Thread: "Just like new"-pay full price!

Am I the only one with a problem with the advertisement of a costume for sale that is "just like new" and "only wore once (or twice)" and the owner requesting full price for it?

If a costume is new, it's coming from the manufacturer or the retailer. I appreciate the fact that it has not ever been sweated in, or sweated in just a little, but why would I want to pay full price for something used?

I get that there wouldn't be the time to wait for a custom order.

Am I just pinching my pennies too hard these days, or are others questioning this?

--let me say that this is from many swap meet posts over a few months, not just one particular one--

I think your pinching your pennies to tight, as you put it.

If something is nearly new, how would YOU decide to take off a certain amount of money on a costume you were selling?

Lets say you bought a Bella for $775 and you wore it twice for 25 minutes, that's less than an hour, how much money would you (the seller) take off of a 775 costume? Just looking at it differently that's all.

Good question though, I'm eager to see others responses.

Michelle

I think that part of the reason (especially when it comes to higher priced costumes) is because you didn't have to spend the money to wire payment or wait for it - it's more immeadiate. You don't have to deal with mistakes or having to do remakes.

If you're paying with paypal, the seller doesn't want to lose more money to fee's as well..and most high end costumes don't depreciate the same way others do

I tend to agree with the OP. Even if you don't have to deal with wires or PayPal fee, it is still a risk if the costume doesn't fit...so I don't agree with that.

One of my peeves is when people alter the costumes and then try to sell it at full price because they've never worn it. I don't mean adjusting the straps...but using the headband to make extenders, altering the hem, replacing/resizing skirt, etc. If you are going to sell it for full price, it should be in the exact same condition you bought it in.

I agree with you, Sandra.

It's like a brand new car - the minute you drive it off the lot, the value goes down.

If I'm not buying the costume from a retailer (which means I can likely return it if it doesn't fit) I don't want to pay full price AND take the risk of it not working out. I expect to pay less than what a retailer is currently charging because of this.

On rare occasions, an item (car, costume, or otherwise) can keep it's value because it is truly a work of art and has been constructed very well. It may be one of a kind whose style has not been duplicated even closely.

If you had a costume custom made, you paid extra for it to be made to your specifications. You are the sole benefactor from that decision. In my opinion, once it enters the market as a used costume, whatever extra amount you paid should be taken off of the price. Then take off for wear & tear as well.

If you buy it used, then it seems fair to resell at the same price if you haven't worn it at all or just for photos. Sometimes we make improvements to the costumes before we resell, though, so it's more difficult to have a cut and dry method for pricing something that you bought used.

But I guess there are differing views on this and ultimately the costume sells or doesn't, revealing whether or not it is priced correctly for the market.

Well, with respect to comparing it to a new, custom order, it is not only the time involved that adds value, but other risk factors involved in custom orders.

A #3 Pharonics bra is not exactly the same every time they make one. You could order a costume with a #3 bra and it still might not fit you. However, if there is one on the swap page and the seller has measured the inside of the cups in our standardized way, you can be much more sure that it will fit you.

Then there is the color issue. You order fucshia but what you get is closer to maroon, or hot pink. You order teal and get turquoise, or royal blue and what comes sorta royal blue but its not exactly the shade you are craving. Or a real example: Pharonics used to use a teal chiffon that was to die for. At some point, they must have gotten a different supplier because what they use now is weak and washed out in comparison. Or you order a burgundy costume because you saw one and liked it, but when you get yours, the sequins aren't plain burgundy but iridescent burgundy and green, and it makes you want to barf.

These are just some of the reasons I'm willing to pay full price for an almost new costume on the swap pages.

Good points. I know that several sellers here try to disclose all of the little flaws and many may have been present when they bought it new. So it's great to have all the facts. I do appreciate that someone else gambled with a custom order, which I have never done.

Originally Posted by ssipes

Well, with respect to comparing it to a new, custom order, it is not only the time involved that adds value, but other risk factors involved in custom orders.

A #3 Pharonics bra is not exactly the same every time they make one. You could order a costume with a #3 bra and it still might not fit you. However, if there is one on the swap page and the seller has measured the inside of the cups in our standardized way, you can be much more sure that it will fit you.

Then there is the color issue. You order fucshia but what you get is closer to maroon, or hot pink. You order teal and get turquoise, or royal blue and what comes sorta royal blue but its not exactly the shade you are craving. Or a real example: Pharonics used to use a teal chiffon that was to die for. At some point, they must have gotten a different supplier because what they use now is weak and washed out in comparison. Or you order a burgundy costume because you saw one and liked it, but when you get yours, the sequins aren't plain burgundy but iridescent burgundy and green, and it makes you want to barf.

These are just some of the reasons I'm willing to pay full price for an almost new costume on the swap pages.

I asked a very similar question recently, and I totally agree! If I'm going to pay full price, I'm not going to buy used. I look at it just like kiyaana--even if you've only driven a car 100 miles, once it's off the lot the value goes down significantly. Even if you factory ordered it with a bunch of fancy bells and whistles so that it fit your exact specifications.

Sandra, you're not the only one and I think you're absolutely right!

yes I agree. If I'm selling a costume that I've worn I calculate the price I bought it and take so much money off if I've worn it and depending how many times I've worn it or if there's faults even if the faults were there originally.I buy many of my costumes in Egypt therefore they are much cheaper than stuff thats been imported. Buying second hand should be a cheaper option and the seller should state clearly the state its in.

I think also a seller needs to give a buyer some incentive to send a random person on the internet a big bunch of paypal cash, as opposed to buying through a business with whatever protection you get from your credit card company. Paypal offers some protections, but in the case of a dispute actual money is gone from your bank account while the dispute is being resolved. No matter how well known a bhuzzer is, the buyer is still taking a risk.

I think I would take off anywhere from $25-$50 per time I wore it and then take off more for alterations that could lessen the value (use the headband on the bra, etc).

That being said, I didn't price my red/black Hanan low enough the first time, but it is now. But it is happily back in the closet.

I totally understand the desire to get as much as you can, but I think it is ridiculous to try to get full price for a used costume.

Everyone's different. For me, personally, I won't pay $800+ for a "just like new" Bella--I'd rather custom order. Other people don't feel comfortable with custom orders and money wires, so buying from another dancers makes more sense.

I think value all depends on the market--if there's someone out there that will buy it for $800, then great!! If not, then you need to lower the price.

Yeah ditto. I keep thinking about "new cars" and how they depreciate.

Though everything is worth what someone will pay for it.

Originally Posted by GenevieveOfAtlanta

I asked a very similar question recently, and I totally agree! If I'm going to pay full price, I'm not going to buy used. I look at it just like kiyaana--even if you've only driven a car 100 miles, once it's off the lot the value goes down significantly. Even if you factory ordered it with a bunch of fancy bells and whistles so that it fit your exact specifications.

Sandra, when I first started as a bhuzzer, for me it was a bit strange how easily people traded costumes. In my country, it's not usual at all. I even posted a thread about it:

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/rest-belly...l-history.html

Unless the costume is famous or something truly noteworthy, I don't know why one wouldn't lower the price. I imagine others do think like you, so it seems odd that people wouldn't give the buyer a little push to convince them it's a good deal.

However, if people can get the full price back, good for them!

Originally Posted by aazura

I think value all depends on the market--if there's someone out there that will buy it for $800, then great!! If not, then you need to lower the price.

Bingo. Its price is whatever someone is willing to pay. Its worth or its value may be a lot more for any number of reasons.

Yep it's all about what people are willing to pay...

I can understand a high price for a custom item, or a heavily beaded costume, or one with difficult or unique construction.

No way would I pay hundreds for a simple lycra costume with minimal decoration, new or used - but I see those bought and sold daily so I'm obviously in the minority!

Originally Posted by kiyaana

I agree with you, Sandra.

It's like a brand new car - the minute you drive it off the lot, the value goes down.

If I'm not buying the costume from a retailer (which means I can likely return it if it doesn't fit) I don't want to pay full price AND take the risk of it not working out. I expect to pay less than what a retailer is currently charging because of this.

On rare occasions, an item (car, costume, or otherwise) can keep it's value because it is truly a work of art and has been constructed very well. It may be one of a kind whose style has not been duplicated even closely.

If you had a costume custom made, you paid extra for it to be made to your specifications. You are the sole benefactor from that decision. In my opinion, once it enters the market as a used costume, whatever extra amount you paid should be taken off of the price. Then take off for wear & tear as well.

If you buy it used, then it seems fair to resell at the same price if you haven't worn it at all or just for photos. Sometimes we make improvements to the costumes before we resell, though, so it's more difficult to have a cut and dry method for pricing something that you bought used.

But I guess there are differing views on this and ultimately the costume sells or doesn't, revealing whether or not it is priced correctly for the market.

This is pretty much exactly what I was going to say.

So no, it doesn't bother me exactly...but I wouldn't buy it.

Occasionally I see things posted - costumes and videos - for MORE than they cost new, and that makes me a feel like someone is getting ripped off. ,m:: I usually give the seller the benefit of the doubt (maybe she was grossly overcharged and doesn't realize the video she's offering used for $35 is $18.95 on Amazon?) but it's hard to keep my mouth shut.

Originally Posted by SandraDances

I think I would take off anywhere from $25-$50 per time I wore it and then take off more for alterations that could lessen the value (use the headband on the bra, etc).

Is the pricing guide everyone uses? I have often wondered how people arrive at their asking price.

Also, does the same OP idea apply to used costumes when bought and not worn- does the owner have the right to ask the same amount paid?

I also think of costumes like new cars. Unless someone is selling a brand new costume that they have never worn themselves, I expect some sort of reduction in the price for wear & tear, etc. You are always taking a risk that it might not fit plus your only recourse would be trying to resell it yourself. I would rather order something custom/buy something new from a vendor if I have to pay full price. My only exception would be something really unique and one-of-a-kind.

I also think PayPal fees are part of the cost of doing business. If you don't want to pay the fees, don't accept PayPal... I don't understand expecting the buyer to pay the fee. You don't see retail stores doing that. They factor the fees into the price of the item. It's a subtle thing, but it bugs me.

But yes, ultimately the price will be what someone will pay for it. If you can get more for it, more power to you!

If someone will pay it, I don't see anything wrong with it. If you don't want to pay the price, don't buy it - don't get mad though! Go out and buy it from Dahlal or whatnot if it upsets you that much.

Sometimes I will pay close to full price for a barely-used costume because a) it comes immediately unlike a custom order b) it's already in my size assuming the measurements are correct.

Now if you were charging MORE than the retail price, I would laugh at your post and definitely go buy it retail if I wanted it that badly.

Bellas for one - I will probably never figure out how to buy a new one so I just keep an eye out here - maybe someday one will show up in my size.

As others have said, a lot depends on what the specific costume and what the market will bear, but still...little things will affect how the post/costume is perceived. And generally speaking...yeah, if it's been "driven off the lot" many people are not going to be perceived as being "new."

For myself...if the costume has never been worn (except to try it on) and has not been altered, I see nothing wrong with trying to get what you paid for it. It's still a new costume and, as others have said, the potentially shorter wait time and fit info a dancer-seller can supply makes it entirely worthwhile to the buyer.

If the costume has been altered (even if not worn), IMHO you should probably consider knocking at least a few bucks off. Maybe only a very few (depending on the extent of the alterations, etc.) or maybe ask the same price but include domestic shipping...but still, some tiny nod to acknowledging it's not totally new seems in order. Even with moving hooks or adding elastic--chances are the next buyer will need to make similar alterations as well. Consider that each time you sew through the band and take the stitches out, there's a little bit of damage (possible weaking of that spot, needle holes through the fabric/sequins, possible rubbing on the beading in the area, etc. (I've seen some "never worn" resales with moved hooks where the damage was visible. Not at any distance and maybe under my hair in back, but still, even say a $10 reduction in the price or inclusion of shipping charge in the price would have been a nice acknowledgement that the condition was not pristine.) Changing hemlines or more extensive alterations affect the costume even more.

If the costume has been worn--even if just for one performance--some small reduction seems in order. Maybe you only wore it for one 8 minute performance but you were likely standing/sitting around in it waiting to go on for longer than that. Your perfume, little bits of sweat...even some weakening of rhinestone settings (say, it caught on your veil or on a chair you sat in or walked by and you didn't even notice) can happen. Again, depending on how much you've worn it, maybe you'd only be dropping the price by a very small amount, but some acknowledgement that it's not totally new seems fair.

If it's been worn for a restaurant show or two, definitely it seems to me at least a $25-$50 drop makes sense. Walking through kitchens, being around food, dancing a longer time and likely under lights...there's likely to be some sweat and/or other mild aromas even if you don't perceive it.

...Of course, as I said, what's appropriate may vary....

Originally Posted by SandraDances

I think I would take off anywhere from $25-$50 per time I wore it and then take off more for alterations that could lessen the value (use the headband on the bra, etc).

How did you arrive at that range? Is it arbitrary?

It doesn't bother me. If you're trying to make money, you try to make as much as you can. If someone will pay full price for a used costume, then why not?

Lauren, I know what you mean with the DVDs, but I think a lot of the time people don't realize. I've gone to sell things and been shocked at how low the prices are on Amazon, so I also give the benefit of the doubt.

Those are just arbitrary numbers that seem fair to me.

I still say that in terms of fit, color, and style, buying lightly used from another dancer is WAY less risky than custom ordering from an overseas designer.

Originally Posted by resullivan

Though everything is worth what someone will pay for it.

This is key. I think a seller has every right to ask whatever she wants. It's up to the buyer to decide whether or not the value is equal to the price for her.

OTOH, I've watched an item that I sold here on Bhuz (it was new, but I took off around 15% because it was a no-brand custom order) recirculate with price bumps two different times...selling for nearly 150% of my original price!

Originally Posted by SandraDances

I think I would take off anywhere from $25-$50 per time I wore it and then take off more for alterations that could lessen the value (use the headband on the bra, etc).

And this doesn't really work out so well...if I buy a costume for $150 and I wear it 3 times, is it now only worth $50?

Originally Posted by SandraDances

Those are just arbitrary numbers that seem fair to me.

Thanks! Just curious.

[QUOTE=nasila;388858]
OTOH, I've watched an item that I sold here on Bhuz (it was new, but I took off around 15% because it was a no-brand custom order) recirculate with price bumps two different times...selling for nearly 150% of my original price!



QUOTE]

Yup, had that happen to me - and that burns me up!

OTOH, I do like to give sellers the benefit of the doubt too - I was trying to sell a Sahar basic set that I bought directly from Sahar in Egypt. She did not alter it for me as promised and I am stuck with a $550 costume that fits my pinky.

When I tried to sell it for $425 with included shipping and insurance and taking a huge loss, one bhuzzer posted to tell me how they were cheaper at bellydancestore.biz, and I had 2 angry pms from others of how I was trying to rip people off.

(Minus shipping and insurance, the cost would have been the same as bellydancestore, but that negative reaction really put me off the swap meet and bhuz for a while.)

[quote=phillyraqs;388878]

Originally Posted by nasila

When I tried to sell it for $425 with included shipping and insurance and taking a huge loss, one bhuzzer posted to tell me how they were cheaper at bellydancestore.biz, and I had 2 angry pms from others of how I was trying to rip people off.

How is listing something with a price you're willing to part with something for ripping people off? If you're honest about the condition and measurements and quality of the item, then there's no offense here.

I'm not willing to leave my house to dance for below my rate. There may be dancers of equal or better talent and experience who are. It does not mean I'm trying to rip anyone off, it just means I've set my limit. Granted I may never get hired , but it's not motivated by malice.