I am primarily a seller here at ebay, but do plenty of buying as well.  Here I am going to share some of my tips and tricks that I have learned about Custom Handmade items to help you in your purchases.

1.  Always check the feedback of the person from whom you are considering purchasing.  This is probably THE most important thing you can do when buying ANYTHING at ebay, especially handmades.  I usually go a step further than just checking the number and the comments.  I will click on the items themselves to see what exactly people have been buying from this seller.  This will give you a clearer picture of what their specialty is.

2.  How long will it take?  Make sure you understand if this item is already made or are you going to have to wait for it to be constructed.  If it is something that is going to be custom made especially for you, how long is the expected wait time?  Make sure that you are okay with the time it takes to make.  Many of these items are well worth the time!

3.  Materials.  Make sure you get a clear description or picture of the materials that your item will be made of.  I would recommend avoiding sellers who are very vague about what yours will turn out like.  It is just about impossible for a seller to go to the fabric store and pick out fabric "especially for you" by what you have described in the comment box at check out.  If you are willing to put complete trust in their taste, that would be okay, just beware that your idea of 'soft purple' may not be the same as the sellers.

4.  Experience.  Make sure that the seller you are buying from is experienced in their trade.  Sewing and crafting are very popular, and there are many talented people out there, but almost as often there are those who think their work is at a professional level when in the end it is not.  Again, I cannot stress the importance of checking feedback! 

5.  Sizing.  Many times the sizing of handmades does not correspond to the sizes of ready-made clothing in retail stores.  Get out a tape measure!  In children's clothing it is important to check for height and weight other than just the age.  In adult clothing make sure to check the shoulder to shoulder measurements as well as the shoulder to waist and of course the standard waist hip and bust measurements.  If you are unsure, email and ask.  Any reputible seller checks their email often and always responds quickly.

6.  Returns.  What if you get your item and it doesn't fit, or for some reason you absolutely hate it!  Will you be able to return it?  Don't just check to make sure that the seller takes returns, make sure that they will take returns for any reason.  Will you get your full money back?  Many sellers will give a full refund, just keep in mind that a full refund means the full amount that you paid for the item, not including the shipping.

Good luck and happy bidding!!!

Shelley-Faye

I am aways free for questions or comments:  shelley@addictedtorockabilly.com

My current Handmades listed on ebay

My portfolio