Category: vintage

Reseller & Thrift Shopper Lingo: A Simple Guide to Online Selling Acronyms (For Buyers + Sellers)

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If you’ve ever been scrolling through Marketplace, eBay, Instagram shops, or other buying/selling platforms and thought…

“What the heck does NWT mean?”

…you’re not alone.

Reselling has its own shorthand language. Sellers use acronyms to save space (especially in platforms with limited title characters), and experienced shoppers use them to quickly understand condition, pricing, and buying options.

This guide breaks down the most common reseller acronyms in plain English — so everyone (buyers and sellers) can speak the same language.

Why Reseller Acronyms Matter

For buyers:

Knowing the lingo helps you:

    •    understand an item’s condition

    •    spot better deals

    •    avoid misunderstandings before you purchase

For sellers:

Using the right terms helps you:

    •    save time in descriptions

    •    attract the right buyer faster

    •    increase trust by being clear and accurate

But here’s the truth: not everyone knows these terms, so clarity always wins

The Most Common Reseller Acronyms (And What They Mean)

✅ Condition Acronyms

NWT — New With Tags

The item is brand new and still has original tags attached. Example: “NWT Zara blouse, never worn.”

NWOT — New Without Tags

The item is brand new but the tags are missing or removed. Example: “NWOT dress, tried on but never worn.”

EUC — Excellent Used Condition

The item has been used but looks great — minimal signs of wear. Example: “EUC sneakers, worn twice.” I have also seen GUC which stands for Good Used Condition.

NOS — New Old Stock

This one confuses a lot of people! It means the item is older inventory that was never sold or used — often vintage or discontinued items. It may still have tags, packaging, or labels, but the key is: new, but from the past. Example: “NOS vintage Levi’s, deadstock 90s.”

✅ Tip for buyers: NOS doesn’t always mean “perfect.” Some NOS items show age-related wear (storage marks, slight yellowing, box wear).

📦 Packaging Acronyms You’ll See a Lot

These acronyms are super common:

NIB — New In Box. Brand new and still in the original box.

NIP — New In Package. Brand new and still sealed in packaging (often plastic packaging).

NRFB — Never Removed From Box. The item has literally never been taken out of its original box. These are popular in collectibles, toys, electronics, and giftable items.

💰 Pricing & Buying Acronyms

BIN — Buy It Now. This means the price listed is the “buy it immediately” price (no auction needed). Common on eBay, but people use it everywhere now.

OBO — Or Best Offer. The seller is open to offers. It doesn’t always mean they’ll accept low offers — it simply means they’re willing to negotiate.

DOND — Deal or No Deal. This means buyers make offers on items posted without a set price, and the seller responds with “Deal” (accepting) or “No Deal” (rejecting, often inviting a counteroffer) creating a fun, negotiation-style sale. This is typically found in social media groups, until an agreed upon price is reached and the item is marked “Sold”.

MMAO —Make Me An Offer. The seller is open to offers on the item and wants the buyer to name the price. This often results in some back and forth negotiation before you come to an agreed upon price.

✅ Buyer tip: A respectful offer is usually within 10–20% of the asking price (unless the item has been sitting a long time).

🔎 Reseller Research + Strategy Acronyms

COG — Cost of Goods. This is the amount the seller paid for the item before selling it. Example: If someone bought a jacket for $8 at Value Village and sells it for $40, the COG is $8.

COMPS — Comparables. “Comps” are the sold prices of similar items, used to estimate value.

✅ Important: In reselling, the best comps are based on sold listings, not just what someone is asking for an item.

BOLO — Be On The Lookout. This is a reseller term for something worth grabbing if you see it — because it sells quickly or has higher value. Example: “BOLO for vintage Pyrex, certain patterns sell fast.”

Extra Acronyms You’ll See in Thrift + Vintage Circles

VTG — Vintage. Often used in listing titles to save space.

✅ Quick tip: “Vintage” doesn’t always mean the same thing to everyone, so sellers may want to add an approximate era:

    •    “Vintage 80s”

    •    “Vintage 90s”

    •    “Vintage (approx. 20+ years old)”

MCM — Mid-Century Modern. A design style popular from roughly the 1940s–1960s, with clean lines, warm wood tones, and retro vibes.

AOP — All Over Print. Common in T-shirt listings: it means the graphic covers most or all of the shirt (not just a small chest logo).

✅ Best practice for sellers: Use acronyms plus plain language, especially in your description.

Example: “NWOT (new without tags) — never worn, stored in a smoke-free home.”

✅ Best practice for buyers: If you’re unsure, just ask! A good seller won’t mind clarifying.

How to Use These Terms Without Confusing People

Sellers: use “acronym + meaning” at least once

Especially for Marketplace and casual shoppers.

Example:

    •    “EUC (excellent used condition)”

    •    “OBO (open to reasonable offers)”

    •    “NOS (new old stock, never used)”

Buyers: remember that condition words can be subjective

“EUC” to one person may still mean minor wear. The best thing you can do is:

    •    look closely at photos

    •    ask for measurements

    •    ask about flaws directly

Quick Reseller Lingo Cheat Sheet

Here’s the fast version:

    •    NWT = New With Tags

    •    NWOT = New Without Tags

    •    EUC = Excellent Used Condition

    •    NOS = New Old Stock

    •    NIB = New In Box (sometimes seen as BNIB = Brand New In Box)

    •    NIP = New In Package

    •    NRFB = Never Removed From Box

    •    BIN = Buy It Now

    •    OBO = Or Best Offer

    •    DOND = Deal or No Deal

   •    MMAO = Make Me An Offer

    •    COG = Cost of Goods

    •    COMPS = Comparables (sold prices of similar items)

    •    BOLO = Be On The Lookout

    •    VTG = Vintage

    •    MCM = Mid-Century Modern

    •    AOP = All Over Print

   •    DM = Direct Message (the seller)

   •    ISO = In Search Of

Final Thought: The Best Listings Are Clear Listings

Reseller acronyms are useful, but the best buying and selling experiences happen when everyone understands what’s being offered.

If you’re a seller, clarity builds trust.

If you’re a buyer, knowing the lingo helps you shop smarter.

And if you’re new? Welcome to the club — we all had a “What the heck is BOLO??” moment at some point 😂 What acronyms are you seeing and what would you add to this list? Add in the comments below.

Angela G. Gentile

Credit / Source

This article was inspired by a reseller lingo post originally shared on Instagram by Don’t B Trippin It’s Jus Flippin. Full credit to the original creator for the acronym list and inspiration for this educational guide. I edited it with the help of ChatGPT.

From Malls to Meaning: How I Fell Out of Love with Big-Box Shopping

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by Angela Gentile – GA Vintage & Gentle Angel Treasures

For most of my life, shopping meant malls, bright lights, and endless rows of shiny, new products. Big-box stores were my go-to for almost everything. I liked the convenience, the variety, and the thrill of finding something new. I even liked the smell of new — walking into a store that smelled like plastic, chemicals, perfume, and fake fragrances was something I grew accustomed to.

But over the past few years — especially since diving into my love for thrifting, vintage treasures, and handmade items — I’ve noticed a big shift in myself:

I rarely feel like going to the mall anymore. Those big-box aisles just don’t hold the same magic.

And here’s why.

1. The Thrill of the Hunt

When I walk into a thrift shop, antique store, or flea market, I don’t know what I’ll find — and that’s the fun of it. Every shelf holds a mystery. Maybe it’s a hand-painted vase from the 1950s, a brooch that’s seen decades of celebrations, or a hand-stitched tablecloth that someone poured hours of love into.

In contrast, big-box shopping feels predictable. Rows of identical items, mass-produced (usually made in China) and ready to be replaced the minute the “new season” arrives. Once you’ve experienced the joy of finding something truly unique, it’s hard to get excited about something you know thousands of other people have in their carts.

2. The Emotional Connection

Vintage and handmade items come with a story. Even if I don’t know every detail, I can feel the history in them. They’ve been loved, used, and cherished before — awaiting a new life.

New products rarely carry that weight of meaning. They’re just “things,” fresh from the factory, waiting for a story to begin.

3. Quality That Lasts

The more I thrift, the more I realize how well older items were made. Small hand-painted collectibles. Jewelry with intricate details. Dishes and glassware that have lasted decades without losing their charm.

Compare that to many new items today — lightweight, mass-produced, sometimes built to last only until the next trend rolls in. Once you know the difference, it’s hard to go back.

4. Better for the Planet

Every time we buy second (or third) hand, we keep something out of the landfill and reduce demand for new manufacturing. That means less waste, less energy use, and less strain on our planet. The same goes for handmade items — often created in small batches, with care, rather than churned out in massive factories.

5. The Happiness Psychology Behind It

There’s even a brain science reason for my shift. Thrifting is like a treasure hunt. When we find something unexpected and special, our brains release dopamine — that little “yay!” hit of happiness.

Big-box shopping? You usually know exactly what you’ll find. Without surprise, there’s less excitement.

My Personal Shopping Checklist

Before I buy anything new now (except for intimates and makeup), I ask myself:

  • Can I find this secondhand or handmade?
  • Will it last?
  • Does it make me feel something?

If the answer is “no” to most of those… I walk away.

Why This Matters to You

When you choose vintage, handmade, or secondhand, you’re not just buying an object — you’re preserving history, supporting small businesses, and giving beautiful things a new life. It is also more likely you are keeping your money in Canada at a time when the economy is counting on it.

That’s exactly what I do with GA Vintage and Gentle Angel Treasures. Every item I sell is chosen with care, for its charm, quality, and story. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a collectible, or home décor, it’s something that deserves to be loved again. Every piece of jewelry I make is “Made with Love.”

So next time you’re tempted by the mall, maybe try a different kind of shopping trip. Wander into a thrift store. Visit a local artisan market. Or browse my latest finds. You might be surprised by what you discover — and how good it feels to own something truly unique.

Let’s give the past a future — one beautiful item at a time.

(Written with the help of ChatGPT 5)

Top 10 In-Demand Vintage Jewelry Categories on eBay

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GA Treasures & Vintage Market Insight – updated July 2025

The following highlights current eBay watch counts, sold-item data, and 2025 style coverage into a quick-reference guide. It was written with the help of research by Chat o3. Prices are in Canadian dollars. I have added some examples of items that will give you an idea of what some of these pieces look like. I have also added a link to where more info on the items can be found, therefore credit given to the respective owners.


1. Art Deco Engagement & Cocktail Rings (1920-30s)

Art Deco Ring Screenshot – https://ebay.us/m/q3SWYh

Geometrics in platinum or white gold, calibre-cut coloured stones, and transitional-cut diamonds continue to headline 2025’s heritage trend. Authentic rings regularly qualify for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee.

Typical price range: $800 – 5,000+ (diamonds); $300 – 900 (coloured-stone platinum).

2. Carved Bakelite Bangles & Figural Brooches (1930-50s)

Ripley Auctions – Vintage Scottie Dog Bakelite Brooch Screenshot – https://www.ripleyauctions.com/auction-lot/vintage-bakelite-carved-figural-scottie-dog-brooc_4D44EA2B8D

Stacked lamination, “Philadelphia” style carving, cherries, Scotty dogs—collectors bid fast on rare colours or motifs.

Typical price band: $120 – 600 (bangles); exceptional brooches can top $ 1,000.

3. Signed Mid-Century Costume Sets – Trifari, Coro, Eisenberg, Weiss, Sherman

eBay – Vintage Sherman Parure Screenshot – https://ebay.us/m/KJ4jE0

Brand searches remain among the highest-volume keywords on eBay’s Terapeak tool. Full parures outsell singles roughly two-to-one.

Typical price range: $60 – 300 per brooch; $250 – 900 for complete sets (Sherman Aurora Borealis pieces often higher).

4. Native-American Sterling & Turquoise (Navajo, Zuni, Hopi)

Etsy – Vintage Navajo Cluster Cuff Bracelet Screenshot – https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1636753018/vintage-native-american-navajo-cluster?ref=share_ios_native_control

Squash-blossom necklaces, cluster cuffs, storyteller rings. Maker’s marks and natural stones drive value.

Typical price range: $150 – 1,500+ depending on size and artist.

5. Victorian & Edwardian Mourning / Hairwork Jewelry

eBay – Vintage Locket – https://ebay.us/m/PC3GSD

Jet, gutta-percha, onyx, and woven-hair lockets attract a devoted niche audience; many listings show 20–30 watchers.

Typical price range: $95 – 400 (brooches); gold-backed pieces climb higher.

6. Vintage CHANEL, Dior & Other Couture Logo Pieces (1970s-1990s)

eBay Sold – Christian Dior necklace and earring set – https://ebay.us/m/o8mq2g

CC medallion chains, Gripoix poured-glass crosses, CD earrings. Logo-mania and limited production runs keep demand high.

Typical price range: $500 – 2,500; boxed sets fetch a premium.

7. Scandinavian Modernist Sterling (Georg Jensen, David Andersen, Larin)

eBay – Vintage Minimalist Torque Necklace – https://ebay.us/m/HbPLYC

Minimalist torque necklaces and brutalist pendants enjoy a steady global buyer pool and limited supply.

Typical price range: $250 – 1,200; rare Jensen torques can top $2,000.

8. Hand-Carved Shell or Lava Cameos (1800s-1950s)

eBay – Hand-Carved Lava Cameo https://ebay.us/m/ydgK3r

Large (40 mm+) profiles or unusual subject matter stand out.

Typical price range: $80 – 500+; gold-framed examples escalate quickly.

9. Baroque Pearl Strands & Statement Earrings (1940s-1980s)

eBay – Vintage Akoya Baroque Pearl Necklace – https://ebay.us/m/wdlR6l

Irregular “keshi” or Akoya pearls match today’s designer obsession with organic forms.

Typical price range: $250 – 1,000 for quality Akoya; vintage faux bibs still clear $60+.

10. 1990s Chokers & Bold Gold-Tone Chains

eBay – Vintage Velvet Choker – https://ebay.us/m/5wtoHK

Velvet cameo chokers, heavy Napier collars, curb-link Y2K chains ride the ’90s nostalgia wave.

Typical price range: $30 – 180 (costume); designer couture much higher.

Check out ga-treasures on eBay to see what treasures are available for sale – https://www.ebay.ca/usr/ga-treasures

Angela Gentile

A Sparkling Past: What Vintage and Antique Jewelry Really Means

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Vintage, Retro, Mid-Century Modern, and Antique Jewelry (imagined by ChatGPT 4o)

Vintage – Retro – Antique. What does it all mean?

As a lover and avid hunter of older treasures, I have seen different definitions of what “vintage” means in the world of jewelry. My curiosity made me want to see what the consensus was in terms of definitions, so I asked ChatGPT 4o what the most widely accepted definition of vintage jewelry was. It was clearly stated and it is quite simply put:

Jewelry that is at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old is considered vintage.

This definition is commonly used by appraisers, dealers, and collectors. Here’s how it typically breaks down in the industry:

  • Antique: Over 100 years old
  • Vintage: 20 to 99 years old
  • Retro (a subset of vintage): Specifically from the 1940s–1950s

So, as of 2025, jewelry made between 1925 and 2005 would generally be considered vintage.

What are your thoughts on vintage jewelry?

Angela Gentile

Vintage Treasures – Crocheted Doilies and Table Runners

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On one of my treasure hunts at a local thrift store I came across this beautiful crocheted table runner. It is quite long (about 30”) and I started to think about the time, effort, and skill needed to handcraft such a beautiful heirloom. I asked ChatGPT 4.0 to give me more information on this timeless piece and it came up with some very interesting information which I will share here.

I used to have a few of these on my dark antique furniture and they had been purchased in Italy. They are long gone now.

This hand-crocheted table runner made of joined lace medallions, is often referred to as a motif table runner or a crochet lace doily table runner. Each round motif is typically called a pineapple motif, rose motif, or simply a floral medallion, depending on the specific design.

It appears to be made from fine cotton thread—likely mercerized cotton, giving it that soft sheen and durability. This type of thread was and still is common for intricate doilies and runners.

This type of work was especially popular between the 1930s to 1960s, with a resurgence in the 1970s during the craft revival. If this one was inherited or sourced from a vintage estate, it is likely from mid-20th century.

Each floral motif would have been hand-crocheted individually and then joined together in a grid-like arrangement. Based on the complexity and uniformity of the stitches, it was likely made by an experienced crafter.

A piece like this could take anywhere from 20 to 40 hours or more, depending on the skill of the crocheter. Each medallion may take 30–45 minutes to complete and join, and there are at least 60 motifs in the runner shown.

Value (2025 Estimate):

  • Market resale value (Canada/US): CAD $30–$85 depending on condition, local demand, and presentation.
  • Higher-end pricing (Etsy, vintage boutiques): up to CAD $120+ if marketed as “handmade vintage lace crochet table runner.”
  • Craftsmanship value (not resale, but to appreciate the work): priceless—these are often family heirlooms.

Tips for Selling or Displaying:

  • Mention that it is handmade vintage crochet, cotton thread, and highlight the floral motif pattern.
  • Use terms like cottagecore, grandmillennial, shabby chic, or French country—these styles are popular with decor buyers.
  • To display it: layer it over a dark or solid color to highlight the intricate work.

What a beautiful treasure I found. Do you have any memories of these beautiful furniture adornments? Can they be repurposed or made into other things?

How about this large framed doily (stains and all!) that I inherited from my grandmother. Is this worthy of putting up on a wall somewhere? If this doily could talk!

How many hours did this one take I wonder?

Share your thoughts below or send me an email by completing the contact form.

Angela Gentile

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Gentle Angel Treasures Pop-Up and Garage Sale This Weekend (Sat. May 10/25, 9-3 pm)

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I live in a beautiful, vibrant community in Winnipeg, Manitoba, that hosts The Whyte Ridge Community Garage Sale annually on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. The community is hopping that day and parking patrols are always out so watch where you park!

This year, in addition to having a Garage Sale, I will also be holding a Gentle Angel Treasures Pop-Up Sale! I will have my bracelets, earrings, spinner rings and some of my newly source vintage items. All forms of payment are accepted.

Whyte Ridge is a community area in the city of Winnipeg located in the south west corner, just south of Costco off Kenaston Blvd. We have tons of shopping, restaurants, and services in our area.

If you are free, please come by and see me at my Garage Sale and Pop-Up Sale on Saturday, May 10/25, 9-3 pm. Message me for my address if you don’t know where I am located. Hope to see you!

Angela Gentile

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Vintage Jewelry & Small Collectibles – Canada

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Facebook is a great platform for people to connect. I have been a member of many groups, and I have created, administered, and moderated many groups over the years. My latest group on Facebook for Vintage in Canada was created because I saw a need for a place where Canadians can join and share their love of vintage jewelry and small collectibles.

This new PRIVATE group is perfect for people who want to buy, sell, share information, get identification on items, as well as just enjoy other people’s collections. I want this group to be specific to Canadians so we can buy and sell items easily through our Canada Post mail. Vintage is anything 20 years or older by the way.

This group will grow and mature and I hope to see lots of fellow Canadians join.

Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1F3Ezc2WxX/

Have fun!

Angela Gentile