Advice for buyers new to the forum?

[Suhira]

I understand that, when buying used items, some internet price research is needed to make sure that you're getting a fair price but what other questions should be asked? I recently purchased something that would have been a FAIR price had the item been in usable condition. There was a link that showed what the item looked like new. I was informed several times that the item had been shortened and not hemmed but not that it looked like a first grader with safety scissors had gotten hold of it. Then the item arrived smelling like nasty dirty crotch. I dry cleaned without success and went ahead and laundered as there was nothing to lose at that point. THREE launderings later I had an item that was clean and thankfully survived the washings but I will not be able to even the hack job on the hem. What are appropriate questions to ask that can save buyers from this type of seller? I don't believe any of us has money to throw away or wants to buy something that should have just been thrown in the trash bin.

[AngelicaDances]

Oh, sorry to hear that happened. From my experience it isn't common to be disappointed like that. I'd say the best thing to do is get as many detailed pictures as possible of the item, especially when its in used condition. Only bad experience I ever had was someone charged me double the price in shipping than what it really cost. But otherwise the shopping has been really pleasant

[showtime]

Thus far I have been fortunate. I talked with one former Bhuzzer that had a few bad experiences. One situation involved a costume was that was listed as used but the info was not thorough. I saw the costume - the bra and belt part was beyond function. The silver lining was not existent in most of the beads, nasty odor, it was posted from a pet and smoke free environment - obviously not true. In it's earlier existence it must have been lovely but not as shipped. Both costumes were listed as used, the seller posted All Sales Final so my friend knew there was no recourse. That one became an example of what not to sell or purchase.

Another one was a lovely costume. Info posted stated a ruffle had been removed and would be included, no mention of the holes where the ruffles had been. (Probably seam ripper damage.) The entire lower hem will either need to be beaded or the ruffle attached.

As a result of her situation I tend to ask as many pertinent questions as possible. I ask to see photos of any damage and bead loss, fabric discoloration, snags,etc. Few costumes are perfect, even when new. If all is A-OK I tend to be cautious.

If a costume has been worn in a hooka bar I know to skip that one, my mother-in-law lives with us and is allergic to smoke and cats. That plus some of the people we perform for stress we forgo perfumes, smoke smells, etc. We performed in a breast cancer awareness event, the paperwork stressed to be aware patients on chemo and radiation are often hyper-sensitive to many odors. Easier not to have the costumes in my costume closet that might have odors that waft throughout the enclosed space.

[Darbla]

Possible things for you to request:

Close-up pictures, of exteriors and linings

Is the bra a lingerie bra that was not properly converted to a costume bra before adding decoration?

What type of fabric? Is it a drapey, swingy type or is it a stiff taffeta type?

[Darbla]

Thought about some more:

Smoking in the house!

Pet hair

Was it used in a restaurant or anywhere else where strong smells are likely to stick to it.


(Edit: Doh! Noticed after I posted this that somebody else had already mentioned them. But they're so important they bear mentioning again anyway!)

[MahiraRaqs]

you should contact that seller and tell them your concerns.

[toria_dances]

Also remember in shipping cost to factor in the cost of packaging.