The Blonde Diaries

Budget shopping: Clothes on Ebay?

I will admit I am less than thrilled about rising inflation and minimal salary increases to combat inflation here in the US. I know I don’t have much to complain about as I have a decent job in a market that is doing really well but since the unknown is looming out there I’m trying to be good and live in “recession” mode as Mike calls it. Basically living below our means not slightly below. I am glad to say that we have never been the type to live at or above our means so we have no debt but changing from going to the mall every few weeks to going less than once a month has been hard. Same thing with going out to eat - going from twice to once or not at all - though my body is loving me for that one.

So this week I decided to give ebay another try. A few years ago I bought a few BCBG shirts on there for cheap so I thought maybe I should try again. I need to update my work wardrobe somewhat so might as well try budget shopping via ebay. So far I’m doing ok. I have won 2 items - neither work appropriate though and missed out on 2 others and have spent about $50 rather than the retail price of $250. I have a few items I’m watching as well but will probably pass as I really need to focus on work clothes!

Now ebay is one of those things that you really need to know a few things before jumping in especially if you are clothes shopping.

1. Know your brands and sizes - Ebay sellers don’t allow returns like Macy’s so make sure you know what size you are before buying.  I pop into Nordstroms and Saks every few months to try on clothes I like to see what size I am so that I am always current for ebay purposes.
2. Know your prices - Not everything is a bargain on Ebay.  Know the generalities on how much specific brands you are looking at costs and which items are currently selling or maybe at the outlet (and potentially cheaper than on ebay).  Thanks to online shopping at major department and retail stores this is fairly easy.
3. Pay attention to the seller’s stock - Sellers with a ton of the same exact item could be selling a knockoff at a high price.  This mainly occurs with sellers who are not in North America or Europe.
4. Read feedback - not sure about buying on ebay - read the feedback score of your potential seller focusing on the recent 6 months of activity.  If you don’t like the reviews find another seller with similar items.
5. Set a price you are willing to pay for a particular quality - meaning if its used maybe you don’t want to spend more than $20 + shipping versus a new with tags item you might spend more on.
6. Read the terms of the auction and the quality of the item in the description.  Be aware that some sellers only take paypal or only ship on certain days.  If you don’t like the terms or the descriptions walk away.