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.

But they’re not always cheap. I like high end brands that retain their value. I’m not going to pay £40 upwards for something that’s a complete gamble when it comes to sizing. I might as well set fire to fivers. There’s a real variation in sizing even within one brand - Toast being a prime example.

I usually add a few measurements on more expensive items particularly. If it's cheaper I don't always bother and assume the buyer will just resell the item if it doesn't fit, that's what I do.

I think Toast prices on Vinted are a joke. I use the Toast Reworn site instead now, which is a shame as, in theory, I'd much rather buy direct from the owner. To be fair, the photos on Reworn aren't always a lot better than on Vinted and they don't give measurements either normally, except for length. However I've found the prices more sensible plus they allow returns, which makes a huge difference.

This.

It's usually for something like a pair of well-known brand of trousers and they will want about 12 very detailed measurements e.g. thigh width.

If they bother to reply, they'll say it won't fit them.

eBay isn't all professional sellers (and certainly didn't start out that way) and while I'm not saying the sellers are perfect, there's always been more information about items, generally better pictures and presentation

The AI-generated descriptions are awful.

I don't give a monkey's if something will elevate my style, I want to know what size it is and if it's true to size.

I put detailed measurements in all of my listings and believe it or not I still get thick fuckers messaging me asking for measurements even though they are in the listing.

I am another who doesn’t bother replying to picky people with a million questions; they either don’t bother having the manners to thank me for my reply or it’s a return request waiting to happen. For a £10 item. No thanks!

They’re the same people whose first message to you on Facebook marketplace is “I need the pickup address” with no salutation despite you providing the postcode in the listing.

I'd say one of the big differences between the platforms is that, as a rule, sellers on Vestiaire, Etsy and Ebay accept that they're making a business transaction. So, however much they might complain in private, you wouldn't normally expect to see them slagging off their customers on a public form. But on Vinted, there seem to be a lot of sellers who still treat it more like a clothes swap with their neighbours. I guess that's arguably how it all started and it's a shame that spirit has mostly gone. But, once there's money changing hands and given that people are buying something unseen, it's inevitable I think, however small the amount might be to you.

I've been looking for jeans on Ebay recently and if inside leg isn't on the description I won't bid/buy.

We all know a short/regular leg length can vary so much in 2 identical items of clothing that claim to be the same size.

Not taking a risk for something I can't return.

I always include measurements in my listings, and don't mind responding to messages asking for more.

I have also messaged sellers to ask for measurements and always reply to say thank you, even if I'm not buying. Just basic politeness I think.

I take pictures with the tape measure, so you can see the measurement, but I don't have to note down the measurements. My listing says measurements included on the photos, so I ignore requests for measurements.
I don't buy from anyone who doesn't include measurements, unless it's something I really want. It's surprising how many people don't have some kind of measure.

I dont sell clothing but I do sell accessories. The correct measurements are cited in both metric and imperial at the top of the listing under SIZE. Some lazy buyers still manage to miss this essential information and then write "smaller than expected" in the review. Or ask to return it. Of course their carelessness and stupidity is my fault.

You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.

No. I have given up buying secondhand due to far too many items having shrunk and no longer the label size stated.

It also annoys me when sellers write "Size M, true to size" when it's some random brand, purchased in an unspecified year. Like, what does that even MEAN?

That sounds reasonable but unfortunately weve had resizing in the last few years and especially M&S are inconsistent! I am a 12S in trousers now but I also had size 14S previously.
I always provide measurements and request waist and length from trouser sellers after I bought a lovely pair of size 12 cropped jeans I couldn’t get past my thighs! Possibly resizing or maybe shrinkage.
It really isn’t that difficult!
Ive also had sellers saying they can’t measure as they don’t have a tape measure!

Personally I think it depends on the cost - if only a couple of quid yabu or if £30 yanbu

What really irks me is sellers ignoring the “material” section so you have no idea what an item is made of.

Seems people who are bothered by measurements also report far more hassle with buyers...

Will they? I've got plenty of things that have not sold.

What is the problem with quickly measuring something?
Someone might be buying things cheap because they don't have money to waste. It's not just the quid or two. It's another 2.50 postage on top.

I often ask and have no issue providing measurements.
Things might only be a few quid, sure, but when you add postage and fees it adds up and I don’t want to waste my money.

I agree. There's a horrible attitude from some posters. Very few people will be buying £5 clothes from Vinted because they want to.

I have never added measurements to my listings and never needed to ask for them either. Also never seen anyone do this.

if someone asked I wouldn’t bother to measure it’s not worth it for a few £ on Vinted

Never seen it on Vinted?

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/8611727631-white-company-grey-stars-jumper

I'm a full time reseller at the minute and I measured all garments particular Preloved as you don't know if thr6 have been correctly washed. And with vanity sizing it's very difficult to buy secondhand. Even Levi's say the waist is for example 31 but if you measure it it's 34. I sold some 34 36 Levis when I first started and they were more 36 29, so now I measure everything.