That customer...which is yours?

As vintage sellers we kinda know when we have a "live one" right? you know that lady who comes into your booth/online shop, holds up a 1950s dress and says "yeah I'd just put a belt here, wear it with these shoes, it's fabulous I'll take it". After she's admired the details on it and had a wee conversation about how she loves that era of course....yes those customers. I realize as a vintage seller my business depends on these people, modern women who can see the 'wearability' of a vintage piece and fit it into their wardrobe.

In my Brooklyn neighborhood there are crowds of "vintage loving" girls.... In this neck of the woods there seems to be a division of vintage wearers, those that love the 90s, cut offs, chain purses, ankle boots....and those that like 1950s shirtwaist dresses, headscarves and 40s heels. These two customers are *entirely* different aren't they? It's been a learning curve for me as a full time seller and especially participating in NYC flea markets, the majority of shoppers want wearable, fashion friendly vintage, and really to be honest, clothes that are not that *old*.  Problem? well, in terms of quick sales, yes it is but sticking to what you love is the key to finding your little niche surely.

It's been interesting to stick to these older pieces and literally *wait* for my customer to appear. And usually she does. That one lady who admires your rack (not that rack), chats about the detail on the pieces, feels the fabric, holds a dress up to her....I am not making a dramatic point at all but when that lady appears isn't it all just worth it? It happened last night at the Fashion Night Out event, some lovely young ladies wearing new off the rack gear *barely* glancing in my booth then one girl, she silently browsed, pulled 5 pieces, took them to the changing room and bought 3, turns out she had bought something from me on Etsy too. She must really be my customer.