Sian Gipslis - eBay
POSTED 23.07.2009 @ 16:49
So, what are the tricks?
For the shopper who hasn’t bought much on eBay, start bidding or buying smaller items, then as you build up your confidence you can buy items of greater value. Before you start bidding on anything you need to do your research. It’s crucial to know how much you’re prepared to pay.
Search the site thoroughly as you never know where bargains will pop up. Try using multiple search terms as often designer items have been listed in the wrong category, or their titles are misspelt.
It’s important to pay attention to the details in the item description – don’t just look at the pictures. If you’re buying clothes, it’s always worth asking for the measurements and then comparing them to those of a similar item that fits you well.
If you find someone selling great designer clothing, save them to your ‘favourite seller’ list so you can keep track of any new items they put online. And subscribe to their store newsletters for regular updates on their listings.
And remember, when buying vintage pieces you can’t expect them to be in new condition unless it’s described as ‘mint’. You’re buying a unique item and minor signs of wear can be part of the vintage lucky dip.
What kind of research should you do?You’re going to need a game plan – especially if you have a budget to stick to. Write a wish list of all the items you’re after. Look through magazines and catalogues and write down prices to compare them on the net. Then, set a dollar limit beside each item. Vowing not to exceed your limits will help prevent impulse buys.
Are eBay stores more reliable than personal sellers?
It’s a personal choice and both options have their advantages. You’re bound to find a bargain either way. Before buying from either you should get to know your trading partner. Check a seller’s feedback to get a good idea of what to expect in the transaction. A feedback rating of 98 per cent or more indicates the seller is reliable and trusted in the eBay community.
Can you really score bargains on brand new stuff? There’s a wide variety of online stores on eBay, as well as individual sellers, who sell brand new items. In fact, a study conducted found that these products on eBay were found to be on average 25.2 per cent cheaper than the same products offline. If you’re not a fan of buying pre-loved clothing you can narrow your searches by opting to only look for brand new items with or without tags using the advanced search option. It’s important to read the item’s description carefully to ensure there’s no misunderstanding about whether the item you’re purchasing is new or not. If you’re unsure, ask the seller to confirm.