We know that not everyone can shop for vintage at Hooti Couture, so every week (sometimes every couple weeks) we scan eBay, on the hunt for the most eye-catching pieces, especially those with reasonable starting bids (see our list in the column on the right).
We have no relationship with these sellers, financial or personal, beyond a few new friendships because of a response to our book or an encounter at a store or show. But our touts happen only when we especially like what is up for auction. We only choose sellers with strong seller feedback ratings and we never recommend merchandise from sellers who have had less than one hundred transactions. That doesn't mean that a seller who has 54 or 76 transactions is suspect, we just had to draw the line, and that's where we drew it.
We avoid items with "reserves," because we have no idea what the minimum selling price is, but that doesn't mean there aren't some good buys out there with reserves...and this approach is one way for sellers to price an item more appropriately. We also don't mention items that are solely "Buy It Now" listings, because we want to give visitors to our website a chance to bid on an item...and see what a certain type of dress or purse is going for in the vintage marketplace. However, you can find some great deals in the Buy It Now postings, and Melissa has made many purchases that way.
We know nothing about the merchandise we list, beyond the information in the eBay posting, so please read the fine print carefully (especially when it comes to sizing and shipping fees). Make sure this item is a good match and a good deal for you before bidding because returning an item can be expensive OR not even an option. This isn't like Macy's or the Gap, where you can just decide you made a mistake and get all your money back!
Happy hunting, happy shopping!
Alligators, Old Mink & New Money, One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing was written by sisters Alison and Melissa Houtte and is available in the U.S. and Canada in both hardback (top; William Morrow/Harper Collins) and paperback (Avon Trade).
You can also buy the UK edition (Orion Publishing) in hardback in England, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales. Orion's paperback edition (below) is also now on sale.
