So…Did You Actually READ the Ad?

Are you a member of one of the many Facebook dance costume resale groups out there in Internet Land (like this one)? If you are, you know how helpful they can be for finding exactly what you need in a costume crisis. Not sure what I mean? Here’s how…

Let’s say that one of the costumes for a group dance doesn’t quite fit one child, but the manufacturer has no more available in stock in the size you need. Or perhaps your dancer is looking for a stunning, one of a kind costume for a solo that needs to go beyond what can typically be found in a catalog. Maybe the costume for a trio came in, and the look of it just is not what you expected. Or perhaps a group’s entire order is backordered due to supply chain and shipping delays. Each of these is a serious issue, and will probably need a quick resolution.

Where To Turn

To solve your problem, turn to one of the Facebook costume resale groups to reach out to a whole community of dance families! Dance parents that are searching for a specific costume can place an ISO (in search of) ad to see if any members of the community have what they need. Most even include a picture for reference so that everyone has a general idea of what the poster is seeking.

If you already belong to one of these groups, you have probably seen instances where the ISO poster winds up getting exactly what she needs. Holes are filled, problems are solved, and everyone lives happily ever after in these situations.

Not QUITE What You Expected

However, you have also probably seen suggested offerings that in no way match the ISO poster’s description. Requests for one piece costumes are met with pictures of midriff-baring two pieces. Would-be sellers reply with pics of dresses when a leotard was requested. Posters asking for a dark, plain unitard for a contemporary piece are spammed with pictures of flowy pastel skirts that have more rhinestones on them than stars in the sky. I myself have had to re-read the description in the original posts, just to make sure I understood what was requested in the first place, when I see some of the replies.

Perhaps these well-intentioned mamas simply misunderstood the specifications in the post. Or maybe they’re just desperately trying to get rid of the mounds of costumes that are flowing out of every spare closet, box, and garment bag. Whatever the case, the mismatch can lead to some downright hilarious suggestions.

ISO Common Sense

At the very least, I have only seen respectful responses when these misfires happen. My original thought (for some of them, at least) is something along the lines of: “Oh Lord, did you even READ the ad?” Thankfully, the ISO posters have more restraint than that when they’re typing their replies.

Many of the seekers will write “a ‘like’ is a polite pass.” Whoever came up with that idea is a genius! This smart technique allows the ISO poster to say “no thanks” without sounding negative. It also helps them to avoid the temptation of writing something a little snarkier, like “WTH?!” 

Seller Beware

If you do join one of these groups, do everyone a favor and respond to these ISO ads only with suggestions that come close to the poster’s description. You’ll save everyone time, effort, and frustration. But if you’re placing an ad, be prepared to sift through some pretty out-there replies before finding what you need (and use the “a like is a polite pass” thing to save you some sanity).

While buyers and sellers alike should beware, joining one of the Facebook dance costume resale pages is a great way to save money on costumes. Check out these other Money-Saving Tips for Dance Moms!