Banes of an Online Vintage Biz

The other day I was thinking about all the goofy things I never realized would be part of my life when I started my online vintage business. None of them are egregious. Some are almost amusing. Others leave me muttering “Oh for Pete’s sake!”

Here are a few that sprang to mind…

“But This is Used!”

Some buyers seem surprised that a vintage or antique has been used and may have wear! While new-old stock does exist, it’s not all that common, and by in large we sell pre-owned items. It always surprises me that folks expect older items to be pristine!

Case in point, years ago I was selling a 1980s Alessi coffee plunger designed by Michael Graves. There was slight wear on the blue handle which I noted and photographed. I received a message from a potential buyer wondering why it had wear on the handle. “Isn’t this new?” she asked.

Sadly many of us vintage sellers have received bad reviews based on the fact that the item was used and had some wear even though that wear was fully documented and photographed in the listing. (Nowadays I frequently add “AS IS” in the title.)

Low-Ball Offers

Some folks believe that the price of secondhand/vintage/antique goods is always negotiable. Always. It doesn’t matter that the stated price is fair or reasonable. One has to negotiate. But even before I became a seller, I didn’t believe that. If a seller’s price was fair, I didn’t haggle. It seemed almost cruel and churlish. But I discovered early on, that low-ball offers come with the territory.

Recently I’ve been taken aback by several I’ve received on Etsy. One potential buyer asked me to consider a 50% discount on a vintage carved Masonic wood box likely made for snuff. It’s a cool one-of-a-kind folk art piece that he’s not going to find it anywhere else. Now you might be thinking that maybe I had it priced too high, hence his offer. But no, it’s modestly priced at $55. I declined his offer without making a counteroffer.

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Sob Stories

I honestly didn’t know sob stories were a thing when I started my biz. I soon learned!! Several times a year I receive missives from potential buyers who “love, love, love” an item but can’t afford it. Some go into detail about their sad life situation and lament their lack of funds and wish there was some way they could get this piece. The items they choose are always one of my more valuable pieces–an antique sterling silver cup or a loaded charm bracelet. I’m not really sure what their end goal is other than having me say I’d to be happy to give it to them. 😂

Requests from Potential Buyers

From time to time, all sellers get requests for additional information about an item and to that end I have recorded the sound of bells ringing, taken obscure measurements and provided more photos. Most recently someone asked me if I could take a photo of a piece of glass under blacklight. I told him I didn’t have the capability. A couple of days later he asked me the same question! I gave him the same answer. His response was a bit snippy.

The color questions are the most difficult because colors may appear differently on our various devices and color perception is a tricky thing. And how do you answer–is this scarf more of a tomato red or a cherry red?

But here’s the truth, all the additional information I’ve provided potential buyers over the years and all the questions I’ve answered typically did not result in a sale.

At the Mercy of Reviews

Many online selling platforms encourage buyers to leave a review about their purchase and for the most part buyers write complimentary reviews. Some are rather touching and honestly they make my week!

Unfortunately some unscrupulous buyers use that feature to try and extort a partial refund from a buyer hinting they’ll leave a bad review if they don’t receive it. Yikes! (Please sellers, never give in to that.)

Other buyers may have a problem with their item and instead of reaching out to the seller first for help they leave a one-star review. One gal purchased a vintage jacket and I sent it off the next day. Some days later she left a one-star review berating me and asking where it was and where did I send it? The tracking showed it had been delivered six days previously to the address she gave me. I messaged her that information and her response was a little crazy but overall she wondered what I was going to do about it. I encouraged her to check with her neighbors and local postal carrier. I never heard from her again.

The few times I have received negative reviews, I leave a response so that other potential buyers know the full story.

Closing Thoughts

Every business has it’s pros and cons. Ups and downs. For the most part reselling vintage stuff online has been a good side hustle for me and I feel blessed to be able to make a little money doing something I love.

Wishing you happy hunting,

Karen