First, for some general tips, I would really suggest holding the sale under a separate account from your personal one. That way people who want to follow the sale can, but not everybody who follows you will have to be spammed with your shoe collection. Also, create the account and post all the photos of your items with their descriptions before you announce the sale on your personal account (or keep it a private account until it's ready). That way, you can get everything how you want it and make any tweaks without people starting to bid before it's open, etc.
2.) Clean your items. Make sure to wash or wipe off all the items before photographing and shipping. This is important for the obvious reason that no one wants to buy dirty clothes, but also because an item may have a spot or mark that may or may not come out. If it does come out, then you don't have to advertise it as damaged, but if it doesn't, you may want to reconsider if it's in good enough shape to sell.
3.) Be clear about sizes and any defects. You don't want there to be surprises when the buyer gets their item, so make sure to list anything that the buyer would want to know about beforehand in the item description. Note how the item fits if it's different than the size on the tag (like if it's a size small but fits like a medium), or if it's a loose cut that could fit a range of sizes. Add a photo or note if there are any worn spots or marks that can't be removed so the buyer is aware of the item condition. You don't have to photograph every tiny loose thread (unless otherwise stated, people assume all items are gently used), but look over the item and point out anything you'd like to know about if you were the bidder.
4.) Be as organized as possible. This is probably the most important point of them all. Keep a spreadsheet or chart where you can list each item, the final purchase price, the shipping cost, the PayPal email of the winner, and their shipping address as that information comes in. You can also use colors to indicate if someone has paid for their item and if it's been shipped out to them. If you do the spreadsheet on your computer and open Instagram in another tab, you can copy and paste the winner's email and cut down on spelling mistakes. Also, if you can get a friend to help you assembly line photograph or pack all your items, that really helps too!
6.) Make a 24 hour deadline for payment. Note in the sale rules that buyers have 24 hours from the time they receive their money request in PayPal to pay the invoice, or they lose their item and it goes to the next highest bid. This will help keep the payment process from dragging out too long and will encourage people to pay quickly so they don't lose their chance.
7.) Don't sell too many items at once. Like most anything in life, all the headaches are multiplied the more items you are selling in one sale, so keep the number of items you're selling reasonable. There really is a big difference in selling 35 items at once vs. 135 items, so keep it under 50 items to make it more manageable.
9.) Offer shipping discounts for multiple items. Encouraging people to buy multiple items is good for everyone involved—they get more stuff, and it's a 1/3 of the work to send an invoice and ship three items to only one person instead of three different people. One easy way to do it is to make all clothing $5 shipping and all shoes $7 or $10 shipping (shoes are usually heavier and more prone to need a box for shipping), and then offer a discount if you buy more than one of the $5 items. So, maybe it's only $2 for shipping each additional item after the first one, and you can put them all in a bag together and send them out as once package. Everybody wins!
10.) Add a little note or gift with each order. You may not consider this an official small business with customers, but it's a nice gesture to send your buyers a little note or special treat with each package. Especially if you plan on doing a sale more than once, you want the people who bought items the first time to have a good experience and buy again. Just don't make a heavy item your special surprise because you'll end up paying a lot more in postage than if you can think of something that is relatively light. Learned that one the hard way!
With a little planning, you can really make the effort worth it and collect a tidy sum to put towards something special—a new wardrobe, an anniversary trip, a bejeweled cat sweater. You know, the important things. Do you have unworn items that you could find a new home for in your own Instagram sale? Quick, go check! xo. Laura
Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
38 Comments
Thanks for this Laura! It’s absolutely something that anyone could do, but – like me – is probably a bit hesitant to. Your ‘guide’ is so clear, and answered all my stupid questions too, Thank You! Maya.
I never knew anything about Instagram sales, and I’m delighted to learn more about them after reading your blog post! Everything you suggested is spot on for any kind of sales and monitoring everything so you’re not overwhelmed but aware. Great ideas in this post for many different kinds of selling activities!
This is such an excellent idea – I have so many clothes to get rid of but I’ve never considered doing this. I usually just donate them but maybe this is a good way to get rid of some of the more expensive pieces.
The White Corner Creative
Such awesome notes and suggestions! I always wanted to do some purging via Instagram but never took the leap. This definitely helps nudge me along 🙂 Thanks for the inspo!
xx, Mel
http://melinspired.com
GIVEAWAY: https://instagram.com/p/2RF9jJidgn/
This is such a great idea! I’m all about selling my old stuff on eBay, so I’m definitely going to give this a shot 🙂
Christina | http://www.cuddlepill.com
I never would have thought to do anything like this! Very cool post, thank you for sharing!
xo, Liz
http://lipstickandconfetti.com
Great info! Thank you! How do you spread the word about your sale beforehand?
These are really great tips!
I’m thinking a lot about how to sell my unworn clothes, maybe Instagram is a good idea.
x
The Losing Struggle | Bloglovin’
I have recently discovered the concept of instagram shopping, and had a great experience with one called Meek Vintage. I got the most amazing vintage necklace, and it was very quick to come, with a cute note which made it very personal. Love this whole idea! Although not sure I could conduct a sale myself! x
Good question! You can use your personal account for that to let people know when the sale is, when it open, or any other reminders you want to do. You could also ask your friends to post about it too if they have different/more followers to direct more traffic 🙂
Laura
Love this little idea -Hanna Lei
What an informative post! I like the last tip on adding a personal note, I think that will really make you stand out. Thank you for the wonderful insight!
Juju Sprinkles
http://www.jujusprinkles.com
What are your thoughts on disclosing the brand of the item? I noticed that on your sale you did not mention the brand on quite a lot of pieces. When commenters noted that the brand was Target for example (which might affect the bidding price), the comment was in some cases deleted. Do you think that the seller has an obligation to divulge the brand or not? Genuinely interested!
If I do it again I probably will note brands. 🙂
To clarify- In that specific situation you could see the tag and it was definitely not a secret that 2 shirts were from Target. The reason I deleted a few comments was because bidders were being shamed for bidding (which I thought was rude) and it said something like, “you’re paying more than it would be new” (which was untrue). In fact on one item where someone commented that it was still for sale on ModCloth (for a lower price than the bid) we charged the winner less just to be fair. :))
Thank you for asking in such a polite way. I always appreciate a conversation rather than an accusation. 😀 xx- Elsie
Love this! I had never done a sale through instagram before but decided to jump in on this opportunity since I love the blog and all the staff’s sense of style! I think you guys did a great job with the sale, and I love how you included candy and notes in the purchases. It was so much fun and I would definitely shop again! 🙂
I SO need to do this! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks for the reply and honest response!
p.s. I agree, conversation trumps accusation every time 🙂
I have never tried to sell anything over the internet, much less instagram. I have heard that there is a widget on Blogger called “Shoplocket,” and it does all of your transactions for 2.5% fee. You don’t have to worry about selling the same item twice because Shoplocket keeps track and handles all of the invoices. I have not used it yet, but I consider it. Thank you for your post. I think your dress is cute. I hope it sells fast.
http://askmelissaanything.blogspot.com/
So useful! Thanks, Laura!
I’ve never actually considered using implementing Instagram for a sale but I definitely will be.
xo
Maggie A
http://www.lovemavin.com
This post has been so helpful!! Keep up the amazing work
Great tips ! 🙂
http://www.thefashionpanda.be
http://www.thefashionpanda.be
This is an awesome list! And useful too! Thank you so much you shared with us!
xOrsi
http://szkorso.blogspot.ro/
Thanks so much for this tip! I need to get rid of some things and need the extra cash. I’ll be preparing for this project.
If we also have a e-commerce website, do you think there are any benefits to having a separate instragram sale? Or am I better off just posting a pic on instagram and directing people to our website?
I’ve been working on selling clothes on eBay and other iPhone apps and I think these tips can still apply. I hope to have a successful experience selling on Instagram someday. Thanks for sharing!
Laura
http://laurahager.blogspot.com/
These are great tips! I haven’t personally hosted a sale, but always appreciate when those who do keep it simple and professional. Cheers! xo
http://wanderlande.com
i’d never thought about having an instagram sale- thanks for the idea and tips! x
Hannah | Heyitshannaah
These are some really wonderful tips and suggestions! 🙂
Great tips, I think I could use these for my instagram account where I sell jewelry.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DelicateAndLayered
Closet sale on Instragram? This will be interesting! A good way to get rid of all those clothes that occupy the closet for so many years, without have seen the light of day since they got into the house
Such a helpful post! It was the first time that i heard about sale on instagram and it sounds really interesting ^_^
xoxo Afrodite ~ BubblyBeauty135
I must say I had never really thought of selling on Instagram but the more I see it done (successfully) the more I’m convinced it’s the way to go.
Thanks for the tips! 😉
great tips!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
I’m certainly interested, I have been selling a lot of things on eBay recently, and I think this is a great idea!
Is there an app you are supposed to download in conjunction with Instagram? One that keeps coming up is salesy. Or can you just do this on Instagram avoiding fees?
Sorry if this is a repeat, but I don’t see the comment I thought I posted a few days ago. I was hoping someone knows something about if there’s a hashtag for insta sales. There doesn’t seem to be a commonly used one, which is surprising. I ask because I’ve been wanting to host a sale but have a private account with only friends and family. Obviously, I’d make a new account, but don’t have a way of announcing it to more than just my family, basically. It’s not quite as easy without being a blogger or someone with a lot of followers, even though I have some really good stuff to sell: lots of barely used modcloth stuff, completely new vintage-style swimsuits, Minnetonkas, etc. Just curious if anyone has any suggestions.
I think (and I’m talking to you, ABM :-P) you should create a hashtag for ABM readers’ closet sales! That would be the coolest little community. I don’t have the power to do it myself where anyone would follow, but how cool would that be?! Pretty please? 🙂
Jazz
PS, ELSIE- It was really sweet for you to lower the cost of the item, but, honestly, I think it’s fair game if it goes for more than new. You did a really awesome thing, went way beyond the necessary, I’m just saying don’t let lame commenters let you or anyone feel bad. The fact that a blogger we like owned it could make it more worth it. Maybe we’ve even seen it in outfit posts, etc. I know that’s weird for you to imagine since you’re just down-to-earth you, but it is kinda cool to us to have something that one of our favorite bloggers owned, since it has the story, more than just the value of the item itself. That probably feels super weird though…..:-P And besides, I’m not too hoitey-toitey for Target!
Vinted is also a great outlet to sell via app! Same tips would apply! I’ve made about $500 over the last few months with shoes/clothing that has just been sitting in my closet. Poshmark is another app that is popular, where women typically sell designer/higher pricepoint items.
I’m late to the party here (I’m a little behind on my blog lovin’) but had to drop in to say thanks for such clear suggestions. Selling on Instagram seems much more do-able now. Thank you!