To eBay, or not to eBay?

Jyoti

I've been in a real dilemma the past few days, quickly becoming obsessed with a certain dress I'm sure I'll never be able to find in stores, but tearing my hair out at the inability to try it on and the crazy eBay markups.

http://www.nitrolicious.com/bl.....p11-03.jpg

Here it is. I'm sure some of you have seen it in H&M campaigns!

It originally retailed in store for about $20, and the cheapest one I can find on eBay is about $45.

I'm also not sure if it'll look good on me or if the size will be OK. For reference, I'm usually a size 2 or 4 at H&M and 5'1".

So what do you guys think? Is it worth trying to get from eBay? If so, what's the maximum price you think I should go up to? (I have one in mind, but I want your guys' opinions!)

Also, if anyone sees this in a local H&M in a size 2 or 4, I WILL GIVE YOU MY SOUL IF YOU GET IT FOR ME! (Also maybe some actual stuff like pieces of art. xD)

15 years ago

Shopping

10 replies

Latest reply was from bella

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Honestly, I wouldn't pay more for something on ebay than it would have cost retail.

15 years ago

rosee

Veteran

Ask the seller to give you very specific bust /waist /hip /length measurements to better help you decide. Some very popular but harder to get items get marked up on ebay, that is normal, but many things are below cost. If it's a current item, it's very unlikely that it will show up again in the future unless it's pre-owned.
Never give your soul for clothing -- worth too much to you, less so to the other person. Art would likely be a better trade for both.

15 years ago

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

Thank you guys.

@spaghetti: Yeah, that's one of the things I'm having trouble with, especially since I know H&M is not the kind of quality that I would pay more for. Interestingly, looking at older H&M "special collection" items on eBay, they tend to appreciate in value as they get older.

@rosee: Yeah, I'm seeing a bunch of these right now, but that's because its a fairly new item. I actually have never seen it in any of my local H&Ms (there's three!) and the first time I went and asked about it, I was told it was sold out all over the city. Don't worry, I was being very facetious about souls. xD And I don't intend to trade either, but pay, and tack on some artwork as an extra as appreciation. I've actually wanted to draw some of the outfits I've seen on YLF many times!

15 years ago

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to bump?

Anyone else have any thoughts? Still super anxious. xD

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I had my eye on an ebay H&M tiered dress/tunic for weeks. It, too, was higher than retail. I actually contacted someone who had purchased from a seller I was thinking of buying from. She gave me great details about the item as a fellow buyer - not as a seller looking to make a buck. Ends up an unbiased opinion from another buyer was priceless. I did not end up buying. Of course, not every eBayer will respond to an innocent request for one's opinion on a recently purchased item, but I have had luck twice with just such an email!

If you have never seen it in person I would wonder if pictures (of Giselle no less!) are enough to base an opinion on . . .

15 years ago

Jyoti

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the insight, Mo! That is an excellent idea!

LOL, yes, Gisele confuses the issue... but I just can't stop thinking about it's candy-confection-tiered-princess goodness. xD I'm mostly concerned about the length, and if the dress will overwhelm me. But I'm finding I just can't stop thinking about it...

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Jyoti, if it makes you feel better you got *me* hunting around for it! But in doing so I found measurements. 49 1/2 inches from the dress's bodice top (not strap) on either a size 4 or 6 I forget which. It is a Hong Kong seller with measurements in centimeters. I am going to live vicariously through you though.

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

If something is sold out in stores, ebay sellers exploit it for all it's worth. I tried getting my hands on the Miu Miu cat romper from Zara last year on ebay, and it was going for over $100.

The main reason I didn't end up getting it was because I hadn't tried it on, and I had no idea how it would look on me. Unless the seller offers returns, it isn't worth it. This isn't a designer piece or anything, so even if you were to re-sell it on ebay, it's not likely that you'd get back the money you paid.

15 years ago

Steph

Veteran

I think how much you pay is directly related to how much you want it. Now that the dress I was lusting after is gone forever, I know if I saw it on ebay marked up in price, I would definitely buy it. So I think it comes down to you. If it were me and there were several sellers, some who offered returns and were slightly more expensive, and others who didn't, I would go with the one who offers returns. If that's not possible (and even if it is), I would definitely ask for specific measurements, as rosee suggested.

15 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

One issue I want to bring up is the length. I am pretty petite as well, and there is a good chance that this dress being a maxi, it will be too long on you. It has a lining and all, so if you need to get it hemmed, it can get costly. Just another unforeseen expense that you might want to keep in mind.

15 years ago

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