Vintage clothes

[CalculonsKiss]

Hi, not sure if this the right place but hoping someone can help?

I have been tasked with dealing with my late relative’s belongings. They were a collector of many things (think horder but with everything packed incredibly neatly!). There are 3 storage containers in total but just dealing with the first one, it’s mainly clothes, shoes and accessories from the 80s, 90s and some from this century. Most of it is unworn, majority still in original packaging with tags and I was very surprised to see how much of it is quite stylish and unique (coming from someone who knows nothing about fashion!). There must be around 1000 or 2000 pieces if not more.

I showed a friend who put me in touch with her friend who has just opened a vintage shop. She is clearly very excited by this find so brought her more business minded friend to discuss money. They’re proposing to weigh it all and offer based on that. There’s around 50 boxes and we’ve only opened a few so far.

the problem is I have no idea what is fair to ask for this kind of thing and what it’s worth as a one off bulk buy. I realise this might be a ‘how long is a piece of string’ type question but how would you go about putting a value on these things and what is fair proportion of the value to ask for - I realise she will have to put the work in to selling everything.

I guess ideally I’d have a few interested buyers who could each make an offer but the one local vintage shop that I contacted has ignored my email so I’m not sure how to go about creating interest (and it might be awkward as I’m already dealing with an interested buyer who is a friend of a friend!). I’m not opposed to trying to sell the stuff myself either. I’m not sure where I’d begin with that but I have been thinking of starting a home based business as I’m miserable at work - just not sure fashion is my thing although I’d have a huge and varied stock to get going with. Any advice much appreciated

Hmm. My first thought was that selling by weight wouldn’t work out well for you. But actually, with SO much stuff, they’re taking a massive burden off you. If they’re likely to take a lot I’d have a price in mind and see if they match it. Just because something is vintage doesn’t mean it has any particular value, often quite the opposite.

I have a business selling secondhand clothes and some vintage is incredibly special, for me it’s mainly stuff from the 50s and earlier. Other stuff I wouldn’t touch with a barge pole. Off the top of my head, things like Frank Usher from that period will be worth something. Or anything that particularly screams a certain decade, so for 80s we’re talking loud prints and shoulder pads! 90s grunge is also on trend, as much as it horrifies me to see my 18yo dressing like I was 30 years ago! See if there’s anything that really stands out and keep that separate for her to appraise. If searching ebay, make sure you filter to see the sold items. A lot of people may have things listed as a certain price, it doesn’t mean they’ll actually sell them. The sold items give a more accurate gauge of the true market value.

If you’re considering starting a business then that’s great, but you really have to know what you’re doing. It’s a very crowded market. By the sounds of it you have a LOT of stuff which may prove to be overwhelming. Good luck whatever you decide xx

Reading your OP again, I think if you’re thinking of setting up from home you’d be best off selling the lot to the keen buyers and use the money to set up in something you DO feel confident in. I think I’d see that as a win for everyone.

I would list it all on Etsy if you want to start a little business. Designer items get advice on, as sending them to Kerry Taylor to be auctioned might be better if they are a desirable name.
Browse Etsy to see what equivalent items are selling for and price accordingly.
Selling by weight won’t get you anywhere near as much money.

Op, do you recognise some of the brands? Do you have any nice dress agencies / vintage shops?
maybe you can bring along a couple / a couple of photos and go in person and talk to them to get an idea?
If you have the inclination, I would also look on Etsy for similar items and get an idea of price per item.
also, are some good fabrics? Silk? Wool? Cashmere? Again price will be better.
Definitely selling by weight is not a good idea, specially if some items are unworn as you described.
also, are you near somewhere like London / Cambridge? Ie with young population, in the south second hand items are fetching for quite a lot (depending on what it is).
gosh! I would love to be in your situation lol

Thanks so much everyone - you’ve all given me some really helpful pointers.

I don’t really recognise the brands but then I know nothing about fashion - I’m currently dressed head to tie in Papaya :D Most of it looks like boutique shops and catalogue purchases. The labels mainly say made in the UK. Most of it I’d describe as quirky and unique and they scream 80s/90s - there’s an actual two piece shell suit in purple and green :D. The woman said she’d sell basics like T-shirts and shorts for around the £5/£10 mark but held up a few dresses and said she’d ask £70/£80.

I guess I feel a little hesitant as she was trying some of the stuff on and walked outside in a new pair of boots but I could tell she was really excited by the stuff. I let her take a big box of stuff to ‘test the market’ so she could more accurately price it but she hasn’t given me anything for it yet. I think none of us really know what’s it’s actually worth so it’s a hard place to negotiate from. Perhaps I should actually get everything out and separate it into price bands.

if I post a few pics, would anyone be able to give a ballpark value please to see if I’m on the right lines?

The orange top and shorts set is West and Webb

Shell suit by Mango
Print top by Jeffery Rogers
Leotard looks like a catalogue buy.

there’s so much stuff though and it’s all hugely varied although sometimes there are identical pieces in different colour ways.

Not sure if it’s helpful but 80s is the latest I go for vintage (and that’s beginning of the decade 70s/80s crossover) and I would pay up to about £25 for something (unless it was especially special!). It sounds like you have enough to make a bit of money on via sheer volume and the current trend for 80s/90s influences but I think you have to weigh it up against how much work you’re willing to put in and how much it would be a relief to have it taken off your hands (especially if you have a household of other bits to deal with).

I think this is difficult. Anything that’s acrylic I would let go. You need to know higher end makers because catalogue stuff won’t be worth much. You need to know quality fabrics and designer names. Although shell suits were always horrid fabrics! It’s not too difficult to research fashion of that era. However someone buying from catalogues probably doesn’t have a Chanel jacket hiding away.

It would be worth having a look on eBay and Vinted to see what’s selling and for what prices. Also try some vintage fairs and join some Facebook groups.
shellsuits are surprisingly popular

My wild guess from the photos (I tend to buy not sell) is that the orange top and Bermudas could go for £25-£35 both pieces (maybe more in certain places like certain London areas).
yellow skirt £10-£15 , I know is acrylic but also depends on the ‘feel’ ie some synthetic feels nicer to the touch than other stuff.
shell suit around £12-15 would be my guess, unless a very special one.
That purple t-shirt/top £5-£8…
if a dress agency sells it for you they will probably take 20% or 30% of the sale (ie from the price)
but just Google on eBay /Etsy shell suit , etc and it will give you an idea like a pp said.
for context I don’t buy a huge amount of vintage/retro but do enjoy looking and buy some ‘key’ pieces to mix with current clothes and I would buy that orange 2 piece or that yellow skirt!