I woke up Tuesday morning and my lower back felt a little weak, but there was plenty to do. My hubby wanted to go over to my mom’s house because it was supposed to be a little bit cooler in the morning. He wanted to get the last of the furniture that we were keeping for my sister, Deb, and bring it over to our house. On the way over there in his truck, my back felt a little worse and by the time we got there, I knew I was in trouble.
We took the legs off the table and the writing desk and as I bent over to pick up the screws and put them in a baggie, my back gave way. I managed to help get the stuff loaded on the truck, as they weren’t too heavy taken apart, but it just kept getting weaker as the day went on.
So my big plans for getting “MY” house somewhat organized were changed to me laying on the couch with an ice pack and a heating pad…UGH! I guess I really should be thankful that it held out as long as it did. This would have not been a good thing to have had happen the morning of the yard sale or the days we were working at getting my mom’s house ready to sell.
I sat down at the computer once this afternoon and just wanted to see what was happening in the “doll world” and looked at the Effner dolls and the American Girl dolls. I always like to look and see what has “sold” since I last was on the computer. Well, I saw lots of things that hadn’t sold and felt for those sellers who worked so hard to get pretty little doll dresses made and no one seemed interested. It’s been so long since I’ve listed anything I had real compassion for those sellers who were probably feeling blue and sort of mad at the same time.
Then I remembered a post I had written called “Dear Seller” and thought I would share it again. When it’s summer time so many people are busy with vacations and working outside and kids out of school and it’s easy for your auctions to be passed over; not because they aren’t worthy of looking at but just because everyone is busy.
I wrote this post in November, 2016 and thought it might be a good time to share it again to encourage and give hope to those sellers who are about to lose all faith in selling their doll clothes. I hope you’ll enjoy it again… I’ll show the whole post below instead of having a link to it…
Post from November, 2016, called Dear Seller…How about a little help…
A few weeks ago someone sent me an email asking for some advice about her Ebay listings. She was discouraged that her doll outfits weren’t going anywhere… it was like they had just stalled and she was considering selling her dolls and getting out of the sewing business. I could feel her pain and her heartache over making something and thinking it was really nice… only to have it receive very few hits, hopeful, because a few questions were asked about it, and then, ultimately getting that awful email from Ebay… “I’m sorry! Your item did not sell! Would you like to Relist?” NO! I don’t want to relist! I just want to cry! Why didn’t it sell? So and so’s dresses aren’t even as nice as mine and hers sell… what’s wrong with mine? Why won’t people buy from me?
How many of you can relate to that?
I’ve been right there with you with no sales before and believe me, I’ve cried too! Many times! I know what it’s like to work 2 or 3 days on something and then have it sell for $24.99 or not have it sell it all… So I’m going to try and lift up your spirits and see if I can help you… and trust me, I AM NO EXPERT… I just have a lot of experience in doing this for 10 years on Ebay and 10 years of selling at my local Farmer’s Market.
I’ll just tell you my thoughts in no particular order…
~ You HAVE to use nice fabrics… not just something you found at the thrift shop. People only have SO much money to spend and they generally like to spend it wisely. If you have crummy fabrics, your sales won’t be as nice as if you used a better quality fabric. I’m not saying you have to use $12.99 a yard cotton fabrics, but watch for sales and pick up the pretty fabrics…the ones that make your heart sing, the dainty fabrics, the soft fabrics, the ones that aren’t stiff or look like they would fade, or have too big of prints on them. Use fabrics that make your dolls prettier!
I’m working on this dress right now, but isn’t Betsy McCall pretty in it. It compliments her, don’t you think?
~ Make sure your pictures are as clear and precise as you can make them. I know it’s easy to use your phone for your listings but a phone camera generally doesn’t produce a picture that is as sharp and crisp as a camera. It doesn’t have to be an expensive 35mm camera either. I have a little Casio camera with 7.2 megapixels and it takes pretty clear pictures for my Ebay listings. It was $91.00 and even though my daughter, Rebecca thinks I need something better, I’m perfectly content with it. Sometimes the pictures taken on a phone camera look somewhat fuzzy… it’s hard to make out the details on them and hard to see the quality of your work. I know it’s easier to take pictures on your phone, but it’s not as good as when a camera is used. People want to see clear, precise pictures when they are buying something. If they can’t see the workmanship and the stitching, they aren’t as likely to buy.
~ Don’t just have your description in one BIG paragraph. Nobody wants to read something that is just line after line after line of words. Break it up a bit. Make it less “wordy.” Maybe put one sentence on each line… or do it bullet style… you know like:
*——–
*——–
*——–
…just use the descriptive words instead of sentences, maybe like this:
* Blue cotton pants with turned up cuffs
*Cream short sleeve top with decorative pocket and snaps in the back
*Silver shoes with bows at the toes
~ Work on your lighting so you don’t have shadows… (I’m still working on this since I switched up my sewing room. The lighting is in a different place and I need to keep figuring out what works best.) Lighting is probably one of the top things that can make a difference in your listings.
~ Make sure your doll clothes or whatever it is you are making are neat… no stray threads laying on top of the fabric, no gathering stitches showing, make sure the neck opening of the doll dress is centered on the dolls neck, make sure the sleeves are both puffed up or laying flat, make sure the sleeves are the same length under the arms…don’t have one cuff up under the dolls armpit and the other one halfway to her elbow.
~ Press! Press! Press! Nothing says homemade like an outfit that hasn’t been pressed! Press as you go too. There really isn’t any getting around this… You HAVE to press as you go! Make sure everything you are sewing is as crisp as can be… flat edges, smooth hems, wrinkle free skirts. Using a steam iron is best if you have one. If you can’t get the center crease out of your fabric, DON’T cut your doll skirt out where it’s going right down the middle and jumping out at you. Cut it off to the side if you have to.
~ If you are listing a doll dress, use a 3/4 shot for your Gallery picture. There really isn’t any need to show the whole set from head to toe for your Gallery picture. Include the dolls head and just past her waist. (Doesn’t this Gallery picture of Lian and Janie make you want to open up the listing and see the rest of the dress?)
This will let your viewers see it and they’ll know there is more included but you’ll get them to see the details on the top, which really is the focal point of the dress. Even if you have a dress with a fancy bottom, still zoom in on it for your Gallery picture. You have to get their attention first. Your listing has to catch their eye. Most people think they HAVE to show the whole outfit, but really you don’t. Once they are intrigued enough to click on it, they’ll go ahead and look at the rest of the pictures.
~ Turn your dolls slightly sideways when you take their pictures. I try to take most of my pictures with the doll NOT looking straight into the camera. Have them look sideways or down (NOT UP) but not so many pictures looking STRAIGHT into the camera. It’s the least flattering shot there is. Try to pose your dolls in pretty positions, not always just standing there like they are soldiers in a line up.
~ Always think of ways to improve your sewing or your skills for whatever it is you do. Read books…I’m reading 3 right now on crafting and how to make your business more profitable. There are a ton of things you can learn from just simple books like these. I may have to do a book review when I’m done.
~ Well, that’s about all I have to share… All you sellers who can relate to this, just hang in there. It’s slow on Ebay right now… it will pick up soon when it’s closer to the holidays. Just keep sewing even when you don’t feel like it. There have been times when I was sewing and crying at the same time.. but I kept sewing… don’t give up. I’ve been sewing and selling my doll clothes since 2006…so 10 years now, and it takes a long time to get a following of people who like your things well enough to keep coming back. I have been VERY blessed to have had that happen to me! But I am nobody any different than you! If I can be successful, so can YOU!
So these few points were what I shared with this lady and I checked a few days later to see if she had done anything I mentioned. She had taken new pictures and pressed her doll hats for a crisper look. I’m happy to tell you 3 out of the 4 dresses sold! She was thrilled and so was I!
Happy Sewing and Selling to all!!!
I hope you enjoyed that a second time,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne,
I’m so sorry about your back! Back pain is certainly no fun; hope the combination of rest and alternating heat and ice do the trick, and you are soon back on your feet again!
Thanks for the reposting of that column; I remember reading it the first time, and it’s still a good one today. I’ve never tried selling on ebay, but I do take photos of my dolls sometimes, and you’ve made me more aware of how they really “look”!!
HI Charlotte,
My back is still hurting but I think a few days of easy going, rest and a handy dandy ice pack that Rebecca has, that wraps around your back, will make a world of difference.
I’m glad you enjoyed the re-post today. Even for those of you who don’t sell, it still has information that’s helpful.
Thanks so much Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
Oh Jeanne, I feel for you! Who hasn’t done something to their back and felt some kind of pain? I certainly have had my share,and hope you take it easy for awhile. Maybe you need to slow down a bit.
While I have never been a seller, I can tell you one thing that throws me off every time I see something that I like and would buy in a minute, provided the price of the dress is reasonable. It’s the shipping charges! There is no reason the shipping should cost almost half of what the outfit costs, unless you are shipping overnight! I see outfits on EBay, that might cost $24.00, but the shipping price is $7.50 or over! Now this is not a new, just sewn custom dress, like you make, but those AG dresses from way back, that are what you find on EBay. But it can also be those fancy dresses like yours, that have too high of shipping costs. There might be a reason, but if the shipping costs are too high, I just pass on them.
You have touched on all the finer points of selling, and you are successful, so someone can learn from you, for sure!
HI Linda,
I have slowed down to a snails pace, so I’m catching up on easy things but taking it easy at the same time.
I’m glad you mentioned the shipping charges. ..I know what you mean! When you see some of the prices, it makes you do a double take.
Now everyone will be looking at the shipping charges when they look at doll’s and doll dresses…
Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
I hope you have time during the day to stop back and tell us how your back is doing. Better yesterday than for the sale, as you said, but better never ever. The good thing is that someone who writes in may have some good advice on back pain that we can all use.
Something to add to your advice column is doll grooming — the model needs to look neat, well-cared for, and happy, like the ones in your pictures.
And I have to agree with Linda. When I see a lower price and then a huge shipping cost, I think that’s a cheat and I’m less likely to buy from that seller.
One of the AGPT people recommended an online source for reproduction Civil War Era fabrics https://www.twobeesfabric.com/shop/1800s-Civil-War-Reproduction-Fabrics.htm I like that there’s a ruler attached to most fabrics so I have some idea of the proportion. I saw several fabrics that I would cheerfully buy. For quilters, there’s a design wall feature so that you can see your fabrics together.
Have a better day and let us know how your back is doing.
HI Marilyn,
My back feels weak mostly…it still hurts, but I think a few days of taking it easy will help a lot. I am laying on the couch while I answer the comments. As long a’s I don’t have to bend at the waist, I’ll be okay!…I’ll be watching for any ideas from you all…
I’m going to have to check out that link you added about the Civil War fabrics…because you know how I love Civil War dresses!!! :o)
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
I didn’t know if you knew the site. I have a green top designed for Marie-Grace, but I don’t like the striped skirt. I see a couple of possible fabrics on the Two Bees site. I hope you enjoy it too.
HI Marilyn,
I just looked at the Two Bees link you mentioned above and I must say… I have NEVER seen so many beautiful Civil War fabrics in one grouping! I would have a hard time choosing which ones to buy! They were beautiful and I loved how you could run your mouse of the fabric squares and they enlarged a bit to see the details. I would hop on the “buying train” if I didn’t have so many fabrics already. I need to use up my stash first, but you can bet I’ll keep this link handy!
Thanks SO much for sending it our way!
I also checked out the 30’s reproduction fabrics… nice too! :o)
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeanne:
So sad to read about your back? You are been pushing your body for so long, .. it finally said, “enough ..I need a rest!” Im a “doer” like you and i push myself physically too. We have to listen !
Wonderful repost for sellers.. it’s truly “that time of the year” when Ebay is at its slowest for sll the reasons you mentioned.
Quality fabrics, trims, and a love affair with the iron is crucial, as well as excellent photos. Maybe it sounds crazy but I find that as the photo shoot goes on, the dolls really get into it and begin posing themselves:) Some of my favorite, brst photos were accidents… or were they? Lol
Since shipping charges were mentioned, is like to address that subject. The USPS has raised their prices twice in the past 9 months.. it’s very expensive now and only seems to go higher .
I used to ship my outfits in presentation boxes, bur that only adds to the cost. Nowadays I ship them with a gallon ziplock bag, in a large bubble envelope, First Class postage… which is still close to $4.00 in the US. I bite the bullet snd ship for free US. Its worth it for future sales.I agree that extremely high shipping charges are a “no, thanks” for that
listing.
I also include a little “surprise “ with every outfit.. just a little add on that is always a delightful extra.
I always think “how sweet that she sent that!”.when it’s reciprocated…Golden Rule works for everything:)
Thanks for a great post.. and take it easy for a few days, lady!!❤️❤️
HI Shara,
I guess I thought I could keep pushing myself, but my back finally had the last word. I’ve taken it easy today and it’s slightly better…
Some of my best dolls poses were accidents too. I’m always surprised when a picture turns out that I wasn’t expecting.
I can join the bandwagon for the high shipping prices too….and the eBay fees, and the final value fees…but ebay has been good to me so I can’t complain too loudly.
I’m always looking for things to pit in my “non-dolly” items I sell.
Thanks Shara,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, I hope you have gotten some rest now and are feeling better.
Only you would think, “gee my back hurts, what can I do to help others?” (Smile). That is exactly what you did. In posting this column, both times, you have helped vendors, who read your blog, learn how to take better photographs.
And you have also given tips to those of us who take photos of our dolls just for fun. In the past, I have taken really awful photos, “cutting off heads” bad photos. Now, I look for tips on how to make my photographs better. Your tips will definitely help me!
Thanks Dorothy,
I have tested and my hubby and I got caught up on lots if paperwork today!!! We were so behind on some things, but now we feel better…
I’m glad you enjoyed the post today. I thought even those who just take pictures for fun could find something in it to use…
Thanks Dorothy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Well, maybe it took your back giving out to get you to take a break! Not to be mean, but I often feel you are an amazing whirlwind who needs a lull to recover. Listen to your back and hopefully, in a few days you will be feeling better. Hope someone can help out with meals etc.
Don’t get me going on those huge shipping costs. Like Marilyn and Linda mentioned they sometimes appear exorbitant. However, I understand that ebay now sets the shipping costs perhaps depending on the weight? So, sellers don’t have a say in it. I recently bought a doll from a seller who mentioned in her description that if the item weighed less, she would refund the amount. And she did. $10.00 for the first doll and when I bought another, posted later, it was a $15.00 refund. So, maybe Jeanne can explain how it all works? I do know that postage rates have increased a lot and sellers have to pass that on to buyers. But not $25.00 for a tiny lightweight item. Okay, there is my rant!
Love seeing those photo tips again. They actually apply to any doll photo one may take. I’m going to make a list from it because I am quite guilty of having everyone face the camera like soldiers. The sideways glance may add something I hope.
I believe the bubble is here on the LD’s too. The high priced ones are sitting. And I have been able to get as far as preorder with Dianna which is pretty amazing. However, the Meadow dolls are booming. 🙂
Hope the back is better today.
As time allows, how about another dress like that adorable purple number? It would be perfect for back to school sized for any of the dollies. No hat, just a bow or headband to match.
HI Joy,
Well, I think you might be right about going too long without taking a break. My back was bound to give way one of these days…just glad it waited until the majority of hard work was done. No need for meals to be brought in…I can stand…actually it feels the best to stand.
I cooked dinner tonight too…but I’m taking it easy…back on the couch again. :o)
I’ve actually been stumped by the set shipping fees too…I don’t know exactly how they figure them sometimes.
Joy, I have been a little bit obsessed with looking at the My Meadow dolls and just saw the mini Bailey is up for preorder till the end of July.
I’m not sure of all the different dolls and how long they’ve been around. Could you send me an email with the different sizes of dolls there are and their names
I’ve seen regular 18″ dolls, ones called minis and even Twinkles but don’t know much about them…could you fill me on and then I’ll share it in a post?
Thanks so much…
Blessings, Jeanne
I hope your back will feel better soon, Jeanne. Sometimes there’s so much to do that we push ourselves too far and pay for it later.
I haven’t been on eBay lately because I don’t have any money to spend on doll things, but I do agree that sometimes the shipping seems very steep. Years ago, when I was building my doll collection I would try to always buy from the “top rated plus” sellers whenever possible to avoid surprises and sometimes I was able to get more than one thing at a time and with free shipping. I’m really glad I collected then, because if I were just starting now I wouldn’t even have Felicity, let alone the other three and clothing etc. I would have nothing except my PC Samantha and the few other collection pieces my daughter no longer wanted. Even if you can’t buy, you can still have dolly fun. I’m actively collecting the free Pixie Faire patterns. (Carrie’s LHOTP dress was last week’s and it is lovely) creating things that can be made inexpensively from items already on hand, and enjoying what I have. 😉
Rebecca’s dress is my favorite today. The purple violets with the piping are gorgeous and I love the bonnet.Kirsten looks sweet with her lace kerchief.
HI Laura,
I guess my back going out was long overdue….just glad it happened this week instead of last week. I don’t know what I would have done.
I’m glad even if you can’t spend any money on doll things, you can still find ways to enjoy your dolls. I’m sure they are excited to see you buying new patterns. I’m getting excited about things settling down around here so I can find my way back n my sewing room!
Thanks Laura,
Blessings, Jeanne
So sorry your back is giving you problems Jeanne. Maybe it is your body’s way of saying you need a rest. Listen well 🙂
Thanks so much for your post on selling doll clothes. Being a newer member I had not read this. Your tips are spot on and will help me with my selling. I know this is a slow time. A friend who is a collector and is helping me to get started suggested that summer is the slowest time. She told me to concentrate on maybe two halloween items and then lots for Christmas/winter. I always find it so hard to sew in advance of the season. I have been collecting many cashmere sweaters that I’ve felted over the years and want to come up with an idea of how to make them into a simple but divine dress for dolls. Still thinking on this.
I typically don’t sew much for AG dolls but do for LD. I also think this market is becoming saturated. Plus, women seem to want only fancy dresses for their LG dolls, not things that one would normally wear. I know those dolls are not meant to be played with but it wouldn’t hurt to see them in some cute, detailed play outfits. Just my thoughts.
Thank you again for sharing your wonderful experiences and insights with us, Jeanne.
God bless you and give you strength this day!
Thank you Lynn,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post about selling doll clothes…or at least taking pictures of them. I’m glad you found a few things helpful.
Your friend had good advice about starting on some outfits for Fall and Christmas. It sneaks up on you quicker than you can imagine.
Things are slow right now, but it does pick up when the kids go back to school… I hope the LD’s continue to be popular.
Thanks Lynn,
Blessings, Jeanne
When you think about your life the last few months it is no wonder your back said “enough”.when I read you were going to tackle your Mom’s garage sale I couldn’t believe it.
You are doing the right thing with ice and heat. Do you have a good chiropractor if it gets worse?
LOVED the repost about pics and sewing hints. You are so good to share your knowledge. It made me want to jump down to my sewing room! I sold a couple dolls on eBay this week and both went in s flash which means I had them priced way too low… but they were nice and now are gone so that’s a good thing. Have you seen the My Meadow dolls. Anyone here collect them? Would love to know more about them
Stay down and do some Advil?
HI Kathie,
My back is better today. I ‘m not taking any chances so I’m taking it pretty easy. In a few days I’ll be back to normal.
Yes, I have seen the My Meadow dolls and they are adorable. I love how they can be posed. Mini Bailey is up for preorder right now until the end of July. You can find them at Meadow dolls.com
Joy filled me in on some info about them and I’ll share it…maybe tomorrow if I can.
Thanks Kathie,
Blessings, Jeanne
Dear Jeanne, I feel like this post was written for me. I have not been able to sell too many of my dresses though they are made well. I know that is not the problem. It is name recognition and the lack of a large following. At first, I was quite unhappy about the lack of sales but I realized the reasons and decided to continue forward. Also, my time in the sewing is so limited I can’t light up the “for sale” ques with many items. It will come in time.
I have sold many dolls though for reasonable prices so I am happy about that.
I don’t think that eBay has the following it used to. Many people have switched to Facebook groups or Etsy. They bill through PayPal for safety. That has worked for me too.
I do love the Meadows dolls as they are cute as a button. I want to pinch the cheeks of Giggi and Patti.
– Jeannie B. in TX
HI Jeannie,
I just now saw this comment from you and wanted to answer you. Ebay has slowed down, although it usually picks back up when the kids get back in school. I think there is just too much going on in the summer.
I totally understand why you haven’t made things to sell. My last dress was a Valentine’s Day dress…it’s been months for me too… but one of these days we’ll both be back! :o)
I got your email the other day and tried to add you to receive my posts each day, but you had unsubscribed before and it wouldn’t let me add you back…it said the subscriber would have to do it themselves. I see you’ve posted so maybe you already figured it out. Hope so!
I’ve been looking at the Meadow dolls this evening and they really are exceptionally cute1 Maybe someday I’ll have one…
Thanks Jeannie,
Blessings, Jeanne