OKAY, you like to buy stuff, or you probably wouldn't be looking on eBay.  Here are a few tips to help optimize your shopping experience, either on the web, or at the mall. They are generally geared towards clothing, but the same rules can be adapted and applied to almost any purchase

1) Set a budget, but always keep a little something in reserve for that unexpected bargain.

2) Bear in mind any additional costs, such as shipping, tax, alterations, etc., but

3) Don't overlook the "work in progress"- the purchase that seems wrong, but can be made right relatively cheaply and easily. This includes pants that are too long or a little big in the waist, jackets and blouses that might be taken in just a little, etc. For non- clothing, this might mean a quick coat of paint, a refinishing job, etc.  What is important is to be able to accurately  estimate the cost of the work you intend to add.

4) Be realistic and knowledgable about your size- and what the dimensions are of garments that fit you well. Many eBay items are best described by measurements, not by sizes. Having a set of your actual measurements at hand is a good plan.  Understand the difference between size and measurement ( a Man's coat is usually at least an inch or more larger than its chest size, which is also expressed in inches). Again, if you are talking about furniture, you need to know the space you have to fill. If you are talking about tools, you need to know  whether they will work with what you have, etc.

5) Learn brand characteristics, which brands run tight or loose- and where they are likely to shrink or stretch.

6)Become familiar with your favorite brand's style or model names, as well as quality and price differences within the line.  This is also true for furniture or decorative objects, which may have more than one price range within the brand. If you are looking at cars, learn the differences among different models, trim packages, etc.

7)Practice determining the age of vintage garments based on stylistic details, such as width of lapels, cuffs,  or legs. Learn to spot "carried over" garments from previous seasons. Decide whether or not age of the garment is important to you.  Again, this counts for cars, too.

8) Be sure to factor in cleaning and maintenance costs, both for new items and for ones you will want to clean before using.

9) Have a backup plan- what will you do with that "no returns" purchase that can't be made to fit or used otherwise?

10 ) STICK TO THAT BUDGET.  It will make it easier for you to go shopping again if you don't go overboard. And nobody likes to spend their shopping budget on finance charges...

I hope these handy tips will make shopping more efficient for you. Efficiency ultimately means more money and time to spend. If you have found this guide to be helpful, please vote "yes" below. You may also wish to check out my blog (All over the Map, a World of Wentworth Tradd) or the dozens of other guides and reviews I have written just for you.

Thanks and Take Care,

WT