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This is a continuation of additional information not included in my first mannequin buying guide. After choosing which style of full bodied mannequin you want, the next important feature to consider is what type of base you should get for the mannequin and what types of poses work best for quick wardrobe changes. This guide was written by Mannequin Madness, the largest mannequin liquidator in the San Francisco Bay Area.

What type of mannequin stand shall I get?

Mannequins stand upright by being attached to the base by either a Foot Flange; Ankle/Calf rod or Butt Rod. Here is a description of each.

Foot Flange ??there is a hole in the foot of the mannequin which fits over a rod protruding from the base. The rod is either round shaped or square shaped, to match the size of the hole in the mannequin’s foot. It is very easy to take the mannequin and off the base with a foot flange. Of course the disadvantage of a foot flange is you cannot display shoes or hosiery without putting a hole in the shoe or stocking! Usually when people buy this type of mannequin they display the mannequin in their ??are feet??

Some abstract and headless mannequins (but never realistic ones) come with shoes that are already formed on their feet.

Calf/Ankle Rod: there is a short, upright bar that extends up from the base and inserts into the fitting above the mannequin’s ankle or calf. This will enable you to display shoes on the mannequin and at the same time the rod is not so intrusive as to interfere with displaying pants on it ??unless they are stirrup or Capri pants. If the mannequin is moved repeatedly on and off this type of stand, the area around the calf or ankle can develop hairline cracks which can eventually lead to a weakening of the leg or even worse, breakage.

Butt Rod: there is a square or round metal rod which extends up, usually at an angle from the base and fits into an opening on the mannequin’s butt or upper thigh. This used to be the standard way that mannequins were attached to their base. To display pants on this type of mannequin you will have to open up the seams ??a huge disadvantage of this style. But you can display shoes on this mannequin without putting a hole in the shoe. Unfortunately there is not a universal standard when it comes to butt rods - the length, shape and diameter of the rod varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Some retail stores prefer not to use the base at all and put the butt rod directly into a flange that is permanently affixed to the floor Others retailers do something in the store windows called “striking.” Striking a mannequin means using three strike points at the mannequin’s waist to hold the mannequin with invisible wire that is secured in the floor.

The only reason why I mention this is because if you buy used mannequins this is why they frequently they do NOT come with a base. More and more retail stores do not use them or if the bases were made of glass, they tend to get broken over time.

If you are buying bendable children’s mannequins their rod is a little different. Most of them have an insert on their back where you insert a metal rod and the rod goes in the base. Others have a rod that goes in their ankle or they do not come with a rod at all, instead they have a hook at the neck and you hang the mannequin from there.

What type of mannequin base shall I get?

Mannequin bases are either made of a commercial glass, (very contemporary looking but breakable), Plexiglas (very functional but can get easily scratched) or metal (very durable but can be heavy which might be an issue if you plan on taking the mannequin to tradeshows).

For some reason most of the glass and Plexiglas bases are round and while the metal bases are square or rectangular. If you are using the mannequin to display clothing online the shape of the base probably does not matter. But if you will be using the mannequin in a retail store, the shape of the base could impact how much space you need to allocate on the floor or store window.

Which mannequins are easiest to dress?

The posture and construction of the mannequin can have an impact on how easy it will be for you to dress the mannequin. Seated and reclining mannequins look dramatic, but can be time-consuming to dress.

Most mannequins are constructed to separate at their seams. The hands detach at wrist, the arms detach at the shoulder, the torso detaches at the waist and the legs either split in half or just one leg detaches from the lower waist. Some mannequins do not have legs that separate which means you will have less maneuverability when putting on skin tight pants. Some mannequins are constructed as all one solid piece, only their arms detach. As long as you are displaying dresses, gowns or coats they are easy to dress. But you will need to maneuver the entire mannequin, not just the legs, if you want to display pants, shorts or panties. This can be rather awkward especially if you are dressing the mannequin without assistance.

On occasion some mannequins, usually the abstract style, have hands that do not detach from the arms.

This is an important element to note if you are putting on garments with a tight-fitting sleeve. With hands that detach from the arm you can put the sleeve on the arm and then attach the hand.

Warning about buying mannequins with a special texture that gives the mannequin a suede-like finish. Not only does this material scratch easily, it sticks or drags on clothing made of wool or cashmere making the mannequin difficult to dress.

Since your mannequin will convey a subtle message about you and your merchandise you mannequin should not only be functional to use, but evoke the image or fantasy that complements your clothing. For example, if you are displaying sportswear you might want the mannequin to have an active pose. A mannequin used to display designer clothing or lingerie should have a post with attitude, like the one below.

A mannequin with a wide leg pose may look appealing, but can pose a problem when displaying clothing like a tight fitting pencil skirt or gown with a mermaid bottom.

This is why if you can only afford to buy one mannequin to display a wide variety of clothing styles, it is preferable that the mannequin has its legs close together. Your second mannequin can have a more dramatic pose.

If your mannequin comes with protruding nipples and you put tape across the nipple to minimize the outline of the nipple on the clothing.

What size are mannequins?

Although the average American woman wears a size 12 or larger, most mannequins wear size 4 or 6 clothing and are about 5 feet 11 inches tall. Mannequins are about projecting a fantasy, rather than mirroring reality. Thanks to Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce some mannequin manufacturers are making mannequins with a full and curvaceous butt, but the mannequin is still petite overall.

Plus size mannequins exist but are hard to find, it is easier to buy a dress form in plus sizes than a mannequin. If you have a small mannequin and the clothes are larger than the mannequin, you can always cinch in the back with a bulldog clip. If you are selling vintage clothing it might be advisable to buy a junior rather than woman’s size mannequin because women were smaller then.

Please see our other mannequin guides on Ebay for more information about mannequins:

Buying a Mannequin? Tips so you don’t get stiffed-#1 - this guide discusses the various styles of mannequins - realistic, abstract, headless and bendable and what mannequin cost.

Buying a Used Mannequin? Get Smart About Buying Dummies - explains all the ins and outs of buying a used mannequin

April 22nd, 2008 | Category: Businesses for Sale | Leave a comment

I’ve personally had several problems lately with items being “lost in the mail” … Have you? I see on so many listings, “Not responsible for items lost or damaged in the mail”. Not quite correct, you know? Almost every seller gives the buyer an option to buy insurance on their purchase. This insurance, when purchased, guarantees a refund of the value specified, TO THE SELLER, in the event of damage during shipping. When this insurance is paid for, BY THE BUYER, the seller has the obligation of either refunding the buyers payment and then filing a damage claim or acting as a middleman to assure that the buyer gets reimbursed. So you see, a buyer IS resposible for insured items damaged in the mail.

Also, many sellers do not realize that if an item is lost in the mail, a buyer can file an “item not received” claim with eBay or PayPal. Unless the seller can provide tracking information, to eBay or PayPal, as proof that the seller actually mailed the package, PayPal will grant a full refund to the buyer.

A simple solution to both of these situations is to ship all packages with “Delivery Confirmation”. The USPS charges a mere 60 cents for this option on most services. If you ship by Priority Mail, the charge is only 50 cents. This option gives the seller a receipt for shipping a specific package to a specific buyer. It also provides the seller with a tracking number which can be a lifesaver if a package is, indeed, “lost in the mail”. A good seller can email the tracking number to the buyer and they can then follow the progress of the package at www.usps.com ……

If everyone would use Delivery Confirmation, I’m sure that there would be less claims for “lost” packages filed. Charge the extra 60 or 50 cents and do yourself and your buyer a service.

April 22nd, 2008 | Category: Businesses for Sale | Leave a comment

FREE PACKING MATERIAL

So where do you find it……. You may think to look at department stores for boxes. But they compact everything. The office building next door…. but the people in the shipping department are way down in the basement…… AUTOMOTIVE BODY SHOP & FURNITURE STORES , yes the gold mine in packing material, styrofoam, bubble wrap, small to huge cardboard boxes are BODY SHOPS AND FURNITURE STORES.

Packing material chokes up their dumpster, and they are more than happy to get rid of it.

Make an arrangement to have them save what you are looking for. Yes, you could even dumpster dive. Large boxes that had hoods, fenders etc. are a great source of cardboard. Small boxes from small parts. Most of these shops and stores do not compact or break down their trash. Not much else in there either. You are not going to find rank garbage or diapers. But you are going to find sheets of bubble wrap and styrofoam peanuts.(ghost poop)

Small businesses will save packing material for you too. Just ask. They may even have a stockpile of styrofoam beads right now.

You may pass one of these body shops every day on the way home from work, there may even be one right around the corner from you……..

RECYCLE, RE-USE, YOU CHOOSE

I have not purchased a box, packing material, or bubble wrap in 30 years. Only padded envelopes and tape.

Mark

April 22nd, 2008 | Category: Businesses for Sale | Leave a comment

One of the best deals going on shipping, for many items, is the US Post Office FLAT RATE packages.

There are 3 sizes of packaging to choose from with Flat Rate Shipping.

The light bulb is for size comparison.

• 1st is the FLAT RATE ENVELOPE (pictured above) which costs $ 4.60 to ship anywhere in the USA.

This is a very sturdy 12 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ envelope with no weight limit. The main stipulation is that you can secure the flap as it is.

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• 2nd is a FLAT RATE BOX (pictured above) which costs $ 8.95 to ship anywhere in the US.

This is a box with an inside diameter of about 13 1/2″ x 12″ x 3 1/2″, which is similar to a size that would fit a dress shirt, and as all of these Flat Rate packages, has a 70 # weight limit.

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• 3rd is another FLAT RATE BOX (above) which also costs $ 8.95 to ship in the US.

This box has an I.D. of 11″ x 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, and would be similar to a size that would accommodate a stack of 6 red house bricks. Again, 70 # weight limit.

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The boxes are free, and will be delivered to your front door in a week or so, by placing your order at the USPS web site (your local Post Office should also carry them, but it may be necessary to ask, as they may be behind the counter). Later, free pick up of the items you have packaged can also be scheduled with the US Postal Service. More info can be found at “usps.com”.

There are many other Priority mail packages & supplies to choose from on the USPS website, and all except those with postage already attached should be free. The Flat Rate boxes are Priority Mail items, and they can be found through a link, by searching Supplies here –> USPS.com

eBay & USPS also offer some of the Priority mail boxes branded with the eBay logo in a few of the common sizes. They may be found here –> supplies.usps.com

Also, with regards to eBay, if you use the option to “Print Shipping Label” in “My eBay”" after a buyer has won, and paid for the item, there is now an option for you to print the US Postal Priority Flat rate Envelope or Box shipping label right on your own printer, by paying for it through PayPal.

The US Postal Service web site also allows you to print Postage labels directly to your printer. This is useful for those not involved with eBay, or for those wishing to print their postage for other needs. Also, when printing postage at the USPS web site you may use your debit or credit card(s) to set up, and pay for, that shipping process. There is also an online address book you can work with.

It is very easy and straight forward after you try it a few times.

Also, by using Priority mail, your customer, or recipient gets the items quickly. Secondly, if you ship with one of the many USPS Priority mail boxes, that are free of charge (as opposed to the average single box price of between $1.50 to 4.50) you offset your shipping fees, by adding speed and reliability to the shipment.

By printing your label online you will also automatically be able to look up any delivery confirmations, and by adding either a signature confirmation, or the reasonably priced insurance, to the shipment you should have all the protection you need should something happen along the way. The tracking information, for your shipments is also available to you, or the recipient, online, at the USPS web site.

* Please note though, that the USPS online tracking runs a few days behind what you might be used to with some of the other online services. So, do not panic, as it will always shows up, just not as quick as you would wish.

Let it also be noted that Priority mail travels by air, which is very gentle on the shipment. With reasonable care taken in your packaging it is very likely you will never see any damage claims. We have yet to have a damaged Priority mail shipment. Also remember though, that when shipping by other Postal methods such as Media Mail, or Parcel Post, for example, that your shipment may be subjected to bouncing around in the back of a semi trailer for a few days.

This article mainly refers to articles shipped inside the US, but Priority mail is availabe for shipments leaving the US.

* The envelopes are $9.00 to Canada and Mexico, and $11.00 to all other countries.

* The boxes are $23.00 to Canada and Mexico, and $37.00 to all other countries.

Lastly, the boxes and envelopes, as pictured here, are being redesigned to a different style by USPS at this time.

Vote below if you want.

Thank you for the interest.

Hornwaddler

April 22nd, 2008 | Category: Businesses for Sale | Leave a comment