Buying a T-shirt on eBay is about the same as buying anything on eBay. You really don't know what you are getting until it arrives. I'm sure everyone has experienced the T-shirt sales 4, 5, 6 T-shirts for $10!!  These vendors seem to line the streets of tourist towns.  But, the T-shirts they offer are worth just about that!  Within the first washing or two, the decal has worn off or cracked to the point of being usable only to wash the car!

CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!!!!

So, I ask you, what do you expect when you find a similar deal on eBay?  Do you expect to get better quality shirts from eBay sellers, who don't even have to look you in the eye long enough to take your money?  I expect to find the same quality, or worse, if the price is ridiculously low for brand new T-shirts.

$$$$$

Consider the fact that the seller has to buy the shirts himself from the wholesaler, or middleman. That means he has invested money into the T-shirts and must sell at a profit (his costs, of course include the cost of running his eBay store, listing, FVF, packaging and printing, and Paypal fees, if he accepts credit card payments through Paypal.)  So, let us presume he is able to purchase his T-shirts from the wholesaler for $8.50 per shirt.  He would have to sell these shirts for at least $14.00 to realize a profit. So, while the single T-shirts might be able to be found for a lot less, (as in, "I got this T-shirt for Christmas from Aunt Judy and it was WAY too small, so I'll sell it on eBay for a couple of bucks") if the seller specializes in carrying T-shirts, you should expect he will need to cover his costs and make a profit.

Now, when you walk into the mall and look through the T-shirts for sale, they will typically range from $20 - $25 for a good quality T-shirt (not embroidered).  So, spending $14-18 on a similar quality T-shirt on eBay seems like a pretty nice savings, even when shipping and handling are included. Buy two or three together from the same seller and he often will discount shipping.  (I offer additional discounts to my repeat customers who buy more than one item on a return visit.)

How do you know if the T-shirts for sale on eBay are more like those on the tourist strip, or more like those in your favorite mall? 

• Read the infomation regarding fabric content and quality of fabric

100% Cotton, Preshrunk, Size M

• Look at the photo provided by the seller

Avoid stock photo item listings, (just think of how the burger on the menu looks as compared to the way it looks when it is served to you by the waitress.  -- Let's just say that stock photos are meant to sell items, so they are not always terribly representative of the actual item.)  

READY TO MAKE YOUR SELECTION

• As with any eBay item, check the seller's feedback. Have previous customers been pleased with their T-shirts?

Judy's Corner Feedback

• Choosing the best size can be a challenge. When I started selling T-shirts on eBay as part of my staple for Judy's Corner, I simply listed the shirts sizes as indicated on the label.  Of course, T-shirts, at least those that I sell, are unisex, so potential customers had to guess at the correct size based on their previous T-shirt shopping experiences.  I now include the sizing information for all sizes in all my T-shirt listings. 

T-shirt Sizing: Medium 38-40 inches, Large 42-44 inches, X-Large 46-48 inches, XX-Large 50-52 inches.

• Of course, as I recommend to potential customers for any item on eBay, do your research.  Find out what completed items have sold for.  This will help you determine if your seller is asking a fair price for the T-shirt.

Try entering this search in the Buy search window: "T-shirt + squirrels + NWT"

You will observe several T-shirts from various sellers, mostly ranging from $10 - $18.

Now, select the "completed listings" on the left menu and you can see what T-shirts, new with Tags, and pertaining to Squirrels have sold for in the recent past.  Check the sellers who have successfully sold their T-shirts and visit their stores.  See whether they have more to offer, and whether past customers have been satisfied.

• If you are still unsure, ask your potential seller more questions, particularly about his product and his return policies. 

It has been my experience that customers who are happy with their T-shirts often return to buy more T-shirts.  Let's face it, T-shirts provide a comfortable, fairly inexpensive mechanism by which we can express our thoughts, humor and passions.  Wearing a quality T-shirt, which fits properly will allow your message to be displayed properly.

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. I hope it has been of some use to you.

Please understand that when this guide is displayed, an advertisement box for Judy's Corner will be presented in the top right side of the window.  Various offerings from different eBay sellers will also be displayed, under the advertisement for Judy's Corner. This in no way reflects a recommendation from me of these sellers or their products.  This is just the way eBay presents these guides.