Vintage or not Vintage? That's my question...

[GreaseAndGrace]

Hello friends!,

I have had my shop up and running about six months now and it's not going too bad for a part time venture! Our shop is a family shop so there is work by three artists in it. Recently, my dad (a pin striper) started pin striping on vintage purses that we find.
These have perked interest and I am looking to find the best way to list them.

Initially I had them under Purses > Painted but recently I changed this to Purses>Retro thinking that the "retro" tag may appeal more to the 'rockabilly' and 'retro' style crowd who buys these.

My question is, other than tags and description/title, how does one list an item as "vintage"? The vintage option when listing is always grayed out for me, not an option.

Is it possible to list them under a "vintage" heading or even necessary?

I'm really trying to find the right tags/categories for everything (we sell fine art prints too and I'm having a mess of a time getting those seen, but that's another thread)

Thank you everyone for your help and critiques.
Deanna Meyer.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreaseAndGrace

[LeedsRadio]

I posted a similar question a few months ago and then followed up with an email to Etsy, Everyone told me that if the finish on vintage was significantly from what was original that it does not go into vintage.

They said this was vintage:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/103251483/1950s-weston-301-volt-meter-in-black?

and this was not
https://www.etsy.com/listing/150192454/pink-case-weston-301-meter-from-1950s-in?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_...

[Former_Member]

This is what Etsy says:
Upcycled, reconstructed or significantly altered vintage items are considered handmade. These items should be listed as handmade, not in the Vintage category.
http://www.etsy.com/help/article/483#handmade

I'm not sure if you fall in to that category. I would email them.
http://www.etsy.com/help/contact

[heartsabustin]

Tag it as "vintage upcycled" and you should be fine. I have necklaces where I take vintage rhinestone necklaces, usually broken, and sew them onto backings and add big silk and satin roses to it. That's handmade, but I use the upcycled vintage tag so people can find it that way.

[Purl1VintageToo]

We have found that people looking for vintage usually want the vintage item in its original condition. Those looking for anything else will be looking for upcycled, as Erin says. That also will allow you to include any upcycled purses that are not 20 years old or older (as vintage is defined on Etsy), but are newer or slightly newer than that. Good luck! Sounds like you are a family of artists!

[GreaseAndGrace]

Thank you all! What wonderful responses, each of you.

Very helpful. @Richard - the images you post speak volumes. In the illustration world (my world) there's a rule on copyright where is an item in changed by ten percent or more it is no longer the original (leaned that tid bit in schooling).
Also, @Erin, "vintage upcycled" is a lovely tag - and one I had not thought of. Thank you all so much for helping us!

[Former_Member]

I don't sell vintage or upcycled so maybe I don't know. But, could you list some as vintage and some as upcycled in hopes of getting more lookers and more sells. Or list it both ways and see what way is brining in sales at the end of a month or so and list according to that...just a thought.

[Former_Member]

As soon as you modify something, its no longer vintage and looses some of its vintage appeal.

If you want to list something as vintage it must be 20 years old and in the condition it was 20 years ago.

So select Vintage from the drop down menu.

As soon as you alter something it is classified as Handmade.