How to compete with apparel sellers from China on ebay: Niche marketing to subcultures

So many people I speak to feel the only way to compete with sellers from China is to sell "name brand" apparel.  There's a ton of trendy and fashionable clothing coming in to ebay from China based sellers at rock bottom prices making it hard for US sellers to compete.

Punk rock girl - NYC street style.  Photo:  Dutch Benendez

Find him on facebook

One way to stand apart from the crowd is to market to niche subcultures.  Keywords are all important as well as knowing who you are targeting and what subcultures you might be able to cater to.
If you just focus on the average "fashion" customer your sales will be "average" as well!  Why not take top dollar for your items by working smarter, not harder using niche category keywords and better photos?

The author and her fashion illustrations. 

I've always been a creative type, designing clothes for my Barbies as a child and moving to NY to study fashion at FIT. I was heavy into the goth scene with a touch of punk rock spirit as well.  I moved to LA and became a clothing designer, designing swimwear but my heart has always been in alternative fashion.  This is where the niche marketing comes into play.  Know your subcultures!
Who are your customers?  Are they into:

Punk
Goth
Steampunk
Ravers
NuGoths
Victorian
Gothic Lolitas
Rockabilly
Swing
Psychobilly
Metal Heads
Cyber or Cyber Goths
Industrial
Emo
Dance
Screamo
Hardcore
Glam Rock

EBM
Scene Kids
Cosplay kids
Into Reggae
Ska / Rude Boys
Vampires
90's style club kids
Visual Kei (Japanese gothic scene)
90's fashion revival such as grunge looks


Vive Le Rock!  May all your sales be rockin' and customers
will come a knockin'!

About the author:
Anna Hartzog is the buyer for Bella Anya.  She is on the road up to three days a week pounding the streets of LA from Sunset and Robertson to downtown LA.  Rock and roll dreams become your store's reality from Hot Topic rock tees and body jewelry to black "liquid leather" pvc lace-up leggings.  Ten points bonus if you can guess her age!

Need help with custom buying for your ebay store or boutique?  Contact us for all your designer apparel closeout and liquidation needs at www.ShopBellaAnya.com