How to Shop and Save!

Before selling, I was a buyer for 2 years.  In this guide I hope to help you make the most of your money while shopping on eBay.  I also have extensive online shopping experience, which helps me in my buying quests on eBay.

First and foremost!

• Research your product! 
• If you are looking for a certain type of higher ticket item, do your research!!  There are literally MILLIONS of online retailers.  While eBay is my favorite and most convenient way to shop, I ALWAYS find the going price. 
• If while searching eBay and you find the product you're looking for check completed items to see what that products normal selling price is.  Wouldn't you hate to pay $1300 to find out that on "off" days it sells for $900?  Happens all the time!

Second

• Look at details! 
• Warranties, return policies and access to customer service.  PayPal verified, feedback rating.
• New, used, refurbished?  If it is a refurbished product are they contracted through that manufacturer to resell?  Again, WARRANTY!

Third

• SHOP EARLY! 
• Start your shopping for special occasions and holidays in advance!  Its July?  Perfect time to shop for Christmas!  Clean out a space at the top of your closet and just stow them away!  I was able to save around $600 last year by starting early.  That way you can also buy items that you've put thought into, instead of impulse shopping the day after Thanksgiving!
• Buying clothes?  If your weight doesn't vary more than 5-8lbs either way, buy your summer clothes in winter and vica versa.  You'll find CONSIDERABLE savings this way!  Most people will have the opposite seasons on closeout, clearance or discount!  The same principle applies to things such as water toys and snow skiing equipment.

Fourth 

• When appropriate, buy used! 
• I am 26 years old and the only thing I buy new clothing wise is undergarments and shoes.  I have an extensive wardrobe of name brands, and I can't remember the last time I paid retail prices!  I wear everything from Old Navy to J. Crew, Abercrombie to Banana Republic.  All used, and all for more than 50% off retail pricing.
• Books, movies, DVDs, childrens toys, PC games, console games, jewelry, antique and collectables are all things you can buy used, with GREAT savings! 
• When buying used ANYTHING on eBay, check feedback!  Used items are tricky!  
• READ DESCRIPTIONS!  If you can't see details you think are relevant, ask for more pictures!  Sellers want to sell their items and make buyers happy.  Most sellers will send more pictures with no problem.
• Make sure you understand what the seller means when they use words like, "MINT, NEAR MINT, LIKE NEW, EXCELLENT, GOOD, FAIR and USED.  Your interpretation may vary greatly from the sellers, so again, read descriptions and closely look at pictures!

Fifth, and for me, the MOST important

• Shipping!
• Shipping costs and ways vary greatly.   
• USPS and UPS are common favorites. 
• USPS is the most economical way for shipping items internationally from the US.  It is also the cheapest way to ship smaller or lighter weight items.
• UPS I have found is the best for shipping larger packages  (over 12lbs). 
• RESEARCH shipping costs!  Go to the USPS website, and type in various weights.  It will give you ALL shipping options and costs at that weight.  Just because an item is listed with a calculator doesn't mean its a fair shipping price. 
• Insurance is a small price to pay for piece of mind.  If your buying a larger ticket item, or something breakable or with sentimental value this will save you alot of heartache later on.

The bottom line.  Be an INFORMED shopper!  Save yourself money, grief and time by knowing the products your shopping for.  Take your time!  If you don't find that item your looking for today, chances are someone will list it before long!

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope you find this helpful in your eBay adventures!

Irene

"YourFavoriteGirlNextDoor"