Used Bedding Buying Guide

Used bedding can be a great way to redo a room with unique vintage linens, linens that are used but in perfect condition, and linens that are still unused but the Seller didn't like and waited too long to return. And then, there also the horrible mistakes we make, like my recent comforter purchase. I bought a used comforter in "Like New" condition, and it had 17 stains on it, including blood, ink scribbles, and what looked like urine! Of course the Seller was awful, and is no longer on eBay, so I am out $60-ish plus dollars. But, being the teacher that I am, I thought perhaps others could benefit from my errors.

How do you find used bedding?

Sometimes, you can find it by typing in a brand name and the words "used or "fair", but sometimes keywords aren't enough. If you know what you are looking for, type in the brand or pattern name, and browse the category. If you are looking for something very specific, shop around for a few weeks. Chances are one like it will come up again soon. It pays to be patient. Frequently, a novice bedding Seller doesn't know the pattern name, and it won't get seen by many Buyers as a result. It makes it harder for you to find, but a better deal for you. Try keeping an eye on Newly Listed items, and investigating items that have vague listing titles and/or no Gallery Photo (the one on the first page). New items usually have pattern names on the package, but a novice Seller may not think to list it. Some Sellers, like me, sell linens a lot, so our listings are very descriptive, but you are looking for a one time only deal. A listing with lots of great key words is probably written by someone who will charge you an appropriate market value. Sometimes a novice Seller will ask way too much, and you can email them, cite other like items that are new and cheaper, and ask for a deal. Sometimes they didn't do thier market research and didn't know they asked too much.

Don't bid when you first see the item. Watch it in My eBay, then do some research.

Read the listing carefully.

What is the shipping and handling cost? I once bought four .99 items from a Seller in China, and didn't inquire about the shipping in advance. I had ordered something larger from China before, and the shipping had been $15, so I wasn't worried. Turns out, he asked for $400 in shipping! When I asked him about it, he said it was because if he listed the item at a higher price, eBay would take a lot of his money, so this is how he made up for that. I did a little research, and found out that's against eBay policy. He no longer sells on eBay. Sometimes shipping isn't listed, and the seller may not get your email if you ask within 24 hours of the auctions' end, so ask all questions early on.

What is the condition stated in the listing? If no condition is listed, ask. You may even cut and paste the following guide into your note so they are on the same page with you.

"Like New" means just that: perfect. They haven't used it for years on end. It still is crisp or has a sheen to it. It may have it's original packaging. It may have not even been used or washed. The pattern is still current. Even though the condition is stated, ask if it meets this criteria. Remeber my 17 stain "Like New" comforter.

"Good Used" means it's not faded, maybe has some sign of wear, like no sheen, but no major blemishes. Definitely ask about what makes it "Good Used" instead of "Like new," in the Sellers' opinion. Ask what it's specific flaws are, because it is likely you can't return this item.

"Fair" condition means there is something wrong with it, maybe fading, a tear, or stains. Usually, the Seller must think the item is still valuable in some way, or they wouldn't be selling it. Maybe it has a repairable tear, fading that can be hidden, or enough good parts it can be used as fabric. Watch it in My eBay. If it doesn't sell, it may have been overpriced, and it may get re-listed. You could contact the Seller and ask if they would relist it with a Buy It Now, or use eBays' Make an Offer option.What are similar items selling for? If you don't know the pattern name, ask, or look around eBay. Chances are, someone who knows is selling it. You may find the same thing in better or new condition for a cheaper price. I can't tell you how many times I have seen bidders get in a bidding war over an item that has another of it's kind listed at a cheaper price. If the bidders would have researched, they could have stopped bidding and bid on the cheaper item.

If you purchase the item, don't leave feedback until after you have recieved the item and completely inspected it. With a microscope.

Returns: Used items are usually sold As-Is, and returns are unlikely. There is recourse through eBay if the item is "Not As Described." An item like this should be taken back by the Seller, but they don't have to refund Shipping and Handling, even though it is morally right. You are instructed to first contact the Seller with your concerns, and Ebay will even provide you with a phone number, if it's available. Please contact the Seller before you file a complaint or leave negative feedback, because it could be a simple solution, and if you get left negative feedback, some people may not do business with you. If your feedback number is low, one negative can ruin you! If the Seller is non-responsive, or non-cooperative, you can contact the eBay Dispute Console. The link is on your My eBay page. If you purchased through Pay Pay, you will be directed to go through them. It will get taken care of. If you contact the eBay Customer service, be very specific, and tell them what steps you have already taken, because they will advise you to do just one step at a time. Customer service is a nice service, considering that you purchased your item from an individual, not eBay itself, so I am thankful eBay offers it!