Thread: Make sure you're not paying more than it's worth!

Just noticed some posting on swap meet, will not name ANY names or even the costume in question, but know it's one I bought brand new and it's listed for more than I payed for it NEW!!!!
Please double check the website for the designer before paying for an expensive cossie!!!

It's always good to do research! I have seen costumes on the Swap being sold for more than they were purchased on the Swap or on Ebay. There was no mention of improvements made, which could maybe justify the increase. On the contrary, the ones I noticed were missing pieces or had been altered (not in a way that improved them for all buyers). But, we can certainly charge whatever we wish (maybe some like to start with high prices with the thought they will lower it as necessary?)

This is true (to charge more hoping to get more)...it just made me cringe....

Originally Posted by harmoney76

Just noticed some posting on swap meet, will not name ANY names or even the costume in question, but know it's one I bought brand new and it's listed for more than I payed for it NEW!!!!
Please double check the website for the designer before paying for an expensive cossie!!!

In cases like that, if I am interested, I do mention the new price and ask what extra work they may have done on the costume to increase its worth...because sometimes that extra price means they re-lined, fixed bead issues, and such.

Originally Posted by ozma

In cases like that, if I am interested, I do mention the new price and ask what extra work they may have done on the costume to increase its worth...because sometimes that extra price means they re-lined, fixed bead issues, and such.

Oh I don't dispute that at all. This particular costume I know for a fact had no altering done, and there wasn't any needed. Just wanted to add a note of caution to everyone. For the most part, EVERYONE on bhuz is fantastic and trustworthy, and I have never personally had any major problems. I would rather shop here any day!!!

And ask questions! LOTS of questions!!!! Pictures can be deceiving! Prices can lead you to think it's something it's not! I lost $110 on something that should've been a fraction of that, but if I re-list it nobody's going to pay that because I'd tell it's shortcomings. I'm stuck with it or else sell it cheap and still lose a lot of money either way.

Originally Posted by Darbla

And ask questions! LOTS of questions!!!! Pictures can be deceiving! Prices can lead you to think it's something it's not! I lost $110 on something that should've been a fraction of that, but if I re-list it nobody's going to pay that because I'd tell it's shortcomings. I'm stuck with it or else sell it cheap and still lose a lot of money either way.

YES! Oh have I done that...like I said before, I don't want to name names, but it was something listed for more than it was worth. I will fix it up and hope for the best, but...*shrugs*

Good idea, Ozma!

Originally Posted by ozma

In cases like that, if I am interested, I do mention the new price and ask what extra work they may have done on the costume to increase its worth...because sometimes that extra price means they re-lined, fixed bead issues, and such.

Just wondering, with this particular costume, is the price you paid a great price for the costume or the general retail price? There is a range of prices for some costume styles out there. For example, I found the best prices for Pharonix Great loops at the BellydanceStore, but Dahlal generally will sell them for up to $100 more. With respect to Hanan designs, I find the opposite, they are generally less on Dahlal. Also the dancer selling the costume, in order to recoup their money, may add the amount of their shipping or fees to the price. All these need to be taken into consideration when a dancer posts an asking price -or- "I paid this much" on a costume for sale, and, when doing your research.

If I spent a substantial amount of time reconditioning it and I bought it below market because of the condition, I can see asking more. I just spent 10 hours on a project and wouldnt dream of reselling at the original price.

Also, two costumes I have sold (for the same condition) are being sold for one - two hundred dollars more than I sold them for - not sure if Bhuzzers find this general practice or not. I'm not complaining but wondering if anyone else has noticed this being done with a costume they have sold? I guess they can sell it for however they see fit

I own a beautiful Phaeronics bedlah in perfect condition that I bought on the swap for much less than I thought it was worth - maybe the seller was in a hurry and wanted a quick sale, I don't know. If I were to sell it, I would have a hard time not asking more for it than what I paid.

-Devora

Originally Posted by harmoney76

Just noticed some posting on swap meet, will not name ANY names or even the costume in question, but know it's one I bought brand new and it's listed for more than I payed for it NEW!!!!
Please double check the website for the designer before paying for an expensive cossie!!!

I don't see anything wrong with this, necessarily, because not every costume is easily obtainable new from a store. The swap meet runs on supply and demand. If a particular costume by a particular designer in a particular size and a particular color is highly desirable then someone might be perfectly happy to pay more than the new price. Throw in the time necessary to receive a custom costume from a designer and it is even easier to see how a swap meet trade might be worth more.

Originally Posted by anala

If I spent a substantial amount of time reconditioning it and I bought it below market because of the condition, I can see asking more. I just spent 10 hours on a project and wouldnt dream of reselling at the original price.

I have many projects that I have redone myself or my seamstress had put in countless hours in rebeading/rehemming/etc into.

I'm really picky and try to restore them to excellent condition. I like to challenge myself sometimes! These usually don't make it back to the swap meet as their value becomes more sentimental. After "saving" them and putting in all that work/time, I get really attached and they become my lil "rescue puppies"!

One issue I have with people charging more because of work they have done is, what if the workmanship is poor quality? There are bhuzzers who obviously do fantastic work, but not everyone does and sometimes you just don't know.

This has happened to me where someone bought a costume from me that I thought was in poor condition and resold it for more, not even mentioning the condition problems. It upsets me...but this is a free-market economy. Capitalism, honeys! Do I think it's unethical? Yes. Is there anything I can do about it? No.

I always try to remember what I paid for things, sometimes it's hard because I have swapped or partial swapped.

If I can't find exactly what I paid (paypal or thread on Bhuz) I usually try to estimate new cost and then based on wear and use what I would consider it to be a reasonable discount.

I generally will keep a bargain a bargain!!

Professional or bhuzzer alterations or fixing up I always will pay a bit more for, however I don't like paying for other people's added on paypal fees, or international shipping/customs. I usually will accept that as my cost to do business.

IE, I paid $500 for this, but it cost me $540 with paypal and shipping...so the new price is $540.... and then you must pay me for your shipping and new paypal fees....

Now as a matter of condition and craftsmanship, those are personal, but I think they should be disclosed!

In a word, sell it for what you would pay for it, keep the bargain karma going, and please disclose smells!! LOL!!