Is it unreasonable to ask Vinted or Ebay sellers for clothing measurements?

[NedsAtomicWheelieBin]

If I go to a shop I can try something on to see if it fits. If I buy something from a shop online I can buy a size up or down to find out what fits best and can return what doesn't fit. But if I buy something from Vinted or Ebay I want to know the measurements, underarm to underarm and neck to waist/hem. It's all well and good saying it's a 12 or 14 or 16 or a Medium or Large, but that doesn't really mean anything. So if I am interested in buying something I always message the seller asking for the measurements. So few sellers respond. I know this isn't AIBU but am I? Clothes sizes vary so much and I just want to know if something is likely to fit before I buy, especially when most don't accept returns.

It makes perfect sense to ask. Not everything labelled the same size is actually the same size.

I wouldn't make a purchase if seller couldn't provide that information.

It’s fine, someone else will buy it.

For me, it depends on the value of the item for sale. If it’s a £4 top or £6 trousers - no. I can’t be arsed!!!

This has been an illuminating thread. I've not used Vinted for long and had noticed a bit of a 'Piss off, I'm busy' vibe but hadn't been sure if it was my imagination. I see now that it's real.

I can absolutely see that it’s a major pain in the arse to have to haul out a particular item from the bottom of the bin bag in order to measure it, when it costs £5, I mean, who would?

I try to avoid all this palaver by including pics of the measurements in the listing. Takes seconds to do. Waist, length. Mind you, people still ask despite having it right there in front of their eyes.

I would ask for measurements if it’s a high value item, but then the better sellers tend to already include the measurements, so it doesn’t often arise.

Avoid like the plague - listed as 12-14, no label shown, no actual size listed, no measurements, no description. Er, no.

Tangentially, I saw a thrilled top for sale the other day. It had thrilled sleeves and a thrilled neckline too..

Now that a significant amount of clothes shopping is done online I’d have thought a tape measure was an essential item!

I don't think there is any time in my life I haven't owned a tape measure.

I always post a photo of the size label and in my description will list my height and where the skirt/trousers fall on me.
I have measured previously when asked, however don’t do it as standard cos it’s a PITA. Sending photos of measurements has NEVER lead to a sale for me!

Unless I'm desperate to shift something, its a hassle so I wont bother. Whatever I dont sell gets given to the charity shop, its my main way of donating to good causes. So I'm really not that bothered if low value items don't shift.

This.
I list stuff, mostly lower value and then pack it away.
I recently indulged a potential buyer as I was selling a brand new Popsy dress for more than most of my other items. It was question after question then she didnt even buy it!
When something is a few pounds and the brand is listed you know the fit. Supermarket brands tend to be bigger, stuff like White Stuff, Weird Fish run smaller. If it doesnt fit, resell.

I've been spending time on Etsy recently and the contrast is startling. Admittedly I mostly look at vintage clothes on Etsy so I know it's not an identical experience but nevertheless, you often get a sense there that the seller has a history with the item and feels genuinely attached to it. And then I come over to Vinted and it's, 'Here's a pile of crap that I've just found at the back of my wardrobe. If you're dumb enough to want any of it, give me a fiver and fuck off.'

I'm surprised that adding measurements doesn't help sellers.

I just bought a skirt from ebay, it looked promising, and I suspected it would fit but just needed the waist and length measurements before buying. The seller sent the measurements, I bought the skirt, it arrived and it fits. The skirt plus postage was just under £10.
I wouldn't have bought it without the measurements, I have done in the past but it's not always been successful, I don't want to waste any money.

I don’t put measurements as a rule because most of the stuff I sell is cheap High Street and I can’t be bothered.
In all my descriptions though I say something like “I’m happy to provide measurements or further information on request”.

My personal bugbear is when there are several photos and yet the item appears a completely different colour in half of them, is it actually a navy or is it more cobalt? Is the first photo an accurate colour or is the item more like the third pic?

I always respond when people ask for measurements. It only take a couple minutes to do.

Never measure. Never been asked to measure. Never had a problem selling anything

I'm not a non replyer, but I am an eye roller! I’ve already put the item away in the Vinted bag in the cupboard of doom, we only have a metal DIY style tape measure. It lives in the garage so I have to go out there and get that, it honestly wouldn’t occur to me to measure myself against an item - I have no idea of my measurements! It’s often a right faff for a few £££

I provide measurements if asked and I also sometimes ask for things like waist measurements if I am the buyer.

there is no point waisting money on things that may not fit. Some sellers don’t even bother including the garment size label.

If it's expensive I'd ask. If I'm getting a bargain I'd just check the retailers size guide. It seems a lot to ask someone to faff around with a tape measure for a couple of pounds profit.

I don’t include measurements in my listing, the label is photographed so if you’re unsure look up the website online and check their size guide, it’s going to be more accurate than my shoddy measuring.
If people ask I don’t mind providing the specifics but on things I’m selling for £30ish upwards. Certainly not wasting my time for anything selling for less than that.
Only had a handful of people ask and usually after providing measurements they just ignore, think one has come back and said no thanks and one has bought.

I’m in the “can’t be arsed to measure” camp TBH. It’s Vinted, if you’re in any way unsure something might not fit, just scroll on by to the next thing. I’ve bought loads of things without asking for measurements, some haven’t worked out because a top has been too tight or whatever but most have been fine and have cost me £3.00 plus postage. That’s Vinted for you.

I was just thinking the same thing. And for the love of God when listing a dress say if it’s got pockets or not - and have the decency to reply when someone asks.

I have a favourite eBay seller who gets masses of repeat business. She gives the measurements, posts numerous pictures, states the pocket status and is completely transparent about any flaws. She starts everything at 99p and most of her items go for £50+. The casual attitude of some Vinted sellers really pisses me off.

Ditto. I sell a couple of brands and the buyers know the brand well so understand the sizing.

I photograph the label and use the original websites description. I’ve probably only had a handful of buyers ever ask for measurements which I ignore. I usually sell all my items within 24 hours of listing.

My items sell for between £30 and £80 without me adding measurements

I have more than half a brain but I don’t put measurements. I list the brand and the size and show the size label. If asked I will measure but if I’m listing something for £5 and likely to get £3 I’m not spending my time measuring it.

I add measurements if I think it’s necessary and if someone asks me for something I haven’t included I am happy to oblige.

The casual attitude of some Vinted sellers really pisses me off.

so stick to eBay if that’s what you prefer. Vinted isn’t about professionals selling clothes, it IS casual. That’s why things are so cheap on it.