Selling Handkerchiefs

If you want to sell your handkerchiefs for the best price, you must present your item so it attracts the potential buyer. The visual first impression is extremely important, and no amount of words will get the viewer of your auction to look closer. Here are some hints to get top dollar for your hanky.

To catch the eye of the browser, be sure to include a gallery photograph. Think of this as being like a billboard-- the viewer ought to be able to know at a glance what you are selling. The pic will draw them in to take a closer look. Don't be frugal and skip this option.
It takes money to make money. A group photo of a large lot, taken at a distance, leaves the viewer guessing at what they are buying-- and many of us don't like to gamble on unknown merchandise. If you have nice things to sell, be sure to let people know it with detailed photos. Few browsers will want to wade through a long desrciptive list unless you hook them first with the visual.
Take several digital photos of the hanky. Natural, indirect light is perfect. Use a flash if the room is darker.
As hanky fabric is often sheer and opaque, under a flashthe background will show through to some degree. Placing the hanky against ansolid, non-reflectivebackground helps. Remember, a pure white background with white hankies makes it hard to see the edges. White also dilutes colors next to it. On the other hand, black makes colors more vivid next to it.
Always unfold your hanky, and show its full design. The visual impact of the geplete design is always more dramatic than a corner or wedge-shaped slice of a folded hanky. You can include a second shot of the detailed corner design. Take the photo directly head-on.
Take the time to correct your digital photos. Brighten the photo so the actual colors are shown. Crop the photo to remove distracting elements. Save the photo for web publishing to speed uploads.
photo 1: a digital photo without lighting correction

photo 2: same hanky after lighting is corrected.

photo 3: detail of corner art and tag shows the colors better


Tell the potential buyer in words what they will get. If you are offering a crafter's lot, please state the condition of the hankies. If they are mint, tagged, unwashed, let them know. Stains, tears, holes should be noted. Always include any names on the hanky, as collectors seek certain designers. Give the size of the hanky. And if you know the provenance, please include it.
A hanky that has been folded does not photograph well. The ridges create shadows and the impact of the design is lost. If you are unwilling to ironthe hankyfor fear of hurting the hanky and its value, try laying it flat under a towel and lay a heavy item over it to flatten it. But, if the hankies are in an original box do not remove them at all! Keep them folded!
Vintage, previously washed and used hankies may need washing. Buy a vintage textilesoak to remove storage stains from wood contact. Old-fashioned bluing can brighten whites. Do not bleach or machine wash vintage hankies. Do not dry them on wood. Hand wash then lay them flat on a towel, or hang from plastic hangers.You can also squeeze out the excess moisture and flatten against a mirror--they will dry wonderfully! Cotton and linen hankies iron well, but be carefully to set your iron temperature low for rayon, silk, and nylon.Iron embroidered and appliqued hankies with 3-D elements with an old towel underneath. Linenlooks well when lightly starched.
Never store textiles in wood or paper. The tannins will leave stains. Storage in plastic has its own problems, as humidity trapped in the plastic can create mold. Textiles should be stored in fabric.
Good luck and I hope to see your hankies on okay soon!