How to ebay ?

Isabel

Some of you get such great things via ebay. Every time I go on I am completely overwhelmed by the shear amount. I feel the same way about Etsey.

How do you go about it ? Do you have a plan or follow sites that are specific to ebay and etsey ?

Thank you !!!!

14 years ago

Shopping

17 replies

Latest reply was from Mo

(website)

Veteran

I use the search tool. Say I want a blue shirt. I start with "blue top" under the category 'women's clothing'. Then I start to use the search modifiers down the left hand side of the results. You can choose price range, size, sleeve length, new with tags, etc. then you just scroll through the results When you see stuff you like, save it in your watch list. Compare them all when you are done searching.

14 years ago

Jilly

Active Member

I agree with everything Mo said. The only thing I would add is that you need to check regularly (like once a week) as new products are being added all the time.

14 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

I second what Mo said. If you know how a certain designer fits you, you're safer bidding on clothing items. Otherwise, I'd stick to accessories. I've actually tried on items in real life, noted the specifics, and then searched them out on Ebay! You can narrow your search terms pretty specifically. It's also good to check the most recent listings on a regular basis if there's something specific you're looking for (like Jilly said).

Good luck!

14 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

I'm more specific. I'm usually stalking a certain item or items of a specific brand, so I search based on the item/brand: i.e. equipment silk
Then I have to sort through to see what people are calling things - either blouse or shirt, etc.

Did you know you can search either/or stuff, like it might be called shirt or blouse, then you put those keywords in "()"s. Like this (shirt, blouse)

If you want to ignore certain words (as in I might search for Rebecca Minkoff Nikki, but not interested in Mini's), you can put the "-" sign in front to exclude items that have these words. Like this: -(mini, minis)

Searching ebay effectively is an art -- but it can be a valuable art, well worth the learning curve when you want to save $$, or find things you missed the first time around

14 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

I'm pretty much like Sara, I'm very specific about what I buy on Ebay. I only buy if I know a brand fits me or, even better, have tried on a specific style. I buy jewelry sometimes too but you have to really watch the measurements and scale. I ended up with a "Mr. T" necklace that I expected to be dainty. I'm also very careful about return policy and shipping cost. You don't want to get stuck with an expensive item and unfortunately many Ebay sellers don't have a return policy at all.

14 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

All good advice. I will add to always check the sellers feedback (and really read it) before bidding. Be sure the shipping policy is clear and if they have a discount for multiple purchases it is stated (or you can message them) If measurements aren't given I would ask because as the discussion on vanity sizing goes even known brands can vary sizes from year to year or even item to item.

14 years ago

Meredith1953

Veteran

I've never tried buying clothing off Ebay but I have bought computer related equipment. I'll have to see what the clothing part is like!

14 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Sizing inconsistencies are why I cannot reliably buy clothes from eBay. I don't like not being able to return things that don't work for me.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

OMG Meredith, it would not be an exaggeration to say 2/3 of my wardrobe has been purchased online, a good half of that on eBay! I would be naked, or broke, if it weren't for all the great deals I find on eBay. I should add that I'm pretty easy to fit in ready to wear off the racks clothes though.

EDIT: and I ALWAYS check for measurements and ask if none are listed.

14 years ago

Isis

Veteran

Some ebay sellers allow returns, some with a restocking fee.....

There is also an art to bidding. The most sensible advice I've heard is to bid at the last minute so as not to start a bidding war......google around to find bidding advice....

14 years ago

machanteuse (Lori)

Active Member

If I'm looking for something really specific I will save a search and have it email the new listings to me every day. But it has to be something that will only have a few new listings each day or else they won't all show in the email and you still have to click thru to eBay.

14 years ago

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Great comments!

First, check and really read (as Jjsloane said) the feedback from the seller. Also inspect return and shipping policy. Send the seller an e-mail if you have any questions! This will also give you a feel for their customer service.

A lot of sellers will photo pieces with a ruler on top of them so you can see what the actual garment measures. Actually, this method is rec'd by Kendall Farr for shopping in stores, as sizing is so unreliable these days. By measuring on the floor you don't waste time trying on a bunch of really ill-fitting garments.

Let's say you were looking for a straight skirt in a woven material. Take one that fits and measure around the waist, the hips, the hem, and the length. You can then compare these measurements to the item for sale for a very good idea on how it will fit. Many sellers (esp. of vintage items) will send you these measurements if you request them prior to sale.

In this picture, you can see that while flat the skirt's hips measure roughly 18" across. Double that for 36". You can compare this to *** similarly shaped items in similar fabrications *** for a very good idea of how the item will work on you. Lots of spandex, woven vs. knit, etc. will make a difference in fit.

HTH!! and best of luck! steph

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14 years ago

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

oh, and the more specific you can be in searches the better! for example, i search for "Fantasie bra 34E" - that way i'm not drooling over gorgeous bras that don't come in my size

You can also include the name of the item, like 'Fossil Savana 9.5M' for a shoe, or even ID or SKU #'s in some cases. You can look at the listings to get a feel for what particular info sellers of your item tend to include. steph

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I like it because I can set a limit; i.e.: $30. That's it. And it will auto bid me up to there. If I lose it, I lose it, I'm not emotionally attached

14 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I tend to just browse for things that are in my size/color, within a given price limit, and ask for measurements if necessary from there. To be truthful, though, I never buy anything particularly expensive on eBay so it's not a huge loss to me if something doesn't work out. It's basically an online thrift store for me, and I rarely pay more for anything than I would in the local charity shop.

14 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Wow, this is great !!! Thank you ladies !! So this is really not a place to browse..too much stuff.

Sara, I had absolutely no idea that one could add so many criteria. I have only bid on something once and it had to have been 5 years ago. Now that I am getting more into bags, I would like to buy on or two that I don't consider necessarily "basic"..which means I would rather not pay alot for them.

My first attempt may be a DVF dress...I have always wanted one.

14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Isabel, just beware of fakes when it comes to designer labels like DVF. I think there is even a write up somewhere on eBay about tips to look for. It's best if you can see it has a tag from a known store like Saks or whatever.

14 years ago

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