Pricing patterns

[Former_Member]

Can I some idea on how people go about pricing their patterns. I usually get some idea of the cost if other items are posted on the internet, then I have a look at the condition etc and decide whether the pattern is "appealing" or "hard to get". Then i go from there. Any ideas on how I could do it better?

[Mrsdepew]

It depends on the rarity or type of pattern. For instance, A bathing suit pattern from the 1950's will almost always sell for more than a dress pattern from the same era, unless the dress pattern is really extraordinary, or has a designer's name on it.
If the pattern is uncut, or in the factory fold, you can add more money to the price, maybe $5- $15 more depending on the era. The older the pattern (1920's for example) the more likely that other similar patterns haven't survived from that era, so it's more rare/ more expensive. But then you have to take into consideration what current fashion trends are doing too. Now, Mad Men is huge, and 1950's and 1960's patterns are selling for a tiny bit more than they used to.
You'll get the hang of it, don't worry!
I think it's fair to say that this is a good place to ask what a particular pattern might be worth. The consensus of all the team members would give you a good average to go off of.

[Former_Member]

Thank you for your help.

[PrettyPatternShop]

I price pretty much the way you do, indigomax. I am in over my head with most earlier patterns and make my best guess. When they fly out the door within a few hours, I know I underpriced! My prices tend to be all over the place, sometimes I price something high because it's really cute and I can't decide whether I want to sell it or not. I actually have a little mod pattern boutique on one of the free shop sites where I sell my mod pattern collection at ridiculously high prices. That is, I list them, rarely ever sell them! Mod era is popular, it seems, but not pricey.

[Former_Member]

Ive struggled with pricing as well.

In general, older patterns are worth more newer patterns. I also look at the condition, the complexity of the pattern, the type of clothing and rarity/uniqueness. I also ask how much I honestly think someone is going to pay for a particular pattern and how fast do I want to sell and if possible Ill try to find listings of similar patterns and see what theyve sold for.

I still find myself reassessing prices of pattern that arnt selling but changing the tags or description is sometimes enough to find the right buyer.

I like MrsD's suggestion of asking the team for help. This could be a great resource.

[SewCraftPatternShop]

Best place to price patterns IMO is the competition, namely eB*y. See if your pattern sold at auction lately and what for. (search completed listings) Then list your pattern for sale accordingly.

[SelvedgeShop]

I find patterns on ebay do not sell for very much money and quite often have not been checked. (although the lots of old patterns seem to be going for crazy prices right now)
I feel that I can charge a little more than ebay because of the added care and service I can bring to the table having the shop.

[SewCraftPatternShop]

Crazy prices yes! Does anyone know why either? I can't figure it out.

[Former_Member]

I try to keep my prices reasonable. Most of my patterns are 40's - 50's. I price dresses at $12ish, unless it's a really desireable style (halter, wedding, evening dress, etc). I haven't gone above $25 at this point. I charge a bit more for my 30's patterns.

Sizing is a factor too - your size 18s, 20s, etc, are better than the really tiny ones, since some people don't have experience with grading.

[SelvedgeShop]

I price in the same range as you USNsis. I have gone above $25, though, for super special ones.

Really, when you look at the price of new ones the vintage prices are a deal. I literally have to fight people in order to get them!!

[Former_Member]

SelvedgeShop - I agree with you about the bay pricing. It can be pretty random, and yes there seems to be some crazy pricing on there as well. Also I'm never quite sure what will arrive - I think Esty sellers take more care and service is better.

[Former_Member]

Under a $1.00 please A girl can dream can't she! I can tell you as a buyer if I want the pattern I am going to spend money on it.

I try to keep off E-Bay for this reason. Though the lots are hard not to watch and bid on.

[Former_Member]

Help please! I've acquired this pattern and have no idea what it may be worth. The pattern is used, pieces are completed and in reasonable condition for the age. The envelop is in tact but slight torn and nibbled. Thoughts anyone?

http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/McCall_9356

[SewCraftPatternShop]

Jr Miss pattern ... I'd sell that one around the $20 range, in the 30"-32" bust size. perhaps $5-$8 more for a larger bust, say 34"-36". The zip front dress is tres chic.

[PeoplePackages]

I have seen patterns on ebay listed for 99 cents and free shipping. I do not understand how they cover their fees and shipping

[RetroSewCo]

Very cute pattern; I think the zip (sorry; 'slide fastener') front is uncommon for that period. I would be willing to pay probably 15.00 or so if it was a silhouette I was looking for. Graphics are nice too. Frequently I don't buy patterns if they are too small size, even though I want it because grading can be a hassle. I once bought a pattern because the model has a cigarette in her hand and you don't see that much.

[MoonMothWings]

I have McCall's 3788, bust 38. Last time I saw this pattern for sale it was at $350 at So Vintage. What should I start at? My general method is starting high and lowering as time goes by.

[Former_Member]

Such a gorgeous pattern - lucky you! Looks like it's sold from So Vintage so someone is willing to pay. I'd be inclined to start high - it's always easier to lower the price. But I'm no expert...I'd be interested to hear other people's thoughts.

BTW, thanks for the advice on my McCall pattern.

[ThePatternSource]

I've only been selling patterns for about 2 years on other sites and here on Etsy. I agree with the others about date, rarity, style, condition, cut or uncut being the main attributes that determine a patterns cost. I Google all patterns I've never sold before to see what others are asking and getting for it.

When pricing my patterns I aim for top tier pricing, meaning when I first list I list it for the most I think it can bring in giving the previous factors. If after the first 4 months on Etsy it does not sell I then "consider" lowering the price when I renew the listing. Sometimes I will then sometimes I won't depending on how many hearts it has. However hearts are not a sure indicator as to if the pattern is overpriced. Only you know how much you have invested in the pattern and how much you are willing to accept as a return on that investment.

My patterns are purely an investment, and my pattern business is a business. Sometimes I lower prices to move products so my stock won't appear so stale to returning customers; and on the more desirable or rare patterns I hold my ground and don't sell out so fast just to move it. If your store is new, it takes time to be known and for people to find you. You must be patient, price fairly and promote your store.

I often see others selling the same patterns I have within Etsy. If their price is significantly lower I either buy it (if I think I can flip it for a profit) or don't worry about it. Maybe some people won't admit to buying patterns others are selling so low but again, I'm only doing this to make money. I seen sellers selling patterns on Etsy for $2.00 and I wonder what in the world are they doing this for...I stay up at night till 4 or 5 am checking pieces, taking photos and editing, typing listings there is no way i will sell for a mere $2.00 each!

Sellers should not make Etsy a garage sale pattern outlet because we take considerably more care with our vintage items. Price your patterns accordingly for the amount of work you put in and the value of the pattern.

[Former_Member]

Patternsource - I agree. When you think about the cost of new patterns, some vintage ones are an absolute bargain and they do take more work from the seller.

[CynicalGirl]

It's a curious dilemma because we are not dealing with merchandise that is only current for a season or two. Retailers will take a hit on something just to tempt buyers into the store and hope that they buy something else. And so much of it is dependent on what the market will bear. I check all of the on-line competition and see prices all over the board. Do sellers really want to hold on to a pattern for years hoping to get the highest price? I have a space issue and will price some things lower to move them. Yes, checking is a lot of work and I feel like I am working for peanuts sometimes...nice, steady peanuts. I have been working as an artist for 30+ years and these peanuts look pretty darn good compared to the art world. I bought patterns, hundreds of them for 10 cents apiece. Some are real gems. Too many are so common that you probably couldn't give them away and they are not even worth the effort to check over but I will and then probably donate them. Has anyone worked with Pattern Rescue? That sounds like a better alternative than Goodwill.

[RetroSewCo]

CynicalGirl I love your peanut analogy! Having never sold a pattern (but bought plenty) I've frequently wondered about the time investment required to check them over then sell for 1.99....... When I first started buying vintage patterns on the Bay I was extremely annoyed to learn that many winning auction bidders don't intend to sew them! What????!!!!!! It freaked me out so much I queried the sellers who affirmed my discovery. It's been a learning experience; thanks to all you smart folks!

[patternshop]

Patternsource,

I couldn't agree more with everything that you have said! My feelings exactly!

One thing I don't think a lot of people realize is...that 99% of the patterns we list you can't just walk into a store and buy.

[BessieAndMaive]

Hi everyone,

I have acquired this 1964 McCall's Pauline Tregere designed pattern:

http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/McCall%27s_7521

It is size 14, bust 34, cut and complete. Help...I just can't decide how much to list it for! There's one on So Vintage for $95 :O

I can't quite bring myself to put a price like that on it. Any suggestions? I'm a newbie at vintage patterns!

Thanks!

[MoonMothWings]

Sounds like a good price :)