Be careful when placing bids on Scrapbook MYSTERY BOXES...  and after you've actually received one.  I'll share a few secrets that could save you lots of cash.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST!   It's easy - find an item you think you might want to bid on.  Then, after you've read the description & read it again, check out the shipping costs & return policy.  Before you actually place a bid, do simple, basic things to check out the Ebay seller. 

Remember the last time you went to the scrapbook store & came out with this flat little bag of stuff that you spent a small fortune on?  Keep that in mind when you're looking at all the auctions... It's really easy for a seller to put $150 worth of scrapbook & stamping items into the large FLAT RATE Priority Mail box.  It's also easy for them to put $25 worth in the same box... bottom line, be careful!

Some things you might want to check out:    * How long have they been selling on Ebay?   *Do they have a high rate of positive Feedback?   * Have they sold other items like this before?   *Are they selling NEW or used items?   *How will the items be shipped?    *Compare shipping costs for similar items with other sellers.  Do note that while both sizes of domestic USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail boxes cost $8.10 to ship, no matter how much they weigh.  Some sellers inflate this to $15 or more, by adding a huge handling fee.   *Do they offer optional insurance?  This is usually $1.30 - $4.00 & is based on the value of the contents.   *What form of payment do they accept for this item?  Money orders (which cost you money to purchase & mail), Paypal (which is a free service for the buyer to use), or Bidpay (which charges a fee to the buyer), and personal checks (which can take up to 14 days or more because you have to mail it out, then they have to take it to their bank & wait an additional 7 - 10 days to clear your account, before the item will ship). 

After checking these same things on several similar items, from different sellers, you should get a better understanding of the terms used & the bidding process.  If you are confused by any of the terms used, or about the payment or shipping, ask the seller questions BEFORE you do any bidding!  It can be hard to retract your bid.

FREE GIFTS in a box?  It can really be confusing.  Pay close attention to the description.   *Some sellers show you a picture of a box, and use vague terms.   *Some give you a picture of the actual items, but since the pictures are small, you probably can't see each individual item.  *Some show a picture & say items similar to those shown.  *Some give you a picture or two, a full or partial list of the items and list the retail value.  *Some give small items away to bidders during the auction to stimulate bids.  Granted, these are MYSTERY Auctions, so the seller does not have to disclose any of the particulars, but most will at least give you some indication of what the contents is worth.

What happens after you win a MYSTERY BOX?  You request a total from the seller.  Sometimes you can choose the shipping, and insurance, then you pay for the item.  If you get a tracking number, it can help you guage when your package should arrive...  great for people like me who are always on the run. 

WHEN you receive your shipment, open the box & check out all the Free gifts!  Afterwards, leave feedback for the seller.  Then, have fun with all the new things you just got.

ACID FREE, Lignin Free  - Be prepared - Not every item you receive will be marked.  If you're worried about acid & lignin, use your testing pen on a small section of the item in question.  Then, if necessary, spray it with one of the neutralizer sprays to make it safe to use in your scrapbook.  

Long story short...you don't have to spend a fortune creating cards and scrapbook pages.  If find a bargain, share it with your friends.  When you find a great supplier, share that with friends at your next crop!  

EBAY is a great place to start.  Where else could you find so many scrapping items, many way below wholesale.  Whether you're into stickers, stamps, papers or fibers, you're sure to find a bargain on something you like.  I hope you'll tell all your friends about Laure's Scrapbook. 

HAPPY STAMPING & SCRAPPING !!!