I wrote this more than three years ago and I simply cannot believe how it only becomes MORE relevant when you look at the condition of the earth and the financial situations we all face in this world.  Today it really is necessary to make a strong shift in your thinking about reusing, re-purposing and recycling because of our trying economic times.  If you haven't already gotten that "re-think, recycle, and re-use" mindset, this Guide will surely help you on your way -- and it is far better to get on the bandwagon sooner rather than later for everyone.  The savings you make affect YOUR future and that of your family.  Quite frankly, if you are a person who really loved "retail therapy," online auctions make far better sense than a trip tp the local mall and a heavier burden on your purse or credit card.

If you are like many of our more practical bretheren, instead of thinking of penny pinching as "excentric," you now realize it is key to our future survival in our current harsh financial realities (the "writing on the wall" as it were).  There are so many important reasons to consider buying gently used clothing today - beginning and ending with banishing credit card debt from your life forever and ending with the need to focus on being very practical in these tough financial times (and this is true whether you need to be frugal or not).  We are living in an age where living beyond our means by way of credit card debt and wasting precious resources have come home to roost in a horrible way for every American. 

The buying gently used lesson that tops the list for me is that it truly is a most prudent use of available family clothing dollars.  Another is that you, too, can afford the best quality brands on the market.  The savings are especially important if you are a student, have expensive taste without the Trump income, care about the condition of the earth we leave to our children, want to get out from under credit card debt but still want to shop.  If you desire to dress well without getting into debt, and/or have a growing family being practical makes sense.  Stretching your hard earned dollars is especially important when your first priority is to live well --but within your means (that means having little or absolutely no credit card debt for consumable items). The bonus to being practical is that YOU can be helping our flailing economy -- imagine it....  It absolutely scares me that the average American family carries as much as $35,000 in credit card debt.  That equates to being one accident, illness or lay off away from loosing everything!  Oddly, much of the credit debt existing today tends to be from living above one's true means.  So, if you want to get out of debt -- or stay out of debt -- the gently used clothing market (and eBay in general) is a great way to start. You can cleverly use combined shipping and best offers to dress exceptionally well for a fraction of retail prices.

Even if you have a six figure income and are able to "indulge" at the local mall any time you like, it still makes little sense to do so when you can get so much more, for far, far less (while being environmentally responsible).  Purchasing in the gently used clothing market can help you to invest your savings in a college education for yourself or your children, the vaction of a lifetime or a healthy back up pot of money or nest egg.  Perhaps the savings could be a down payment on a fine home, a nest egg for a more secure life in general or to build for an early retirement.  One thing is for sure -- savings are necessary for everyone in the troubled financial times we face today.

If you are concerned about the earth and our human footprint upon it, it makes great environmental sense to buy gently used clothing.  As with all production on earth, clothing production comes with a pollution stream related to growing, harvesting and processing the lifestock or crops to produce the finished products we use.  All manufacturing processes involve a tremedous amount of water and chemicals (which eventually wind up in our water and on the land with predictably polluting results).  This pollution stream is not recreated when we recycle clothing items instead.  Environmentally conscious?  Consider recycling by selling what you no longer want or need and purchasing in the gently used clothing market whenever possible.  If you are a smart and thrifty shopper, who knows a great bargain when you see one...and are mindful of our footprint on mother earth -- come along with me on a true buying adventure right here on eBay!

To start, develop a list of items you need and want, in the brands, colors and sizes you prefer.  Go ahead...choose those pricey brands that you know will fit and wear well -- you can afford them in the gently used market place!  If you have never bought pricier clothing items -- go to a local mall and try on the best of the best.  Make a note of brands, sizes, styles and colors that flatter.  If you like the feel or wear of a particular fabric, make a note of it (example: Sweater: 45% wool 55% acrylic or jeans 97% cotton and 3% lycra). 

If you have a family, repeat the process to focus on each of your family members the same way.  Be sure to include sizes, colors and styles that you think are best for each family member.  Go ahead and dress your two year old in Ralph Lauren or your teeny bopper in Abercrombie and Fitch -- these items are actually reasonable to buy as gently used clothing on eBay!! 

Now you have developed your clothing needs list, divide each list between immediate needs and purchases you will make to meet future requirements such as those for back to school, season change and expected growth (i.e. snow suit, size 4 for Ellie) or special occassion wear for particular events (i.e. Black Tie/Formal Christmas party, junior or senior prom, or cousin Amanda's fall wedding).  Plan ahead for weight loss if you are dieting or have recently had surgery.  This list will keep you on target, creating maximum savings while reminding you to get what you need, when you need it.  Then stick to the list -- it also assures that you don't buy things that are not necessary -- especially if dollars are very short.  For instance, it makes little sense to buy three red sweaters when you may only wear a red sweater once a year, during the holidays.  With personal discipline, the list stands ready to refocus you anytime you buy clothing items for yourself or your family.

If there is a down side to shopping in the gently used market, it may be that you don't find exactly what you want the first time you visit Ebay.  Persistence is necessary -- you can get anything you want if you search regularly.  In fact, Ebay will search for you if you set up eBay automatic searches.  The computer will scan the system regularly  and email when the item you requested is listed (be specific in your search including brand, and size).  So, plan to do item searches two to three times a week (or set up automatic searches) until you find exactly what your looking for.  Using the saved search functions also assures you will eventually find opportunities to buy all your "must haves" because millions of clothing items are listed weekly on eBay

Need to replace a wardrobe lost in a disaster?  Try looking for clothing lots (groupings of items) in your size.  You can also use Ebay's Want It Now function to tell sellers what you need and why.  There is always someone who is loosing or gaining weight leaving an entire wardrobe available for a song.  There is always someone who has retired and will be getting rid of a wonderful work wardrobe who will probably be able to put together a great bundle offer for you. 

Access "Want it Now" from Ebay's home page and tell sellers what you want.  Be sure to be very specific and make mention that you only want the item types, brands and sizes listed in your ad.  The less specific you are the more irrelevants posts you will get -  these simply waste your time.  Ebay does provide many opportunities to get what you need, when you need it -- even out of season items like summer outfits for the sudden invitation to the Carribean in January.  Saved searches makes it possible for Ebay to search millions of ads for you and best of all -- IT IS FREE! 

A change in life circumstances from growing children to retiring from work, may require selling or the purchase of a new supply of items to meet your changing needs -- get them on Ebay at amazing prices.

Shopping the gently used clothing market is always a treasure hunt.  If you happen to be an unusual size, from a size 2 petite to very tall, you will find it on Ebay.  Wonder if it will fit?  If the maker and size are familiar to you and you buy your usual size, it is likely the item will fit (be sure to check item length and inseam length in case items have been hemmed.  If you aren't sure of your size, take a similar item from your wardrobe that fits well.  Lay it flat and measure the chest (side seam to side seam at the armpit then multipy by 2 for bust circumference), back neck length (length from mid back collar top to bottom of mid back hem), sleeve length (top of shoulder seam to sleeve end), shoulder seam to shoulder seam across the top, waist (edge to edge across the waist times 2 for circumference), item length, inseam or hips (side seam to side seam then multiply by 2).  Keep your measurements handy any time you shop online to assure the fit will work for you..  Compare your ideal measurements derived from your own item, with those of the advertised item.  If the advertised item's measurements are the same or very similar, it is likely to be a good fit.  If item measurements are not listed in the ad, send a message to the seller requesting them.  An eager seller always welcomes your questions and will be happy to help. 

You may wonder, "If I buy gently used, how do I know I will like what I receive?"  Assuring you are thrilled with what you get is surprisingly easy with a little homework before bidding.  Life doesn't come with many guarantees, but you can help yourself to a positive outcome by following these four important pre-purchase suggestions:

1.  Read the advertisement carefully.  Most sellers try hard to supply essential details, especially any issues that may exist with the item that may be an issue.  Good sellers write a good ad to avoid misunderstanding and your disappointment (and possible negative feedback later).  If the item has issues, ask yourself if you can effectively deal with them, such as making the repair to a hem, replacing a button or zipper?  If so, go for it (it will likely be a super deal).  If not, give the item a pass.  Please remember that opinions are subjective.  So, if in doubt about anything, ask before you bid.

2.   If you have a question about the item, ask early, giving the seller an opportunity to get back to you before bidding ends.  Is the picture not clear?  Ask the seller for another and provide a standard email address (you cannot attach pictures in eBay messages).  Once you receive the picture, you can also save it to your desk top (right mouse click, click "save as"...<name picture> and save it to your desktop.  Then open it in full size on your desk top.   A good seller wants you to make an informed purchase and will provide accurate information to avoid post sale problems.  Your side of a positive transaction is to ask for enough information to be an informed buyer. 

3.  Look at seller feedback before bidding.  No one pleases everyone, every time.  However, sellers with a great deal of positive feedback (98% or greater) are very likely to be an honest, hardworking sellers who please customers and are likely to please you too.  Nuggets of truth are found in the feedback -- so read a few.  If  "Fast shipping" is oft mentioned, you will likely receive your items in a timely manner.  If "just as described" is there, the seller probably writes good descriptions that you can count on.  Also check out some of the negatives too.  It is well known that new eBayers frequently use feedback to critique items -- so when there is a negative, is it from someone new to ebay with few of their own Feedbacks?  Does it criticize the item or the service -- Feedback is supposed to be about service but often contains statements concerning quality of the item delivered too.

4.  Try to buy from sellers who guarantee your satisfaction and/or offer a reasonable return policy.  In the gently used market, Condition is always subjective (in the eye of the beholder).  Satisfaction guaranteed assures that your opinion will count and that the seller will work with you to make the deal a good one whether that would be to accept returns or give merchandise or cash credit.  Sellers dedicated to your happiness with the items you buy are very likley to accept your comments and concerns as valid and to work with you to present a reasonable compromise, including accepting returns.  This assures that you will get your money's worth from the transaction.  As a seller, offering guaranteed satisfaction goes a long way toward encouraging communication with your customers and avoiding negative feedback.  Over time, guaranteeing your customers satisfaction also assures that you will develop a strong base of loyal returning customers simply because they feel safe spening their money with you. 

Finally, buyers -- if you do receive an item that is not what you expected, do as Ebay suggests.  Get in touch with the seller quickly and attempt to work out a settlement BEFORE leaving negative feedback.  ALWAYS check your temper and any thought of being rude or accusatory -- it puts a seller unecessarily on the defensive and makes them angry -- neither state leads to anything positive. Simply state the facts of the problem.  There is plenty of time to leave negative feedback later should it be necessary.  Feedback is an important currency on Ebay.  Serious Sellers will work with you to avoid problems and serious buyers will check it before buying from an unfamiliar source.  In the event that you do need to involve a third party, it is always best to follow Ebay's and PayPal's well established dispute process (if you used PayPal).  This is the best way  to assure a good outcome is achieved -- and in a timely manner. 

Do ALWAYS leave feedback.  If the seller doesn't return the favor, drop a note and ask  -- the more feedback you and the seller have, the greater the credibility for both.

Please visit my auctions (PEPPER120851) and Store "The Write Place," where a great deal, combined shipping and satisfaction guaranteed is just a click away! 

I would dearly appreciate it if you would scroll below and leave a helpfulness vote?  I sincerely thank you in advance for your time!

Thanks!  Pepper