Exhaustive Online Selling Abbreviations Guide
Reselling vintage clothing is gaining more and more popularity each year. Fashion markets such as Fashion Thrift Society have played a part in boosting the popularity of buying clothing on the second-hand market.
If you are working in the world of vintage reselling, particularly clothing, you’ll quickly discover that the community has its own unique language. It’s key to know these so that you have a clear idea of what you are buying and may like to include them in your listings. As a seller, however, I recommend not solely using abbreviations, as not all buyers will be aware of them and it may very well cause lost sales.
Abbreviations and shorthand terms are frequently used by sellers to describe their items succinctly.
These abbreviations can be useful for buyers looking to make informed decisions. They tell you about the condition, size, and many other aspects of the item quickly, without needing long descriptions.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to vintage, knowing this lingo makes shopping easier.
Comprehensive Guide to Online Selling Abbreviations / Acroynms
Condition and Quality
These are some of the more common online selling abbreviations you will use to communicate the condition of a garment.
- NWT (New With Tags): Items that have never been worn and still have the original tags attached. This is a rare find in vintage collections because it indicates that the item has been perfectly preserved.
- NWOT (New Without Tags): Like NWT, these items have never been worn, but the tags are no longer attached. This could be due to the tag being lost over time or removed by a previous owner.
- EUC (Excellent Used Condition): These items show minimal signs of wear and have been very well-maintained. It’s often hard to distinguish from new.
- VGUC (Very Good Used Condition): Indicates that the item shows some signs of wear but is in overall good shape and the wear does not compromise the item’s aesthetics or functionality.
- GUC (Good Used Condition): These items have visible wear but are still functional. They might need minor repairs or cleaning.
- VGC (Very Good Condition): Similar to VGUC, this indicates that the item is well-preserved for its age and maintains good quality.
- NOS (New Old Stock): Vintage items that were never sold or used; typically found in storage. These are often items that were overproduced or unsold from past seasons.
- NIB (New in Box): Items that are brand new and still in their original packaging, often with factory seals unbroken.
- MIB (Mint in Box): Items in perfect condition and housed in their original box. The box itself is often also in excellent condition.
- PO (Previously Owned): Indicates that the item has had one or more previous owners. This term is used to ensure buyers understand the item isn’t new from a retailer. It’s also helpful to include the condition of the item.
Sales and Pricing
These online selling abbreviations are used to communicate the pricing of an item, whether the price is negotiable or not, for example.
- FP (Final Price): The price listed is non-negotiable, often used by sellers who do not wish to engage in bargaining and haggling. This is likely to be seen on marketplaces like Facebook.
- OBO (Or Best Offer): The seller is open to receiving offers below the listed price. This can encourage negotiations and lead to a faster sale.
- BIN (Buy It Now): This option allows a buyer to bypass auction processes by purchasing at a set price. This is typically seen on eBay when an item is sold by auction, yet the seller has a slightly higher price that a potential buyer could purchase the item at to bypass the auction.
- NR (No Reserve): In an auction, this indicates there is no minimum bid required to win the item, which can lead to good deals.
- BOGO (Buy One, Get One): A promotional sales tactic where the buyer gets another item for free or at a discounted rate when they purchase one at full price.
- NLA (No Longer Available): Used to denote items that are no longer in production or sold by manufacturers, adding to their rarity and potential value.
Sizing and Style
These online selling abbreviations are used to communicate the size of a garment.
- L/S (Long Sleeve): Garments that feature long sleeves.
- S/S (Short Sleeve): Garments with short sleeves.
- TTS (True to Size): Indicates that the item’s sizing is consistent with the general sizing standards expected by the majority.
Unique Characteristics
These online selling abbreviations are used more to communicate the unique characteristics of an item.
- HTF (Hard to Find): Items that are rare or difficult to locate due to their limited quantity or specific demand.
- OOAK (One of a Kind): Items that are unique, often handcrafted or customised, making them the only one of their kind.
- VTG (Vintage): A general term used for items that are at least 20 years old. This is the threshold many use to classify clothing as vintage.
- VSL (Very Slight Wear): Items that have been used but show minimal wear, maintaining a condition close to new.
Miscellaneous Online Selling Abbreviations
These are some more common online selling abbreviations you may find, especially on marketplaces.
- ISO (In Search Of): Used by buyers actively looking for a specific item, which they specify in their posts or ads. You will find this often on marketplaces such as Facebook or in Facebook groups. Keep an eye out for these posts, as you may have what someone is looking for.
- S/F, P/F (Smoke-Free, Pet-Free): Important for buyers with allergies or preferences concerning the environment from which the item comes.
- PM/DM (Private Message/Direct Message): A prompt for buyers to engage directly via direct messaging with sellers for more details about an item.
- RA (Returns Accepted): Indicates that the seller is willing to accept returns under certain conditions, providing a level of security for the transaction.
Understanding these abbreviations not only streamlines your shopping process but also ensures you are fully informed about what you’re buying. Never solely rely on abbreviations to make your purchases. If buying online photos should form part of the conditions.
Selling vintage in person? Find markets in the market directory or see vintage clothing markets in Queensland.
