I Argue Against the Top 10 Reasons Resellers Don't Include Measurements in Listings

Many resellers do not include measurements in their listings, and for a variety of reasons. On Instagram, I asked resellers to share with me their reasons for not measuring items, and I intend to argue against every one of them. So buckle up, and get ready to measure.

Reason #1 - Laziness

This was the most common response that I received when I asked resellers why they don't include measurements in their listings (don't shoot the messenger).

I'll keep this one short and sweet: anything worth doing is worth doing well. Also, it's your job. Whether you're part-time or full-time, it doesn't matter. Cutting corners is most likely cutting into your profits, so if you're going to resell, do it well.

Reason #2 - It's a time suck

As someone who includes measurements in every applicable listing, I have to disagree. I timed myself and it takes me approximately 30-45 seconds to properly measure an item. Now, if you're thinking, "but if you list 50 items a day, that's an extra 25-38 minutes." Yes, and your point? It's worth those extra seconds.

• Including measurements in your listings instills confidence in the buyer. Remember that buyers cannot return items on Poshmark and Mercari, so I say it's worth it to take those extra seconds to convince buyers to spend their hard earned money in my closet.

• Additionally, every brand's sizing is different. Heck, every item within a brand is sized differently. Why would a shopper spend their money on an item that might fit?

• Taking the extra seconds to measure shows buyers that you're a responsible, careful reseller.

Reason #3 - Measurements can be disputed in a case

Sure, but here's how I get around that: I include the measurements in the listing photos. I don't point to the measurement or mention numbers in my description. I want the buyer to read the measurement themselves.

Now, if you're a close follower of mine, you might know that I recently (about 2 months ago) lost a case because of measurements. But, and this is a big but, it was because I didn't include the measurements in the photos. It was a very large dress and my photo measurements looked sloppy, so I decided, against my better judgement, to write them in the description. Low and behold, I got a return.

Furthermore, posting photos of the measurements is a huge time saver. There's no writing them down or translating them later. If I have a lot of measurements to include, I make a photo collage. Also, I use a folding table as my measuring table (it's also where I photograph shoes, jewelry, clean items, sew, and much more).

Tip: Measure items while on the hanger. It prevents items from bunching and allows you to get a proper measurement.

Reason #4 - It's a well-known brand/buyers know their size

And this is exactly how you get a case opened against you. Because when BettySue receives her jeans from a brand that she knows and loves and they don't fit? You bet your bottom half she's opening a case. BettySue will probably compare them to jeans that she has currently and you'll have to list those jeans again.

Now, if you include measurements in your listing and BettySue receives her jeans and throws a hissy fit saying they don't fit like they should, you can easily say, "I included measurements in the listing so you could be sure they would fit." And now BettySue has to re-Posh them and learn the harsh reality of reselling.

Reason #5 - TTS (true to size)

Again, there is no such thing as true to size; every brand and items within the brand run differently. Not to mention that a buyer's perception of what a size 4 is might vary greatly from your perception of a size 4.

This also applies to men's clothing where they traditionally have more reliable sizing. Even if a pair of men's pants is NWT and labeled 34x36, I always include measurements. Because guess what? It might not measure that way, and that's an easy way to lose a case. Often when I measure the inseam of a man's pant, there's at least 1/2 inch discrepancy.

BettySue's husband BobbySam can simply whip out his measuring tape and say, "these pants are supposed to have a 36" inseam but it's really 35"." He might lose the case, but he also might win. Why subject yourself to a potential case when it can so easily be avoided?

Reason #6 - No one reads them

I feel this in my soul. And as a former teacher, let me tell you, no one reads anything. Ever. It's "read the directions" all over again.

But at least if I include measurements in the listing I can respond to shoppers' inquiries by stating, "measurements are in the photos but let me know if you have any other questions!" This also forces buyers to actually look at the photos.

Reason #7 - Not sure how to properly measure

Thankfully there's a really easy fix to this...Google it. Watch YouTube tutorials. Look at other listings. Ask a fellow reseller.

But this is also why I like to photograph measurements instead of writing them out; everyone measures slightly differently. You can say "shoulder to hem," but the buyer's idea of the "shoulder" might be different than yours. Photographing measurements eliminates the potential confusion because even if a buyer thinks a shoulder starts at one place and I think it starts at another, there's visual proof of where the measurement started.

Reason #8 - "I'll measure if a buyer asks"

This one is a personal pet peeve of mine (and I also file this under lazy). As a Poshmark shopper, I can't stand when sellers tell buyers to ask for measurements. If you are willing to measure, why haven't you already done it? Additionally, I'm most likely comparison shopping, and if you take too long to respond (or don't respond at all), I'm going to shop someone else's closet. I don't have the patience for you to get your act together; I want to shop and I want to shop now. (I mean, isn't that why so many resellers send offers almost immediately after a shopper likes an item? To capitalize on impulse shopping?)

Don't put the onus on the shopper. Remember, you want to make the shopping experience as easy and convenient as possible.

Reason #9 - Most retail stores don't include measurements, so why should we?

Because we aren't retail stores, Barb. Retail stores also offer returns while the platforms we sell on most times do not. We are selling used clothing, clothing that has been worn, stretched, washed, and dried.

Also, I have to disagree. A lot of stores include measurements. Sure, not as detailed as ours, but they include length and inseams regularly.

Reason #10 - Not worth the time with expected profit

I have two things to say to this. First, then is it really worth your time in the first place? Second, I hope you're comfortable storing that item for a very long time.

In conclusion...

Including measurements creates trust within the buyer and leads to quicker, more profitable sales. At the end of the day, it's your business and you do what you think is best, but I encourage you to at least experiment with including measurements.