I could go into a long, tedious and boring post regarding getting a fabric content right (here's an example by Fabrics.net but to just state "I don't know anything about fabric" lets your buyer, and you, down. If a little research is done, the ending price could have been so much more. Occasionally, I'll let a seller know that the "smooth barkcloth" is in fact just cotton (if it is actually cotton) - it could also be poly/cotton, rayon, linen etc depending on the weave however alot of the time, there is only one photo without a closeup so it's hard to tell.
As an aside, please don't wash vintage fabric. If it's vintage, chances are the buyer may be collecting it. If it's washed, it will probably shrink, the sizing will be removed and it is devalued. I've been collecting for more than 10+ years... the number of fabrics I've passed on is more than I actually own (and that's saying something!) If the buyer wants to wash it after purchasing, that's their choice.
If the fabric is flawed in any way, please say so. Not stating that the fabric has old masking tape stuck on it, has a misprint, or the dye ran is asking for trouble!
In the past month, out of the 20 or so fabrics I've purchased, just under half were either misnamed or flawed. "100% cotton terry cloth" was terry spandex (yuk!), the cotton well, wasn't, the original Peter Max t-shirting had a misprint which the seller tried to tell me after I received it, was part of the print. Wasted time and money.
Two totally fabulous ladies that sell vintage fabric on ebay and their own websites are Vanessa from Vintage Fabrics and Elizabeth from Vintage Fabric Addict. Both Vanessa and Elizabeth know their stuff, are more than happy to answer questions and both have absolutely awesome collections available for purchase.
And no, I'm not biased in any way... I just like good fabric with great customer service.
Hear hear, I do wish people would just say they are not sure and not try to guess!! And as for dry rot.....!!!!
ReplyDeleteThats too bad, good money wasted.
ReplyDeleteAnd no, your not biased. If I was buying fabric, it would be good to know recommended shops!
@Irene ~ RE~VINTAGED
ReplyDeleteDon't get me started on dry rot! I've actually seen a well known barkcloth seller on ebay state "buyer beware" if his items have dry rot!!
The fabric pictured looks like crap.
ReplyDeletePD
@PussDaddy
ReplyDeletelol Tell me how you really feel :) Do you mean the fabric or the flaw? I wasn't too happy I can tell you - this from a seller I've been buying from for more than 5 years. She lost a great customer!
It must be a rash of bad sellers. I've had an instance on both ebay and etsy last week. Dry rot and poor packing, resulting in shattered fabric and a damaged lamp. And to top it off no reply from either seller !!
ReplyDelete@Jaede
ReplyDeleteDon't you hate that! Not answering is akin to a red dot and a claim through paypal which gives them a black mark from ebay. I purchased a set of 6 footed cups from ebay from the early 70s... they'd lasted 40 years only for each one to be smashed because the seller put them in a box with NO wrapping at all. WT?? *sigh*
Oooh Monique! what a shame. I hope you don't loose faith completely. And I hope I can live up to your lovely words. Always trying. Cheers Elizabeth
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