Help! What's your advice for how to price 1940s McCall patterns?

Hey all!

I'm so excited to have this lovely gem of a pattern in my shop, but I'm really scratching my head at how much to price it at - I'm still a newbie after all :). It's McCall 6838, a junior dress from 1947. I cannot find any other copies of it on etsy, and no ebay listings when I google it. It is missing the neck stay, but all other pattern pieces are intact and in really good condition. The envelope is falling apart, but all major illustrations still look great. I've looked at some other dress patterns on here for this era of McCalls, and I just have to scratch my head at the range of prices I see. What strategy should I be using? Right now I've priced at what I think is fair, but I really have no idea if it's fair to seasoned sellers as yourselves! I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks,

Laura

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/472045902/womens-and-misses-post-ww2-junior-dress?ref=listings_manag...
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
3 Replies

Re: Help! What's your advice for how to price 1940s McCall patterns?

Juniors dresses are sized differently in the 20's-50's. It usually means a shorter torso and less room for the bust. Whoever buys this will either be buying it for a junior or they know how to grade patterns.

For me, any missing piece in a pattern is a disappointment. I will buy a pattern with a missing piece if it is the belt or shoulder pads. A "stay" isn't a huge deal for the right person. A interfacing isn't a huge deal for the right person.

Also, lets look at the dress itself. It's an impressive 16 pieces. Usually the more pieces to a pattern, the more couture it is. But again, that is not ALL patterns. Despite the pattern piece count it is very much so a day dress and a very common look.

In other words, if I was desperate for a dress that looked similar to this, I could easily find it. Which usually means I can find something similar, cheaper, elsewhere.

At a glance, I think this pattern is priced high. But that doesn't mean you should automatically lower it right now. Let it sit on the shelf a while then modestly adjust the way you see fit.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: Help! What's your advice for how to price 1940s McCall patterns?

Thanks so much for your input! That makes a lot of sense. I'll let it sit for a bit longer and then revisit it :)
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: Help! What's your advice for how to price 1940s McCall patterns?

Great dress, Laura, wonderful find! Too bad it isn't in my size...:( I know what you mean about the range of prices on Etsy. They are all over the place. When I price my patterns, I now just use a price that I personally feel is fair, rather than go by what others are charging. I think your current price on that pattern is reasonable - I would leave it for now, but be prepared to drop it a few dollars if it doesn't sell at that price.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Reply
You must log in to join this conversation.
Remember that posts are subject to Etsy's Community Policy.