I HATE CLOTHES SHOPPING….A New Take on Letting Your Fingers Do the Walking on eBay….

It is interesting to remember a time when you (and a gaggle of your gal pals) hit the local mall for an all day session of “shopping therapy.”  In our 30’s, 40’s and onward, blissful hours scanning the latest styles at the mall have been replaced by the active life of a two career family, kids, pets, homes, cars, appointments, meetings, soccer and band practice…the list goes on.  The GOOD news is that there is an entirely new way to clothing shop that is fast, easy, and within any budget – eBay!  New or used there are millions of bargains available 24/7.

The following are tips for developing new, time saving shopping habits that save money too: 

Before you shop:

1.  Take your measurements and be honest with yourself.  Just you and your tape measure, in the privacy of your home – measure your bust (with bra), measure your natural waist and hips.  Don’t bother to shave the numbers – it is critical that what you buy fit you.  When you buy online, the size number has little relevance. The actual garment measurements are the only thing that matters.  Where the sizing comes from baffles me…I have seen size Mediums a 2X could wear and a size 6 that a two year old couldn’t fit into.

2.  Be brave, don’t second guess the clearance sale at Macy’s as a better shopping option.  Sales, while great for drawing a crowd on a holiday weekend, tend to be of limited use to a focused shopper on a real budget.   Sale merchandise draws you in, but is unlikely to be what you actually choose.  Even if you do choose a sale item, you are far more likely to buy more and blow your budget.

3.  Make a Plan.... no sense in buying a third red sweater when you wear a red sweater twice a year – Christmas and Valentines Day.  Set aside an hour and get rid of items that are warn, stained or that you are tired of wearing.  Make a list of wardrobe staples you have tossed that should be replaced (white cardigan, black linen shirt).  Add items that could use to stretch those things you already own into new outfits.  For instance, a black sleeveless shell that works all year around with most colors.  Tuck the plan in your wallet for retrieval and use every time you shop.

4.  Understand financial limitations and stick to them!  If you know you are going on a cruise and a $500 formal outfit doesn’t fit into your budget, look through the gently used market for a GREAT bargain on a formal dress or outfit that cost someone else $500 or more and you pay only $50.  When you face facts and no where to start you can put the criteria into the advanced search and find exactly what you want that fits your budget perfectly!

5.  Know that reunions sea cruise is in February?  Start your search for the perfect outfit NOW.  Allow a minimum of three weeks (four if you have the time) to bid and buy on eBay.  That way, you have the greatest margin for delivery time possible and far less worry about finding the exact outfit to meet every need.  Special occasions always require more time to find the right outfit.

6.  Know that reunions sea cruise is in February?  Start your search for the perfect outfit NOW.  Allow a minimum of three weeks (four if you have the time) to bid and buy on eBay.  That way, you have the greatest margin for delivery time possible and far less worry about finding the exact outfit to meet every need.  Special occasions always require more time to find the right outfit.

Visit eBay and Start Shopping:

7.  Shop with Your Plan…..Try using the search function and start by looking for your favorite brands.  Type in Talbot’s and your usual size and see what comes up.  Did you find too many items and not specific enough?  Go to advanced search and try using some of the search options offered there.  

8.  Find what you want?  Read the ad.  It is especially important to look for actual garment measurements, payment options, and return policies.  After you have received your item, it is too late to be figuring out whether you can return it or now.  Reading the ad in detail also makes you aware of any issues (missing button?) that may cause you disappointment.

When Your Item Arrives:

9.  Open the package promptly and try the garment on.  Sit, bend and move in it.  Does the garment fit smoothly and move easily? Are the seams pulling? Are the zipper and buttons all present and do they all function as designed? Get an honest look at your rear and side views. Watch for pulling, bunching, extreme panty lines (too-tight pants) or other sign the garment doesn’t fit correctly.

10.  Check the care tags and be sure you follow them to get the most wear out of your “new” or “nearly new” purchase.

11.  Remember that, no matter what the price or source, a “bargain” is no bargain if it arrives and it is uncomfortable to wear and/or hangs in the closet until you give it or throw it away.  The TRUE bargains are those items that you get for a great price, and wear often.  In fact the greatest bargain going is the item you wear completely out and can only part with when you have found the replacement.

If you have time, I hope you will stop by my store (The Write Place) or my auctions Pepper120851 for some of the best deals and old fashioned bargains on eBay.  My store is THE place where YOU name the price you pay everyday.

Thanks! Pepper120851