FAQ
First Of All...
May I Just Shop?
Yes! You certainly may. You still need to join, but you need never post things of your own if you don't want to.
ReFashioner Terms
My Closet
This is your personal home page, complete with a unique URL--feel free to spread it around. Fill out the bio and the questionnaire—all or part of it; change it at will. In Settings, upload your photo, and, if you like, one of your actual, real life closet (or purloin someone else’s). All your buying, selling data is organized under tabs. You can also easily invite friends to join from here.
My Account
Here you’ll find all of your accounting - what’s in your closet, what’s sold, what you’ve bought, receipts, and shipping labels. Edit your items, adjust prices and add stories to each of your pieces to give ‘em a proper send-off. You can also fiddle with your settings here, update addresses, link to your websites, and add your Paypal account to receive payments. We’ll also gently remind you of any doing that needs done, whether it be shipping an item, leaving feedback, approving a price, or to finish posting a listing. It’s like having your own personal assistant.
Style Stalking
Like a girl’s style? Stalk her closet and be the first to know when she posts a new item. This will also post her picture in your closet so you can jump back there fast--and your link will appear in hers too. Sartorial sisters!
Featured Closet
Closets displaying this yellow "featured closet" banner are fully curated by us--ie, we have the pieces in our warehouse. That means they're returnable. (As long as they're clothes, shoes or hats.)
Referrals
We love your friends. When you're logged in, click on INVITE at the top of the page, or access Invite Your Friends from the pulldown Closet menu. Rope in those friends whose clothes you’ve been eyeing.
Diamonds, Rubies and Rocks
Our mineral feedback system: Every sale earns a diamond (impeccable), ruby (fine) or rock (dire), and your most frequently awarded stone appears next to your username along with your number of sales. Rocks are reserved for truly heinous crimes: blatant misrepresentation, knockoff peddling, or serious vileness. Rubies are perfectly nice. But diamonds, of course, are a girl’s best friend.
The Fashion Police
The Fashion Police is our clothes-vetting squad, past which all pieces must get. We can also help price items--if you’re unsure, just leave “0” in the price field and we’ll help you out.
{re}MAG
Our blog is where to find news, updates, interviews, articles, features on closets and their people, and random bits and pix. We believe strongly in eco matters, in preserving and reusing, in "haute-cycling"--but we won't bore you with it. You can also stalk us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Gone
GONE means another ReFashioner scored it.
Reserved
RESERVED appears on a piece while it's in someone's shopping bag. It stays there for ten minutes, then you can have another crack at it.
My Closet
Can I be anonymous?
Be as mysterious as you must. Just put something.
I want to rearrange my Closet. Why can’t I?
That function is coming soon. Meanwhile your pieces are displayed in the order they were posted, newest first.
What’s this Questionnaire?
Just a bit of fun. You don’t have to fill it in, but then you might feel left out.
The Clothes
What do you accept?
If you're a super-picky dresser and you love a piece, but, for some reason, don't wear it, we'd like to see it! It must be in good condition—new or gently worn, and free from defects, rips and stains. We are unlikely to take everyday workwear, anything made by the million (fast fashion isn’t our speed), very casual tees and sweats, or jeans.
So, it has to be in perfect condition?
Preferably, yes, but there's a bit of wiggle room. If your piece is compromised in a minor way, don't try to hide the defect—tell us upfront (complete with photo) and it may well pass. If it's a vintage piece, yes we do need to know about the underarm bleaching or the 8” handsewn hem. And also remember, we know some things actually improve with age.
Does it have to be couture?
We admit it, we’re label snobs, but only because certain designers are genius. If your piece is an indie label, or has no label, or even is one of Topshop’s finest moments, that’s not going to put us off, not if it's amazing. We rate every piece on its own merits.
So why did you reject my jacket?
As a curated site with a point of view we’re like boutique buyers, and we just didn’t think your jacket would hit it off with ReFashioner members, or else it wouldn't sit right with the rest of our stuff. Please don’t take it personally.
What’s the deal with this “Story”? Do I have to do it?
Do you get emotionally attached to your clothes? Does even that stuff in the back of the closet have a history? Do you want to give it a decent send-off? We sure do. So maybe you’ll tell the tale of how you battled for that coat in a sample sale, or stalked that purse for months, only to go off it, or how you wore Jil Sander and nailed an interview, or what a time you had at your sister’s wedding when you wore that Dries… Make it as banal or elaborate as you like. And feel free to geek out about designers. It is entirely optional, and you can always go back and add or edit it later. (Access the edit fields by clicking the little purple pencils, or via the list of your items in "My Account" in your Closet.)
What are tags?
That’s our emotion classification system. Well, maybe “system” is putting it too strongly. But perhaps what people most need to know about that dress is that it’s great on a first date, or is ideal for the Thanksgiving food baby? Use them or ignore them--or invent your own and tweet it at us. We like that.
Is anything banned?
Please: no used lingerie (slip dresses and corset tops are okay, as are brand new unworn items with all tags intact). The same law applies to swimwear. We have no patience nor mercy for knock-offs.
Does it have to be for the right season?
Short answer: yes. Long answer: There’s no firm rule against posting boots in July, but obviously, out-of-season pieces will be far less enticing. Until the Australian ReFashioner is up and running, please stay as seasonal as you can. We reserve the right to refuse woolly scarves in May and halter tops in November.
How do I title my thing?
Keep it plain, simple and instructive: Marni Striped Cotton Dress; 1960s Sleeveless Floral Shirt; APC canvas Jacket…. It's not even necessary to name the designer in the title, since it appears above the title.
What do I put in the Description? And can I change it later?
Include details like the size as it’s written on the label, lengths (of sleeve, pant leg, skirt…), height (of heel). If it’s in anything short of excellent condition, you must say so, and list any faults. If it’s from a well-loved collection, or was a particularly iconic piece, or famously sold out, you can mention that. But please: limit the frilly adjectives (incredible, stunning, fierce, perfect, gorgeois, sexy, elegant...). Let the piece speak for itself. And yes you can perfect your prose anytime--or change the price, add emotion tags, add a detail photo, whatever you want. The purple pencil icon on each garment's page (by the title) opens up the edit fields.
How do I list the sizes? All my clothes are from different countries.
For simplicity’s sake, all ReFashioner sizes are translated into American. Use the Size Charts to figure out the conversion. Since sizing is more of an art than a science, we ask you to please also note the fit of your garment. And, since many women know their size in a particular brand, please also state the original size in the garment description. You’re also welcome to add numeric measurements in the description.
WOMEN’S DRESS SIZES
USA
XXS
XS
S
S
M
L
XL
XL
XXL
USA
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
UK
4
6
6- 8
8-10
10-12
12-14
14-16
16-18
18-20
Italy
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
France
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
Europe*
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
Japan
3
5
7
9
11
13
15
17
19
Australia
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
WOMEN’S SHOE SIZES
USA**
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
9.5
10
10.5
11
UK
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5.5
6
6.5
7
7.5
8
EU
35
35.5
36
36.5
37
37.5
38
38.5
39
39.5
40
40.5
41
Japan
21
21.5
22
22.5
23
23.5
24
24.5
25
25.5
26
26.5
27
* Scandinavian countries, Eastern Europe, Germany, Spain
** Also Australia
How do you come up with the suggested prices?
We study the resale market and continuously update our database of consignment store, vintage, off-price e-commerce, online auction and current retail prices for all the designers and high end vintage. We also take rarity, quality and condition into account. And our growing micro-economy is gradually finding its own level.
What if I don’t agree with the suggested price you put on my frock?
You always get to approve the price before the piece posts. If you disagree with the expert opinion, just click ‘edit’ on the piece in question (where it’s listed underneath ‘All Activity’) and then feel free to charge as you like. You may also change the price anytime.
How will I know when someone wants it? And who and where she is?
You’ll receive an email with instructions, and a prepaid, addressed mailing label attached.
Photography
How do I photograph my stuff?
You don’t need Photoshop or fancy equipment—just a a digital camera or a good phone (we need jpegs). It's great if you can shoot against a background that contrasts with the piece, since indistinct edges make hard for our team to edit. (And an iron is nice...) The most important thing is to show the piece clearly, so try not to distort the shape. A dress form is lovely, but hanging or laid flat (and shot from high up) is fine. We need one full front view, one full back view and one clear shot of the label. We encourage you to provide extra details, but it’s not required. If there’s any fault, wear and tear or stain, please do include a shot showing that. Do not go too hi-res, or the photo will take ages to upload--or won't upload at all. Around 200KB-300KB works well. Once the photos are uploaded, you may hit 'edit' to use the handy, built-in Aviary photo editor to crop, rotate and brighten the contrast. Don’t worry about format—we resize automatically. Find more hints and tips here.
Can my girlfriend model my things?
Sure! We love that. Or she can shoot you wearing it. For the main front shot, though, we will edit out any person parts to better see the piece, so please make it easier for us and stand straight. The back shot needs to be clear and boring too. But we encourage extra shots of the piece in use, styled, on vacation, on the dance floor, or generally on a person.
How about shoes?
Do please include a pic on a foot if you'd like, especially if you're shooting a sandal..
How do I make my stuff look good?
Just photograph the piece head on, using a close-up setting and direct natural or bright artificial light --that looks better than your camera's flash, but use that if you have to. Be kind, and find a background that contrasts with the piece--it helps us edit the photo. (We always edit.) Experiment with positioning, since some pieces look better hanging; others are best lying flat. All clothes look better pressed! In fact, we'll refuse anything too wrinkled--it makes us all look bad. Don't make like Cher--we can tell if a shot is heavily doctored or over-airbrushed. If there’s a signature detail—buckles, buttons, ruffles—include a close-up of that. If you get hooked on ReFashioning, consider getting a dress form. Inflatable versions are available for very little investment.
Help! My photos won’t upload.
They may be too large. Try again with lower-res copies. Also, delete any spaces in the filenames of the photos (including at the beginning, before the word), and, if the filename lacks the extension “.jpg” write it in. If none of that works, try reducing the size again. If they won't bulk-upload, we've provided an alternate method, uploading one by one. Sometimes just reloading the page helps. If an upload was interrupted you can complete it later--find the piece under "Things to Do" in My Account.
Shopping Refashioner
How do I get that skirt?
Load it into your shopping cart. If you don’t buy it within ten minutes, it goes back on the site so others may have a chance at it. Then, if nobody else got it, you can reload it and start again. Checkout is via Paypal, where you can use any major credit card as well as Paypal balance.
What’s your returns policy?
Any piece in closets with the yellow "Featured Closet" banner is returnable--aside from accessories. See here for more details. If you fall in love with something in a non-featured closet, message the owner in the Comments or Questions box (scroll down below "recently viewed items"), or email us to contact them for you. It's up to the individual owner, but they may let you try before you buy.
I swear these boots are not the ones she listed.
Leave some feedback and try to make nice between the two of you. If that doesn’t work then contact us. We’ll investigate and act accordingly.
She never sent the purse!
Though we ask that members try to mail the piece within three days, people do get busy, and we ask you first to pretty please exercise patience. Leave gentle reminders on the garment page, and if needed, contact us, and we’ll try to resolve the matter.
I never received the purse!
Paypal provides Purchase Protection both for items that are not received and for those that are significantly not as described. Start by clicking Resolution Center on the Paypal website to be put in contact with the Seller. You have 45 days from the date you purchased an item to open a dispute, and if you decide to escalate it to a Paypal claim, this must be filed within 20 days after opening the dispute.
Selling on Refashioner
What are your fees?
We don’t charge listing fees or any other sort of hidden fees. Whee!
What are your commissions?
We charge a flat 22% per sale.
I've sold some stuff! Can I buy something else on the site instead of cashing out?
Yes! We love that--it’s just like swapping, which is where ReFashioner began. Any credit you have in your account from previous sales will be automatically applied to your next ReFashioner purchase. If you do NOT wish to use credit, don't forget to cash out before you shop again.
I’ve sold something! When will the money from the sale be available?
As soon as an item sells, it will be listed as ‘sold’ underneath your transactions section. After you’ve shipped the item out, our system will recognize that the item is on its way and the money will appear in your account. You’ll also receive an email alerting you of this.
How do I get my cash out?
Simply go to the ‘Transactions’ tab in the section ‘My Account’ and then click the ‘Cash Out’ button. Enter the amount (anything above zero and less than your balance) you'd like to withdraw, and you'll receive payment to your personal Paypal account.
Mailing
Who wants to wait on line at the post office? (You do? Here’s Ebay). We think mailing should be painless.
So how do I send her this thing?
Click the link in the notification email. It’s a prepaid mailing label. Put item in USPS Flat Rate box of correct size, stick on label. Give it to your office mail room, or schedule free pick up with your mail carrier here. It would be a delightful kindness to press, polish, steam, or otherwise beautify the piece, and to wrap it in tissue before you box it. Many ReFashioners include a little note, which is just adorable.
When must I mail it?
Our guidelines for shipping: Sellers are responsible for packing and mailing pieces as soon as possible after purchase. If the item cannot be shipped within two weeks of purchase date and the seller does not notify the buyer and The ReFashioner Team, the sale will automatically be canceled. Please contact us at support@refashioner.com with any further questions!
What if I’m going away?
Go to “Settings” in your Closet and insert your away dates at the beginning of your Bio. If you forget to do it before you leave home, just log in from any computer. If you do get one of those ReFashioner emails with a mailing label while you're away for some time, please contact us, and we'll inform the poor waiting person. We also may need to cancel your label, since they have a use-by date. Then, while browsing, it's caveat commercator (fellow-trader! Yes, that's pretentious): Look for the dates in the owner's closet before you check something out.
Where do I get the boxes?
Our default mailing option is USPS flat rate boxes, which are charged by size, not weight. USPS will send you supplies, free of charge. We suggest you stock up as soon as you get your ReFashioner Closet. Order boxes here.
How much is shipping?
Flat Rate Boxes are charged as follows:
Small
Holds a T-shirt, light blouse, small clutch purse, jewelry, most accessories.
5-3/8” x 8-5/8” x 1-5/8”
$5.35 Domestic Priority Mail (up to 70 lbs)Medium
Holds one or two sweaters, pants, substantial dress or skirt, medium purse, sandals, light jacket, most shoes.
11" X 8.5" X 5.5"
11-7/8" x 3-3/8" x 13-5/8"
$11.35 Domestic Priority Mail (no weight limit)Large
Holds heavy knits, gowns, outerwear, large purse, boots.
12” x 12” x 5 1/2”
$15.45 Domestic Priority Mail (no weight limit)How long till I get my piece?
We ask that ReFashioners dispatch a piece within three days wherever possible. Priority Mail delivery time is 2-9 days in the 48 contiguous states. They do tend to arrive on the faster side of that time.
What if I want it faster?
We’re working on it. UPS and courier service for same-city trades are coming. Meanwhile New Yorkers can email us for a courier quote for Featured Closet items.
What if my piece lives in London? Or I live in London?
International ReFashioning obviously costs a little more and takes a little longer, but we're working on the most efficient shipping solution. Meantime, we're happy to help in a custom sort of way. Email us and we'll work it out for you.
Various other things
Where are you based?
Brooklyn, the best borough of New York. Moving soon to Flatiron, at which point we'll be nicer about Manhattan.
ReFashioner is invitation-only, so how come you can apply for membership?
See number 10 on the ReFashioner Manifesto.