How to get the most out of buying vintage clothing online
What a difference a few weeks can make. Remember retail shopping or heading out to the market to pick up a few items … and possibly stopping at the vintage boutique to try on that dress that you can’t keep out of your mind?
Things are a little different for most of us these days as we adjust to social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine. The fear of Covid will pass. But while we conduct ourselves as good citizens and refrain from unnecessary travel, we should also remember to stay true to ourselves. That dress? It might be available online. We just need to remember a few key pointers about buying online and that purchase will bring a smile … just when it’s needed most.
Some of us might be a bit skeptical about buying online but in these times buying online can be just the right medicine. In order to get the most out of buying vintage clothing online all we need is a measuring tape and our wits about us.
Perusing vintage websites is easy and fun. A quick online search will reveal a huge volume of vintage pieces to strike our fancy. Maybe we like a blouse that might be the perfect thing to go with a skirt you own. Or maybe it’s that vintage dress we talked about before … the one you can’t get off your mind.
And once you have found that perfect piece that you’re prepared to buy, these steps may help you in your purchase satisfaction:
Look at the website's or seller’s return policy. Do they have a return policy? Do you think you can get your item and if you don’t like it return it within the allocated time frame? Learn how you return your item? It should be as simple as putting it straight back into the packaging it came in, re-taping it, affixing the return label and bringing it to the post.
Most vintage sellers measure their clothing. Measure yourself to see if this item will fit you. Many vintage clothing pieces don’t have size labels (depending on age, many don’t even have labels) so sizes are often estimated. But as long as you go by the measurements you’re likely to be happy with the fit. However, if things don’t go as you planned, you already know the return policy.
If you have questions about a particular piece but you don’t see the answer readily, email the seller. Most sellers have a “Contact Us” on their space or website. Get as much information as you can.
Before you place your order look at the shipping policy. When can you expect your order? Orders should be shipped in a timely manner of one to three days. But sometimes shipping can take a little longer. Also, if your vintage seller has free local delivery, they will likely have free pick up if your item doesn’t fit as you anticipated.
Track your item. Ideally you are sent a tracking number once your item is shipped. Keep this email notification in case you encounter problems.
As soon as you get your item you should try it on for size!! Are you happy or is it going straight back. The choice should be simple and yours to make.
Keep these few points in mind and shop with confidence online. Sitting at home doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy that dress you just can’t keep out of your mind. And the smile it brings is just what the doctor ordered.
