipts etc.I hate having to dither about waiting for Sheila to come back from making herself a drink before i can pay for something or ask about the seller for example.Will there be suitable bags/hangers etc to help customers take the clothes away? Are there lots of areas where customers can try things on ? Not necessarily changing rooms but just an area with a mirror and a screen for quick disrobing.

And security unfortunately...will there be plenty of observers to make sure that there are no instances of things being put into a bag 'by mistake' -or hidden beneath bulky coats . Nothing makes you feel so cross at the end of a long day than the realisation that among all the nice people there was a thief -who got away with it.

enough room to move about without feeling like you're in the way/ cant get where you want. Obv you can only work with the space you have but dont cram lots of things in a small area.

Will there be childrens stuff? this will probably attract buggies so think of that when organising.

Maybe measuring stuff and resizing it to coumteravt vanity sizing or skimping on sizing. For example.if something says a 10 but is in fact a 16. It will also mean that the potential for damage due to people trying to squeeze themselves in somethimg that is too small just because it is 'their size' is minized

Keep some air between the clothes. Even at the posh swap shop which doesn't smell they over stack with stuff. Edit rather than take everything.

Study the glossies and try and pick up on key looks a.d put th together.