To model items or not to?

[Former_Member]

Hello! I recently had someone critique my shop since I am new and struggling to make a sale. Right now my shop consists of some headbands and a few dresses while I build my inventory. The person who critiqued my shop said that I should not have children model my items that are for sale, that it is very off-putting to some people and they will not buy because of it.

I do understand this on some level, however I also think it is important to show the items being worn so that people understand the fit and how the item actually looks on a person. I would love to hear thoughts on the subject. Is it best to make everything made-to-order only to avoid this? Do you put big disclaimers on your item descriptions, stating the item sold will be new and unworn? Do you make duplicates of everything? Or do you not worry about it?

Thanks!

Maureen
RaspberryCreek

[attackrabbit]

I'm very new here, so I don't have much experience to go on, but I like how my shop looks much better with the clothes being modeled. When I'm buying something, especially hand made clothes, I like to see them on a person to see how they really fall. Sometimes things can be a lot different than stuff you can buy in the store and I like to know that ahead of time.

When I look at other sellers of pillowcase dresses, most are just on hangers, but I have seen some dresses that don't lay well when worn. That is why I put mine on kids and show what it really looks like.

[Former_Member]

I tend to agree with you Tara. My gut says we are both right. I have had a handful of people agree also, I will just go with what I have been doing (items ON models), and try not to worry. You can't please everyone, that's what makes the world go round right? ;)

[Former_Member]

I've just started adding models and I think it really shows off the items better. Just like it's one thing to see something hanging on a rack in a shop, but it's very different to see it on.

[Former_Member]

The right models make your items much more attractive for the sale (in my opinion). I would love to use models for our bows and will do so as soon as I find the right ones.

[Former_Member]

I say model! My daughter has been modeling my dresses and haven't had any complaints by anyone. I think it looks better modeled.

[Stoffenjunkie]

I've also asked for shop critiques and they keep mentioning that I should get children to models my clothing. So I think you are right to show them modeled!!

I just wish I had 2 small children running around here to model for me. On the other hand I wouldn't get any sewing done. ;-) My 2 boys are getting to old to model for me as they are 8 and 11 years.

I would just keep modelling.

[villageneedler]

I think the models make a big difference in showing off the garments and how they look. There are children's modeling agency out there that if you pick one of their models,send them the dress as their payment for modeling they will have pictures taken and send you through e-mail the pictures it could be up to 10 different views and then you are free to use them on your Etsy,facebook or wherever you chose. It is nice because your only investment is the cost for you to make the dress and I usually send a hair accessory. I use Tanzey Models

[Togs4tots]

Does it really make a difference in your sales?

I don't have anyone to model mine for me so would have to give up the piece of clothing. If you give away all of your clothing in exchange for pictures it looks to me like it would be very expensive.

[BerryPatchUSA]

It is generally agreed by most merchandizers that it is much better to have models than not. The only reason I don't have models for my listings is I don't have an inexpensive/easy way to provide them. If I had a child on hand that I could easily grab for a photo shoot whenever I added a new listing I would have models in my pictures for sure!

(I agree with Barb about the trading issue.... it could really eat into the profit margin)

[villageneedler]

I don't have pictures taken of all my clothes just the one that are my best sellers and I can produce alot of. Of course it can't be done with one-of a kind.

[Togs4tots]

I guess I will stick with mine te way I have them since I don't have anyone around to model for me

[villageneedler]

Your photos are great! The color and the way you display, there very clear. If I did not ew I would buy from your shop

[Former_Member]

I prefer having models. A great photo with a model is definitely more attractive to me.
For example this one
http://www.etsy.com/listing/102499513/ooak-girls-custom-hand-painted-damask

is so cute.

I have a son only and he's big already, but my neighbours are happy to borrow their kids for photos :)

[Former_Member]

This where I'm confused by the listing above: it's a darling photo, but if it's a OOAK outfit and you mail it to the photographer/model, and supposedly they get to keep it in exchange for the photos, then how can it be OOAK?

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much TUULE for choosing my picture as an example! I also have a son and I occasionally use him as a model. The model in the picture is my 5yr old daughter. She loves modeling my dresses. I also take all the pictures myself for my shop. I'm just an amateur photographer. I don't send my dresses out because it's not cost effective for me. I put OOAK because it's a OOAK design. As far as I know, no one has this on Etsy. I always research to see if any other shops have what I have. And also helps to price out my items. It definitely helps to have kids model your creations. I'm a visual person and I like to see what the dress I'm buying looks like on a little girl. Below is an example of my kids modeling my items.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/102044491/ooak-girls-custom-damask-hot-pink-and

[Former_Member]

I think the only reason to not have models would be if you don't have access to any children. For example, I only have one close friend with a little girl under the age of 4, but she won't allow her daughter's picture to be shown on the internet. I have a question though, would it be wrong to have one of my neighbor's children model my dresses if I don't know her family very well and can't afford to pay them more than $5 every time she models? I mean, I would definitely ask her parents first, but I don't know if it would be consider legal or not.

[Former_Member]

Your dresses are adorable Ceci! It's fine as long the parents give consent. If you can't afford to give them dresses in exchange for modeling, the next best thing are dress forms. I was lucky enough to find two iron dress forms at Ross for only $10 each.

[Former_Member]

Thank you, Gerlie! I don't think we can afford to give people dresses in exchanged for modeling, maybe in the future if my shop is successful. I've been trying to find toddler-sized dress forms, perhaps I'll have luck and find some at Ross as well. I've been looking online on Amazon and I haven't had much luck.

[Former_Member]

@cici, you can definitely have your neighbors daughter wear your dresses, you would need her parent to sign a waiver giving consent for you to put the photos online. I have never had a problem getting one of these signed, every mommy thinks their baby should be the next top model! lol!
here's a link to some templates for release forms
http://www.adidap.com/2006/09/17/free-photography-release-forms-templates/
however, I usually just write my own.