Shopping Smart on eBay

Regardless of the economic situation, getting the most bang for your buck is important for the smart consumer. However, the imperative to shop smart is even greater during a recession. Shopping smart is not the same as being cheap-minded.

CHEAP PRODUCTS ARE JUST THAT ...
Cheap products are cheap for a reason. They are usually inferior either in terms of materials, design, quality, or service. Or to paraphrase the words of that unforgettable character Forest Gump, cheap is as cheap does ["Stupid is as stupid does, sir!"]. For smart online shoppers, price is an important consideration when making a purchasing decision, but it is not the only consideration.

THINK VALUE, NOT BARGAIN ...
The cheapest price is not always the best deal, especially long-term. It's what I call like the "cheap panties syndrome." Our mamas used to call it being penny wise and pound foolish. It is easy to understand that panties that don't fit, aren't comfortable, and won't last are NOT a bargain! This principle extends far beyond shopping for underwear. Smart shoppers search for the "complete package" -- quality products, superior design, competitive price, and excellent customer service.

CHEAPEST PRICE EBAY SELLERS DON'T STAY IN BUSINESS FOR LONG ...
Remember Pay 'N Pak? Pretty soon Circuit City, Linen 'N Things, and Frontier Airlines will also be just memories. If this recessionary economy deepens, the list of bankruptcies will only continue to grow. Whether you are purchasing consumer electronics or tube socks, you can't return a product to a store that is no longer is business. The concept applies equally to eBay sellers. All eBay sellers are NOT created equal. Smart eBay shoppers always read listing descriptions carefully, ask questions before they bid or buy, and check the feedback scores of eBay sellers from whom they wish to purchase to make certain they are reputable and will remain in business long-haul.

ARE YOU A CHEAPEST PRICE PUPPY?
A cheapest price puppy runs around all day sniffing out the cheapest price (and usually ends up chasing its own tail). While their intentions may be good, cheapest price puppies miss the point: time is money! Think about the value of your time. Because you shop on eBay, you understand that driving all over town trying to save pennies costs you dollars. Smart eBay shoppers know that excellent customer service is golden -- literally and figuratively (the best eBay sellers have 5 Gold Star detailed seller ratings / feedback ratings. Choosing eBay sellers that offer reasonable refund and return policies -- as well as fair shipping charges -- saves you money now and later.

YOUR TIME IS MORE VALUABLE THAN YOUR MONEY ...
Do you include the value of your time into the equation when making purchasing decisions? One of the defining characteristics of a smart shopper is appreciating the value of time. Busy people understand this concept. People who shop on eBay also understand the value of saving time. Make sure that you are getting the maximum return for the hours that you spend shopping online. Some eBay sellers offer combined shipping for multiple item purchases, free gift wrapping, or will ship your purchase directly to the recipient of your choice. How much extra time -- and by extension money -- would you save by choosing an eBay seller that provides an online personal shopping service?

In recessionary economic times, it is tempting to focus on the bottom line and lose sight of the bigger picture. The ability to think outside the box is not only smart, it will save you money (especially in the long run). More than that, it will save you time. And that is a winning combination in any type of economy.

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