Selling fabric remnants on Ebay

[lloliv.com]

Hello,

I have some lovely designer house remnants fabrics that I have given away to friends but have some that I would like to sell. Most are single yard pieces. I was wondering if it is really worth the trouble to iron, take photos (and it sometimes difficult to get the colors true to the piece) and then post them, only to have customers complain that the colors were off? Some of these fabrics are very expensive and I would sell them for much less. Just wondering if there are any fabric sellers that could give me any advice on this. Thank you in advance!

Linda

[umoraski]

I would - all clothing and fabric looks better if it is ironed.   It depends on you.  I have seen some items being sold on Ebay that are all wrinkles and can't imagine anyone listing something like that.  Even Wrinkle Free Fabric need a touch up.   Completely up to you.  Look on some Fabric sites to see how they display their pieces.

[albertabrightalberta]

If you sold locally, FB marketplace, CL, etc., buyers could look at pieces and decide if the colors are okay with them and pay cash for it. Win, win.

[monroe67]

"I was wondering if it is really worth the trouble to iron, take photos (and it sometimes difficult to get the colors true to the piece) and then post them, only to have customers complain that the colors were off?"

As "umoraski" stated, only you can make the decision on what is worth "the trouble."   How much is your time worth?  

As for colors, I hope most computer users in 2023 are aware that various monitors and lighting conditions in offices and homes can have an affect on the colors they see on their monitors.   In eBay listings, I have added a few words in descriptions that the photos, as I posted them, are true to the real-life color, and other sellers have put in similar explanations. 

As a buyer, however, I prefer to buy things (any things) in good condition with good photos to help me know what I can expect to receive.  If I see wrinkled fabric, how do I know if a wrinkle is there to cover up a rip or flaw?  I really think I would tend not to buy anything that is not shown in its best light.   If that means the seller has to spend three minutes pressing fabric, so be it. 

[soh.maryl]

On eBay, quite a few fabric sellers list their items in lots.  Perhaps that would be a practical way for you to go about this.

As far as ironing is concerned, it seems like most potential buyers would like to see fabrics listed at their best, which means pressed.  

[earthdreamer]

As someone selling clothing, I am acutely aware of the importance of showing the color of my garments as close as possible to real life.

I only use a phone camera, and while most of the photos are pretty good, the camera seems unable to pick up some of the subtle hues.

As a consequence, I spend a fair amount of time editing the photos on my device until the color is as true as I can get it. 

Naturally, I also iron everything until wrinkle-free.

Is it worth it? Only you can decide.

[trainup027]

I am not an expert, but what I like to do is hang the item on the clothesline, take a few pics from far away to show the whole piece, take a few pics from up close, to show the pattern.  I describe the measurements, any flaws, whether it's been laundered or not, and I take pictures in indoor lighting as well.  Whatever pic shows up the closest to actual color I will make sure to tell in the listing.  I haven't ironed but sometimes I've laundered.

[splendidthreads]

You have to figure out what your time is worth.  I think fabric is one of the easiest things to list, and it's definitely worth it to me.   Your sold listings show you that people will buy sewing- or fabric-related items, so I'd say go for it. 

Your one-yard designer pieces are more than enough for sewers or crafters who only need a little bit.  With samples, it's especially good if the tags are still attached so that you have the name, content, and maker of it since sometimes the edges are not marked.  There are many buyers who will search for just that designer and pattern.  Do a completed search on each one you have and see.  

As far as the color issue goes, you're going to have people who return. It's just a fact of selling online.  In my experience, most fabric buyers don't.  I put a disclaimer of sorts in my listings reminding them that monitors vary.  Mine is, "Monitors vary in how they show colors, so we try to describe our items' colors in the most basic way possible. If you have any questions about coloring, please drop us a line before purchasing." 

[reallynicestamps]

Here in British Columbia the minimum wage is 26c a minute ($15.65 an hour).

At your local minimum wage, how much time are you willing to "spend" to present your items in their best light?

Keep in mind that your procurement cost on these gift pieces is zip,zero, nada.

Ironing,steaming or pressing the fabric also allows you to ascertain if the fabric can be pressed.

[timlkilp_0]

May i help you

[moondogblues]

I would consider listing these as a lot...quilters will love you.

[soh.maryl]

Another suggestion:  If you decide to do this, please specify whether or not the fabric is washable.  Quilters and makers of clothing will want to know.