Okay, if you don’t have at least one of these things laying around your home, I’m truly concerned for you…
Dad’s old toolbox, mom’s old sewing kit, anywhere that you might have some extra junk lying around, you can probably find these items.
One of the first questions they ask when buying a shipping label is, “What size is it?”.
One of the very first questions that potential buyers ask is, “How ___ is it?”. You’re creative, fill in the blank.
The world runs on units of measurement, and not having a measuring tool while running a small business can be considered a crime in the most basic defense. (But not really…)
Reseller’s Toolkit #006: Tape Measures & Fabric Tape Measures
Why they are important:
In order to ship a box, you need to report the measurements to get the right amount of postage paid. Sometimes, like when using USPS Priority Mail Cubic labels, they need to have the exact measurements so that they don’t under/over charge postage.
If you sell any kind of clothing items, people will ask for measurements. And yes, even on accessories and shoes too! Making sure that you provide accurate measurements can be vital for some folks on whether or not they’ll make the purchase or not. And you better believe that every company produces different size types of all kinds of clothing. So be safe, and provide the next-best thing to trying it on, and add those vital measurements.
Some people are looking for a specific size. If they are looking for a 25-inch vase to add to their living room decor, they won’t want a false or guestimated size from what you think it actually is! Or vice-versa, they need a photo frame big enough to cover a 48-inch wall, and your item may be the best thing, as long as it is not too small… you never know who will be stumbling upon your item based on size specifications only!
Because, it is the universal language of whether or not someone is going to buy it from you! Ever heard the Karen at the thrift store say, “Oh I love this piece! Too bad I don’t have any room for it.” Yeah, it’s because the size. Everything is because of size. Make the life of your buyers and yourself easier, and provide measurements so everyone is on the same page of “availability”. Each piece is different, and made differently. It is your job as a seller to properly inform the customers of that. It may seem childish, but people can only be so smart when it comes to item specifics. Do the work for them so they can give you the money for it later!
Tape Measure VS. Fabric Tape Measure: The Differences
Tape Measure:
- Very straight and typically made from metal.
- Used to specifically measure items with a rigid structure.
Fabric Tape Measure:
- Fabric-like and able to move like a piece of string.
- Only used for measurements of fabric-like items.
THESE ITEMS WILL NOT MEASURE THE SAME. THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT.
I was a young lady who didn’t know the difference, and let me tell you when I got schooled by the older women out there who know the difference, I knew to never take the short-route again. So please, just trust me on this and use each for their intended purpose ONLY!
How to Integrate Measurements into your Reseller Listings:
Start making it a habit to take individual measurements of each item you plan to sell BEFORE you list it. I generally take mine during or right after photos, so I can put my items away when I am fully done with them, and then I don’t have to mess with them until I sell them.
When I list the items, that’s when I either include the measurement photos I took, or add the recorded measurements to the description. I’ll provide examples below:
This is the standard for all of my home decor items, along with shoes with heels I provide a side-by-side of their height measurement.
This is my standard for all clothing that I list, plus or minus different variations of measurements. For pants, I add inseam and thigh width measurements. For dresses, I add shoulder width and end hem width measurements, etc…
Everyone does their measurement system differently, and that’s okay! But, I’m telling you right now that you’ll save yourself many minutes of future-torture if you include the measurements to your listings just like you would the pictures. Because in reality, they are just-as important to the right buyer!
Seriously, if you haven’t been digging in your junk drawers and already found your measuring tools, what are you even still doing here?!
Visit the links below to order your new small-business best friend:
If you have any other tips/tricks/advice for others on learning how to use tape measures or fabric tape measures for their reselling business, add them to the comments below for all to learn from! ❤️
