AAAC Informal Trad Thrift Store Exchange

[Nobleprofessor]

^^

Due respect, disagree. Sellers should be free to ask whatever they wish. It is a free market.

This said, more and more, I skip listing here and go directly to eBay. It is much easier to list, for one thing. Uploading photos here takes much, much longer than it does on eBay. I can typically list at least three things on eBay in the time it takes me to list one thing here, and time, as they say, is money. Once you learn the ins and outs of eBay, which takes awhile, you make significantly more money selling on eBay, even with fees factored in, than you do here. There are a lot more tire kickers here than on eBay--you end up answering a lot more questions from prospective buyers who never pull the trigger. Stuff tends to sell faster on eBay than it does here. I can't speak for other sellers, but when I list here it is because I like the clientele and I think the item in question has appeal to AAAC members.

It takes a lot of time and trouble, not to mention a few bucks, to rummage through thrift stores to find things. There is no reason, in my estimation, that sellers who go through this time and effort should give stuff away. You will always pay less here than you will on eBay, but that doesn't mean that I, or any other seller, should post, say, a mint BB OCBD for $12, leaving the seller less than $5 in "profit," when it will fetch twice that on eBay. Really, when you think about it, the prices here should be higher than on eBay. After all, most sellers start here before moving to eBay, so buyers here are getting first crack. For that, they should pay a premium. That they do not speaks volumes about the, for lack of better word, karma on this website. I say all of this as someone who isn't getting rich or anywhere close. No seller on this site is.

I agree in part and disagree in part. You are right, a seller on here or anywhere else can ask for whatever price they want. AND, if its too high the market will respond -- with silence.

I disagree that things that should be more expensive on here than on ebay. I have sold a number of things on here and I always try to sell them for LESS than I would on ebay for a few different reasons:

1. It's sort of an AAAC member discount
2. If there is something on here I want to buy, I hope it will also be priced than less than ebay
3. Practically speaking, selling on here means saving fees pay pal and ebay. AND not dealing with the hassels of ebay.

I also acknowledge that there are lot of things I want to sell on ebay in order to make the most money. Therefore, I don't list them on here.

For me, this exchange is for those select items for which there is MORE interest here than on ebay. For example, a Norman Hilton suit does not attract much attention on ebay. There are so people who would recognize the name or know it is top quality. In addition, someone buying on here has a completely different impression of something like a Norman Hilton suit.

I will tell you something I wish we were all doing more and that is trading items. I have traded with several members on here and I think everyone has been happy with the trades! I have traded for items I wanted for myself and also traded for items someone else wanted and I sold the items I got on trade.

 

[drlivingston]

$200 is not a terribly high price for a BB Golden Fleece sack suit. By the way, with a BOC of 32", it would be more of a Long than a Regular.

 

[Dmontez]

^^

Due respect, disagree. Sellers should be free to ask whatever they wish. It is a free market.

This said, more and more, I skip listing here and go directly to eBay. It is much easier to list, for one thing. Uploading photos here takes much, much longer than it does on eBay. I can typically list at least three things on eBay in the time it takes me to list one thing here, and time, as they say, is money. Once you learn the ins and outs of eBay, which takes awhile, you make significantly more money selling on eBay, even with fees factored in, than you do here. There are a lot more tire kickers here than on eBay--you end up answering a lot more questions from prospective buyers who never pull the trigger. Stuff tends to sell faster on eBay than it does here. I can't speak for other sellers, but when I list here it is because I like the clientele and I think the item in question has appeal to AAAC members.

It takes a lot of time and trouble, not to mention a few bucks, to rummage through thrift stores to find things. There is no reason, in my estimation, that sellers who go through this time and effort should give stuff away. You will always pay less here than you will on eBay, but that doesn't mean that I, or any other seller, should post, say, a mint BB OCBD for $12, leaving the seller less than $5 in "profit," when it will fetch twice that on eBay. Really, when you think about it, the prices here should be higher than on eBay. After all, most sellers start here before moving to eBay, so buyers here are getting first crack. For that, they should pay a premium. That they do not speaks volumes about the, for lack of better word, karma on this website. I say all of this as someone who isn't getting rich or anywhere close. No seller on this site is.

I must disagree with you in nearly everything you mentioned. I happen to loathe ebay as a seller. It may just be my dumb luck, but I have had more headaches than not with people on ebay. While selling, or trading in the exchange has always been a pleasant ordeal. I agree that people who do spend the time and money going through thrifts more than once a week should not just give things away unless that is what they want to do, but when I sell through the exchange I keep in mind the camaraderie, and the deals I have gotten through here. I am not trying to gouge my friends, just pass along things that don't quite fit me. If I get enough money out of it to get myself a 6 pack of Shiner then it was probably a great deal for both parties.

and I am just going to leave this here...

Come one, come all Trads:

Welcome to the Unofficial Ask Andy About Trad Informal Thrift Store Exchange thread.

Here's how it works. Post a reply to this thread if you are interested in informally being a part of the exchange, that is, you occasionally stop by thrift stores, are willing to buy Trad items to exchange with Trad brethren, and you are willing to wear thrift store finds.

In your post, tell us your "measurements" and what items you might be looking for. At any time, you can edit your post to alter a size (yes, we all do gain and sometimes lose weight), or change what you're looking for. Some participants may wish to post pictures of items they've found. Please, if you do this, pull the pictures down when the deal's been made.

Deals should be made by private message only, and we will operate under the honor system. Since thrift store items tend to be cheap, you won't be out tons of cash, but it's easier if we all agree to agree up front. You set the price, but try not to gouge your fellow Trad. We can agree to do this because those of us who have been to a thrift store have all felt the abject pain of finding the perfect sack tweed in a 38L. Well, someone's bound to be a 38L around here.

Finally: I think this lives on the Trad Forum because I believe we need to limit ourselves to truly Trad items, or the profoundly exceptional non-trad items (a darted odd seersucker jacket with embroidered lobsters, for instance). Sack suits especially are so hard to come by that when we find them in vintage shops and in good condition, we need to share them with each other.

Now, I have Golden Fleece three-piece sack suit that I need to measure and take some photos of...just you wait until you see this beauty.

PM me if you think I need to edit this post in anyway.

Thanks gents,
JB

 

[straw sandals]

I have no strong feelings about that golden fleece suit. But I will say that there are things for which I would gladly spend $200 or more, and I hope they'd show up here rather than eBay. For example: a BB #1 tweed three piece suit? A 3/2 linen sack? A Paul Stuart "bearcat" coat?

I haunt this thread, and they'd be gone in a New York minute.

 

[Dmontez]

I have no strong feelings about that golden fleece suit. But I will say that there are things for which I would gladly spend $200 or more, and I hope they'd show up here rather than eBay. For example: a BB #1 tweed three piece suit? A 3/2 linen sack? A Paul Stuart "bearcat" coat?

I haunt this thread, and they'd be gone in a New York minute.

I got one from here a J. press tan linen 3/2 with suspender buttons, in a package deal this suit was the most expensive thing I got in that package I believe it cost me 40 bucks.

 

[MythReindeer]

I'm surprised it hasn't been claimed yet--but I think it's about to be!

And it's claimed!

I don't know what you people are talking about with this "Please buy that jacket!." My usual plan of dithering over it until someone else saves me the trouble of spending money that I really shouldn't has worked beautifully ONCE AGAIN.

 

[32rollandrock]

Some folks seem to be completely missing the point of the Exchange. Happens from time to time with newbies....sad when it's longtime members.

Know what? I'm thoroughly tired of your passive-aggressive BS. I've tried to address this with you via PM to no avail. Here's the deal. I might get banned for saying this, but you and certain other members here need to mind your manners. It ain't cool. At all.

If I get banned, I get banned. So be it.

 

[Reuben]

But I will say that there are things for which I would gladly spend $200 or more, and I hope they'd show up here rather than eBay. For example: a BB #1 tweed three piece suit?

Mine just cost me a pair of shells and a black knit tie. Thanks, ThatDudeOrion! In a similar vein, I've got a 46L slate-blue herringbone tweed 3/2 sack suit I've been meaning to get around to posting, if that sounds interesting to anyone let me know!

 

[bigwordprof]

If anyone has or sees loafers in a 12EEE or a 13DorE, please let me know. My thrifted pennies gave out and I need a new (old) pair. Tassels are fine too!

 

[Monocle]

Mine just cost me a pair of shells and a black knit tie. Thanks, ThatDudeOrion! In a similar vein, I've got a 46L slate-blue herringbone tweed 3/2 sack suit I've been meaning to get around to posting, if that sounds interesting to anyone let me know!

Ahem.......how "L" are we talkin here?


Sent from the Underground.

 

[gamma68]

The unfortunate thing about these thread spats is that they push back listings from members who'd like to sell or trade items to other members.

 

[Reuben]

Ahem.......how "L" are we talkin here?


Sent from the Underground.

31.375" and enough room in the inseam for you to keep a bit of a cuff . . .

 

[32rollandrock]

The unfortunate thing about these thread spats is that they push back listings from members who'd like to sell or trade items to other members.

I agree. However, the history of this thread--you can look it up--is that we have always had periodic clearings of the air. This is no different. It can and should be a productive discussion. If certain members want to make it personal, well, there's not much anyone can do about that, but it does say more about the person who says certain things in certain ways than it does anyone else. And this is not directed at you, Gamma.

Dr. L. got lambasted, with an ensuing thread derail, when he first showed up. I remember it well. It was over bow ties. He offered a large lot that I bought as a whole. A member or two who made offers on individual ties--and it was only one, as I recall--before I made my offer got upset because they felt that Dr. L should have sold to them because they got in line first. That ignores the fact that they were Dr. L's ties to sell, he could do with them as he pleased, he had made no promises to anyone and no one has an inherent right to tell sellers what they should or should not do.

We're talking Dr. L. One of the best, most generous, most knowledgeable sellers on this site. If he gets his you-know-what chewed, and he has, no one is immune.

This ain't Woodstock, guys. Yeah, sellers, including myself, generally offer lower pricing than on eBay, but that's starting to change. And with good reason. Almost inevitably, prospective buyers expect you to knock a few bucks off the posting price. Then, when you request personal payment to save PP fees, they ignore it and go regular route. At the end of the day, you bust your butt finding stuff because you love it and end up not even making back gas money while some low-balling chiseling cheese ball prances around in a shirt or suit he got for a song that would have cost him a lot more anywhere else. That's why prices might seem high. It's no longer here's-something-for-a-good-price. It's taken as here's the starting point for negotiation. Kum bah-freaking-yah.

You can call it a rant, and maybe it is. It is admittedly pent up. And I'm not the only seller who feels this way. We do talk behind the scenes. A lot of really fantastic sellers have disappeared. When's the last time we saw something from Tony Lumpkin, to name just one? I can't say why he seems to have disappeared, but I can guess. I'm nowhere near Tony L. in terms of my offerings, but I'm also migrating. Joe Tradly hasn't been heard from in ages. Again, I can't say why, but at some point, you start feeling used. And it's a shame, because I've developed some very cool and treasured relationships with people I've never met in person via the exchange.

As previously mentioned, the market takes care of those who want too much. They don't last long here. But it is incredibly bad form to publicly tell or suggest to a seller--whether they're peddling clothes or motorcycle parts or Viagra--that their prices are too high. If you can't grasp that, you don't belong here.

Gotta go. I have eBay listings to administer.

 

[Jovan]

I dunno. I bought one of those excellent GF tuxedos from Steve Smith and found it to be an excellent value even though it was $425 -- more than things generally go for here. We're talking a tuxedo with full canvas construction and excellent fabric that retails for over $2000 now. He is also a good and honest seller. But more and more I find myself wanting to list on Etsy (for vintage) and eBay (for newer stuff that just didn't work out for me) rather than here. I don't know if it's the atmosphere, easier to sell, or what.

 

[DoghouseReilly]

Anybody? Its in practically new condition. Looks like it was hung in someone's closet for years.

I'm gauging interest in a seemingly unworn vintage Barbour Border in excellent condition. Green. Wax is good. Asking $155

 

[DoghouseReilly]

Drop...

PHOTOS: https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#AEJtdOXmg0sfx

This is an awesome coat. 100% melton wool with warm corduroy-lined pockets. Very heavy; very warm. It's in good shape but does have some wear. There is a moth hole that I had my seamstress repair on the arm. Also, the sleeves were lengthened, so there is a little wear around where the sleeve used to end. Both these issues are shown in the photos.

I love this coat, but its just too short in the body for me. My loss is your gain.


Measurements

Shoulders: 18.5"
Sleeve length: 26.75"
Chest: 21"
Total length: 31"

Asking $60 shipped.

 

[ThePopinjay]

Anybody? Its in practically new condition. Looks like it was hung in someone's closet for years.

I can't believe nobody's into this. You'd be hard pressed to find one cheaper on ebay once you account for shipping from the UK and everything. The Border is a great coat. Absolutely ideal for wearing over a sportcoat/suit. The extra length definitely makes it a better rain coat than some other models I think.

 

[gamma68]

Anybody? Its in practically new condition. Looks like it was hung in someone's closet for years.

A picture speaks 1,000 words. A size would also help.

 

[DoghouseReilly]

A picture speaks 1,000 words. A size would also help.

Hah, both are good points. It's a 38 and I'll try to post a photo or two with measurements tomorrow.

 

[Monocle]

First. Apologies for the lousy pics. Nighttime garage vibe - and as well, the probably "too festive" red tie...

A vintage full Harris Tweed raglan topcoat made by Adolph Alla of Massachusetts. It had a couple of very small moth bites in the weave at the skirt, which I had rewoven at the tailor. After receiving it back, I find we missed one small hole at the bottom. I have added a pic demonstrating the size of the hole next to a dime. It will be a simple thing to have it woven, but if not, the hole is not even noticeable in the weave. I am just divesting myself of the coat rather than taking it back to the tailor. Adolph Alla made clothing for the clergy of New England for many years. Check the dimensions. The raglan construction gives it a very natural shoulder. I think for its size, most persons will have to add an inch in the sleeves, which in fact can be accommodated also. It is indeed a 3 button front which rolls slightly.
Laid flat-----> W24" L41" Shoulder (measuring from the 45deg of the radius of the shoulder) is about an approximate average 18.5" Sleeve (measured also from the 45deg of the radius) 23.5" - Asking $40.00 SHIPPED - I think it will add a nice addition to someones permanent winter rotation. The "spots" in the pic are just anomalies from the flash. Not holes.

:chinese: