Secrets From an eBay Fashion Addict

By Sara Verni

      I bought a gorgeous new pair of this season's Fendi boots for only $220.00 US (retail price is $1100.00 US). I also bought a new off-white Coach clutch purse for $60.00 US (Store's retail price is $140.00 US). In fact, my entire wardrobe is filled with designer clothes, shoes and accessories that I have purchased for a fraction of their retail price. How? I shop online at eBay.

Like my friends, you're probably in disbelief. Last week we all went out for dinner. I tucked my jeans inside my Fendi boots to show off the black suede and gorgeous folded cuff. My friends noticed them right away. The compliments didn't stop all night. At dinner, one of my friends asked where I got them and how much I paid. When I told her there was dead silence, followed by "how do you buy designer fashions online?". Everyone looked puzzled as if I had just explained a new theory of relativity.

We then entered an interesting conversation about online shopping. Some think I'm crazy. They say that they would never shop online. They need to touch the fabric and try on the clothes before they buy. The others think I have too much time on my hands and yet they want to get in on the deals.

The funny part is they believe I'm the only one capable of shopping on eBay. They ask me to buy clothes for them, afraid they might make a mistake. The reality is anyone can do it, just follow these simple rules:

1. Know the value of the merchandise: It is important to know if an item on eBay is listed at less than its regular price. You will be upset if you pay more for an item online than it sells for at a department store. Peruse catalogues and visit shops to know the retail price of an item. When shopping online, read the item description closely to find the material, as well as whether it is new or used. Both help determine its value.

2. Look for key words: When buying designer items, look for the word "authentic" in the item title or description. Beware of descriptions that say "designer-like" or "designer-style". Most likely these items are knock-offs. Also, locate misspelled listings – they are likely to have fewer bidders.

3. Know your measurements: Most power-sellers include size charts with their garments or will have exact measurements in the item's description. Keep in mind that a used item may have stretched or shrunk from its original size.

4. Check feedback: Always look at the seller's feedback. This feature rates sellers on service. They don't need to have 100 per cent positive feedback. For example, a seller who has sold more than 500 items and has 98 per cent positive feedback is more credible than a seller who has sold three items with 100 per cent positive feedback. Their rating should be at least 95 per cent and the more items they've sold the better.

5. Check delivery charges and payment methods: An item usually lists delivery charges. Keep this in mind when bidding. If a listing does not specify the delivery charges ask the seller BEFORE bidding. All auctions require the buyer to pay for shipping and handling unless stated otherwise. As for payment methods, PayPal is the most common. Again, check which payment methods are accepted before bidding.

   

6. Check location: If possible, bid only on items that are from the country where you reside to avoid being slapped with a customs surcharge. Be cautious of sellers from Asia as they produce a lot of replica (fake) items.

7. Don't be afraid to ask questions: eBay shopping is straightforward to find exactly what you want because a photograph and description accompanies almost every item. However, if you are not provided with enough information, feel free to ask questions about an item. Ask questions BEFORE bidding, though. This is proper eBay etiquette and will save you and the seller from frustration.

8. Don't bid too early: Wait until the last ten minutes of the auction to put in your maximum bid. Bidding too early can raise the price of an item. It also decreases your chances of winning the auction. I learned this the hard way a year ago when I bid on a fabulous Roberto Cavalli dress three days before the auction ended. I was outbid in the last half-hour of the auction. I wanted the dress so badly that I entered a higher maximum bid. I was outbid again in the last five minutes of the auction. I bid again. I won the auction but spent much more on the dress than I intended.

9. Look at the seller's other items and eBay Stores: Many eBay power-sellers have an eBay store where you can find great items at low buy-it-now prices. Look at the seller's other items or their eBay store if you need an item in another size or color. Also, if you have interest in buying more than one item from the same seller, ask for combined shipping to save money. Periodic visits to eBay stores help me find exactly what I want. You can buy styles that are impossible to find anywhere else. This is ideal for anyone who lives in an area with limited access to stores and outlets. I always do an eBay stores search in addition to a regular search because sometimes different items pop-up. Some of my favorite eBay stores include bm-co, prada-m and designer-exchange.

10. Relax: Remember that eBay shopping is safe. Both eBay and PayPal have fraud protection programs that are effective. I recommend that you do NOT make any purchases outside of eBay as you will not be protected, regardless of how attractive an offer from a seller may seem. Remember that eBay works on an effective feedback system and that the majority of fraudulent transactions are reported to the eBay community.

Once you get into it you'll find that the reward is well worth the effort. At first, I was hesitant to shop online. But now that my entire wardrobe consists of designer shoes and brand name clothing, I am hooked. Shopping for clothes on eBay costs a fraction of original prices without having to waste time rummaging through sales racks at department stores. Your eBay shopping experience will be uncomplicated and valuable, and you'll have the best wardrobe imaginable.