12 easy steps to your first sale on Lacemarket

I have heard from more than one friend that they HATE selling EGL fashion items on Lacemarket because its so much work. But it doesn’t have to be! I’ve broken down my process into 12 easy steps so you can get your first sale on Lacemarket.

1. Decide what you’re going to sell.

   For me, the hardest part! I start by thinking about how I feel when I wear that item, and if I don’t wear it, what’s stopping me. If there is something I need to fix or repair, I put it into a to be repaired pile. If there is something ill fitting or off about it, its on the chopping block!

2. Take listing photos.

   Most smart phone cameras are perfectly up to the challenge of taking listing photos. If possible photograph items in natural light. A mannequin, flatlay, or hanging photo is good, as long as the whole item is visible. Be sure to photograph the front and back of the item, and take pictures of any damages.

3. Examine item for condition and damage.

   While you are taking photos, this is a good time to look over the piece for any damages. I also look over the piece to determine how I would describe the condition.

4. List item on Lacemarket.

   I find Lacemarket so much easier to use on desktop, so I usually start my listing on my computer. I use a placeholder photo and save it as a draft, then edit the draft on my phone to upload photos. Obviously, if you use cloud storage you can skip this step! I try to put in as much detail as I can, including a Lolibrary stock photo if it exists, and Lolibrary measurements. I also put notes about how it fits me and why I’m selling it.

5. Send message to auction winner.

   Nothing is more exciting to a message that a listing has sold on Lacemarket! I tend to use the following stock language:

   Hello, 
   Congrats on winning this auction! I will be sending an invoice for (Amount it sold for+Shipping) to (their PayPal email). Once I receive your payment I will package up the item and mail it. 

6. Invoice auction winner.

   It is important that you request money via Goods and Services or via invoice on PayPal in order to protect your sale. This will also make it easier for your to get the address of the person you are selling to.

7. Clean item for mailing.

   At this point, I will also wash and lint roll my item before putting into the envelope.

8. Package item for mailing.

   I keep packing supplies on hand for mailing, which you can get from stores like Target, Walmart, or Amazon. You can also request free shipping supplies from USPS. Just keep in mind if you use these supplies you must flat rate shipping. Make sure that you take adequate precautions when packaging up your item. Use waterproof bags, bubblewrap, or packing paper to ensure your item arrives safely. (I had someone mail me $200+ shoes in a single, plastic envelope. Don’t be that guy!)

   I also like to include a personalized note and a sticker or other goodie. This is optional, but I’ve gotten lots of good feedback on it.

9. Purchase postage.

   I personally like using Pirate Ship for their cheap rates, which is free to sign up for. You can also use USPS directly, though I personally find their website and interface annoying to use. PayPal also offers you the chance to purchase shipping directly through them, but I find the rates are higher than Pirate Ship. Obviously, this method does require that you have access to a printer.

   When I list my items on Lacemarket, I tend to estimate my shipping. In my TOS, I state that if the difference in shipping is more than $2, I will refund the difference. This makes shipping SO much easier for me, because I don’t have to wait for the person’s address before invoicing them. Also, people seem to really appreciate the refund in shipping (it is mentioned a lot in my feedback).

10. Send item.

    If you are shipping through USPS, you can request pick-up for many addresses. If this is not available for your address, you can drop an item off at a USPS location. Typically they will have a drop bin or kiosk — typically you don’t have to talk to anyone to drop off your package. Also, if you don’t have a printer, there are often self serve kiosks that you can use to purchase postage.

11. Update seller with tracking number.

    PayPal requires that you use a form of shipping with tracking in order to get seller protection, so be sure to purchase that and update the buyer and PayPal with the tracking number. At this point, I also ask for people to let me know when the item arrives safely.

    My message usually looks something like this:
    Hello, 
    Your item is all packed up and going out with today’s mail. Your tracking number is: (Number)

    I’d appreciate it if you could let me know when the item arrives safely. Thanks again for your purchase!

12. Leave feedback.

    Because I ask people to let me know when items arrive safely, I will typically get a message a week or so later. At this point, I thank the buyer and let them know that I’ve left them feedback. This is a great (and subtle) way to remind your buyer to leave feedback!