Tips for Buying on Ebay

As promised, here's my few tips and tricks for buying on Ebay.
And let me tell you, I've gotten some fantastic deals and I've also gotten some awful duds.

Many of my friends complain that they don't shop on Ebay because "I can't try it on or return it, I'm stuck with it! What if I don't like it?"

The way I look at it is that if I'm buying five blouses, blazers, tops, whatever, each for about $10, probably four of them will work out and one of them won't.
But mathematically, it just means I paid $50 for four usable pieces, so only $13 for each usable piece (give or take). Still much cheaper than buying at retail, so it's a risk I'm willing to take.

Anyway, on to shopping!

Finding Your Item

Make sure your search term isn't too specific. Type in a word or two (such as a brand and size) and narrow down results using the categories on the left hand side.

Think outside the box when it comes to search terms. Try using similar phrases (such as "denim" and "jeans") and also try misspelling the word to find auctions where the seller made a mistake in the listing.

If you have a favorite brand that you always buy from, start there. Or do you have a designer brand that you wish you could own, but it's too expensive? Try typing them in and see what's out there.

Also make sure to take advantage of the advanced search feature. It allows you to narrow down the search results by how soon the auction is ending, location of the seller, and a bunch of other requirements.

Advanced search also allows you to save your favorite searches and have any new results e-mailed to you on a daily basis. This feature is a god-send, because really, the way to get the best deals is to check in daily. But who has time for that?

Buyer Beware

Just a few things to keep your buying experience pleasant and prevent duds from showing up on your doorstep:

Check measurements. Sizes vary even within a brand, so always check the measurements of the garment to make sure that it fits.

Check seller's ratings. I'm a little hesitant to go below a 99% positive rating, although I'm bidding right now with a seller who has a 96% rating (A Philip Lim skirt! For $11!) because I took a look into her feedback and since she's only sold to 12 people, one negative feedback for slow shipping brought her down to a 96%. So use your judgement.

Check shipping charges. A great deal may not be so great after all of the shipping charges. So make sure to include that in the price so you aren't surprised at the end of the auction.

If there's ever an issue with the item you receive, the seller you are buying from, ect. ect. head right on over to the Ebay conflict resolution center. Ebay is a very buyer-oriented experience, so they will probably resolve the issue in your favor.

And if you ever have any questions at all, message the seller. Most of them are more than happy to provide additional information or pictures.

Bidding

There are really two ways to deal with bidding. Go the cheap route or the necessities route.

If you're cheap (like moi) definitely snipe auctions.
I know it's a bit low and I know it's a cheap shot. But man,  does it work.
Just hold off bidding until the last few minutes of an auction, then bid your highest amount. It doesn't give the other bidders a time to raise their bid and it keeps the auction low.
Also, there are people out there that you can pay to snipe an auction for you. Not sure if it's worth the price, but they're out there.

However, if you don't have the time or it's something that's necessary in your life, just start off bidding the highest amount you are willing to pay, plus a dollar or two to protect against snipers. Then, sit back and let the Internet gods decide.

Be a Good Buyer

Just a few ways you can help keep the Ebay community running smoothly.

Realize that the sellers are people too. Sometimes they make mistakes.
Also realize that you are buying used clothing (unless otherwise stated). Don't expect for it to have that "brand-new from the store" clothes smell or look.
Always pay what you bid on. There's nothing more frustrating than having to put in a "have not received payment" case. If you are having trouble paying, just message the seller. Communication is key.
If you had an unpleasant experience and are about to leave negative feedback, talk to the seller. See if you can resolve the issue.
Also, read the description, the whole description. Nobody likes surprises.


Anyway, that's my basic beginner's guide to buying from Ebay. Are there any tips that I'm missing?

My Dream Tote

For any of you who have not heard my of my obsession with these London Fog Audrey totes, now you know.
I'm slightly obsessed, ever since I stopped some girl because I needed to know what bag she was carrying.
Yes, it was a necessity.

London Fog Tote

I'm in the market for a  new tote for the school year, and so while trolling on ebay I saw this little beauty.

However, I just found this same bag in black patent (which I'm now bidding on) so I thought I'd share the deal.

Reserve price is $47
Bidding is at $47 with 1 day and 10 hours left.

Give Me a Sec....

I'm almost tempted. Almost. Except that I've sworn off bootcut (makes my legs look awkward for some reason.)
But if you haven't, and you have tastes like mine... check out this deal on Ebay:

Yup. Those are Hugo Boss leather pants, size 2 currently at $0.01.

Victory!

Yes my dears, this quirky, beautiful, Kenneth Jay Lane elephant bracelet is now being shipped to me after I just sniped it in the final moments.

Wah-cha!

So let's just do the math for a second.

Final price: $30

Kenneth Jay Lane enamel bracelet retail price: $225

That, ladies, is the thrill of the hunt. I'm so excited for this lovely elephant to join the rest of my jewelery zoo.

Score!!!

I've been working more hours than I'd like this past week (I figure I'm paying it forward because I'm going to need ALL the people I'm covering for now to cover for me over the holidays. Good karma right?)

The good part of the situation is that I had some cash left over. So I did a bit of ebaying.

Ebay and Etsy are really my preferred places to shop, and I'd like to say my ebaying skills are pretty decent, so here's what I nabbed this week:

This Diane Von Furstenburg "Domina" dress in pink, new with tags. Original price: $365

Ebay price: $70

Theory boyfriend blazer, new without tags. Original price: $385

Ebay price: $39.99

I probably shouldn't have bid for this dress (it wasn't on my list) but still... check out how cute the print is!and my closet always has room for another jersey wrap dress.

Lilly Pulitzer wrap dress, worn once. Original price: $150

Ebay price: $20

Total: $129.99

Which would've bought me approximately a sleeve (maybe half of the other sleeve too) of the Theory blazer on retail.

I'm so excited for the mail to come this week.

Breaking

Guys, I'm breaking. I know I shouldn't be shopping, and usually I can resist because I'll just say "When I'm able to, [insert thing] will still be there." However this WON'T.

I was on ebay because I'm selling a few things that I never wear. So I decided to take an innocent look around at some of my favorite designers, and I found this by Viktor and Rolf. I love their stuff, its so basic yet quirky

I was nonplussed. It's a gorgeous jacket, but lets be honest, there's no way I could afford it right? Most of their stuff starts at the $100 mark on ebay.

The price is $18.99 with one day left, in my size.

It's absolutely killing me.

*sigh*

The Obsession

My friends, I'm sorry to say that I have a new obsession. Its starting to become a problem. First I convinced myself that it was ridiculous, then impractical, and now I simply I must have it.
My item of obsession? A leather skirt.
Please, get rid of thoughts of hoochy club girls and Harley riding babes. My leather skirt is more from Philip Lim and Hermes, in my usual prim and proper pencil and a-line skirt form
Of course, these are a little out of my price range. Considering I'm not sure whether this is a flight of fancy or not (although I have been obsessing for about a month now) I'm not willing to pay much for this skirt. Here are a few that I've been eying on ebay.

This one by Diane von Furstenberg looks just like the Philip Lim skirt, however the bidding has gotten out of my price range.This Emanuel Ungaro skirt is simply a showstopper, but I think that for trying out this trend I want something a little more subtle since the leather is statement enough. However, if you had the personality to go with it this would be a find!I've bid on this Apostrophe high waisted a-line skirt. Perfect. Classic, clean shape with the added edge of black leather. I'm picturing wearing this with a girly blouse and heels with thick black tights for a night out, and with a cozy wrap sweater, flats and a t-shirt during the day. Either way, if I win this it would be a welcome addition to my closet (fingers crossed!)

Ebay Madness

I love ebay almost as much as Marshalls. (I love Marshalls more because its an instant gratification thing, plus I don't have to pay shipping). This week for some reason the stars aligned and I managed to snag a lot of what was on my list of things I (mostly) need.

School bag/everyday tote (Its reminiscent of my Dooney and Bourke red patent leather tote I'm in love with. However, this one was a bit more within my budget and is still lovely): Nine West, new with tags, and $45 from $85.
Trouser jeans (just for fun): Seven for All Mankind, new with tags, $30 from $165.

Tops that are not T-shirts: BCBG Blouse, new without tags, 19.99 and assuming the original price was much higher.

Denim Shorts (I know, can you believe that I don't own a pair of well fitting denim shorts?? The closet clean out was crazy I tell you!): American Eagle denim shorts, $15 from $39.95.

Shirt dress: J. Crew shirt dress, $30 from something at least twice that. (This one had a little mix up in the mailing address, and should hopefully be on its way to me soon, hopefully before I leave for school. Crossed fingers!)

Black Pumps (These would've been helpful for my internship earlier this summer. Better late than never I guess): BCBG black pumps, new without tags, $19.99
My polyvore vest: BCBG Max Azria, new without tags, $21

All in all I think it was a pretty good haul this week. I'm so excited for fall! Now I just need to go by target and get some knee-high socks....