To: WSFAlist at keithlynch.net
Date: Wed, 24 Jul 2002 12:25:47 -0400
Subject: [WSFA] Re: Candy's new business
From: ronkean at juno.com
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at keithlynch.net>

On Wed, 24 Jul 2002 06:14:14 -0400 Candy Madigan
<candymadigan at mindspring.com> writes:
> The problem is, that you have to disclose any flaws.  Any suggestions
> as to
> how to phrase it?
>

excerpt:
***********************************************************
The pants are absolutely elegant! I've french seamed all the edges so
that there are no raw edges showing, and the top stitching on the cuffs
is perfect. The top stitching on the waist is not perfectly parallel, but
it's every bit as good as anything you'd find in a department store
(presuming you could actually find them).
**********************************************************

This seems like a grey area.  So long as the stitching is adequate, and
meets or exceeds GASS (generally accepted stitching standards), there
would seem to be no  requirement to point out stitching 'flaws' which
practically no one would even notice unless they were specifically drawn
to one's attention.  But, having mentioned the perfect stitching in one
part of the garment, it seems only fair to admit lack of stitching
perfection in another part, if that is the case.  It might have been
better to say all the edges are french seamed, and stop there.  To say
there are 'no raw edges showing' is a little like saying 'it's not poorly
made'.

It is possible to describe flaws in a positive way, sometimes to even
make a flaw sound like an advantage.  Consider realtor-speak.  A small,
cramped house might be described as 'cute', or 'cozy'.  A run-down,
neglected house 'needs TLC' and 'has potential'.  A house high priced for
its size and condition is in a 'sought after location'.

I think a good way to promote sales and avoid disputes about descriptions
is to guarantee customer satisfaction.  Offer to cheerfully refund the
purchase price (exclusive of shipping) if the buyer is dissatisfied for
any reason, provided the garment is returned within 14 days in the same
condition as sold, and has not been worn other than to try on.

I wonder, though, if it might not be more profitable to sell on a 'made
to order' basis.  The auction method seems best suited for selling a
one-of-a-kind item one just wants to get rid of.  Many women are hard to
fit, and will gladly pay a premium price for garments made to fit them.
Pick a fixed price for a given style garment, and offer to make it to
order per the buyer's measurements.  By naming a price, you automatically
filter out those who don't want to pay that price.  Auction buyers are
usually just bargain hunters.  Offer to send a fabric swatch and order
form with measurement instructions for $2.  (A stamp costs only 37
cents).  Include payment instructions on the order form, and specify that
the price is good only if the order is placed by a certain date.
Promptly acknowledge orders when received.  Get paid in advance with the
order, allow four weeks to make and ship the garment, which is plenty of
time for the payment to clear.  UPS includes free insurance up to $100.

Ron Kean

.

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