Sales and vintage fashion

Since I was writing about sales on my toy blog, I thought I would share some of the applicable knowledge I have coming into my vintage shopping experience with you.  I'm going to address estate sales specifically here because I haven't encountered any special online sales on vintage fashion so far.

If you've never been to an estate sale before, here's some beginner's advice:  Research ahead of time.  Examine any pictures made available very carefully and look for clues about the location of the items your interested in.  Dress warmly.  Bring cash.  Bring shopping bags from home if they'll let you, it'll free up your hands. Come early, perhaps hours ahead of time.  Take a number when available.  Shop quickly and efficiently for the important must haves, and then scan for extras.  Double check that you're not missing anything.  Don't get carried away and overpay or by things you don't want or need.  Some estate companies price items higher than others, so be aware of which estate company is hosting the sale and get to know estate companies in your area.

Now, here's some specific details about shopping for vintage at estate sales.  Jewelry is likely to be in cases, typically close to the impromptu cash register.  The reasoning for this is that the dealer is rightly concerned about theft.  I've heard some terrible horror stories about jewelry thefts at garage and estate sales.  If jewelry is what you're interested in, be aware of where it's located and make those purchases first.  If you prefer and the sale allows it, you can ask them to hold pieces for you until you're ready to check out, but be aware that theft could occur if the item leaves a case.  Jewelry is likely to run more in the upper range of its value than the clothing is at estate sales, because jewelry has a higher perceived value than clothing, especially if the piece is signed and easily researched.

The same principles apply to clothing.  At estate sales, they're typically hung in bedroom and hall closets.  Now, here's a problem that vintage lovers are likely to run into at estate sales that is pretty unique.  Closets in old houses were typically pretty small, so there's only so much room in front of one for browsers.  If you want to look in a closet, be sure you're one of the first in the door, otherwise by the time you get your turn, your selections could be very picked over.  How competitive this is will depend on the area in which you live.  In my area, toy collectors and dealers are a rising trend, and that makes purchasing these items fairly competitive.  Vintage clothing has a different audience for the most part, but I've noticed several people trying to rifle through the same closet at the same time.  If you go to many sales, you're likely to get to know your competitors, and that'll give you an idea of what to expect from them.  Some of these people will eventually be your friends or friendly acquaintances, and some of them will be a discouraging sight.


Items like hats, gloves, and purses are typically located on top of furniture in the bedroom, this includes on the bed itself.  If those are the items you're looking for, go there first.  Coats may be in a hall closet.  Again, scrutinize pictures for exact locations.

Now, typically with vintage clothing, you're going to want to examine for condition, but if the prices are low enough, you'll be tempted to just grab a bunch of stuff and go.  You got step one right.  If you like it, hold on to it long enough to think it through.  This is where the shopping bags come in on small items.  Poke it in your shopping bag if it'll fit without risk of damage or serious wrinkling.  Clothing can become very heavy very fast, and awkward to hold on to, so be aware of this.  If an estate sale worker offers to put your items in a hold pile and you think you can trust them and the other shoppers, let them do it.  This will free up your hands, and free hands are key to staying ahead.  But be aware, someone may accidentally or intentionally purchase your items while you're looking around, so be vigilant.

Back to the condition issue.  Look at your items in the light of day before you purchase if you can.  The register is typically outside the garage, so you will likely be able to examine your purchases for common problems.  Use this opportunity to look for problematic stains, holes, rips, signs of knock offs and reproductions, loose seams, and other negative aspects that will dissuade you from making your purchase.  This information can change your impression of what you'd pay for your item or even whether you want it at all.

Make your final selections, pay, lock your items in your car, and then look again.  You never know what you might have missed.