As an avid buyer of Gymboree wholesale lots I have had my share of disappointing lots. It is scary trying to choose between the hundreds of wholesale lots listed every week that offer Gymboree items. I am focusing MAINLY on Gymboree clothes because they are the number one seller of children's clothes on ebay. You want to make your investment in a lot that you WILL make money on. I hope that these tips will help guide your decision in which to bid on or buy.

1. First and foremost, check the SELLERS FEEDBACK! Even if they have a high feedback score, check out their recent negative/neutral feedbacks to see if they were left on wholesale lots other buyers purchased. I also like to check sellers feedback from buyers and see if the buyer of the lot possible listed any of the items (you can't always be sure if the items listed were the items from the lot, but sometimes it is helpful). I really don't recommend purchasing a lot from a seller with under 50 feedbacks. Not to say that the seller isn't honest, but you really want to protect yourself.

2. The next thing I look for in a lot is whether or not the pictures included in the listing are items that I will ACTUALLY be receiving. I have purchased several lots in the past that state "The items pictured are items from my current inventory and may or may not be included in your lot" or a similar statement. You have no idea what you are buying, the lot may contain all 3-6 months size (a hard size to sell) or all clearance items that are flooded on ebay. Believe me these lots are out there (I've bought them)! Look for lots that state all the items pictured are items you will receive or give a full manifest (a list of items included) in the listing of what you will receive. You can request a manifest from the seller if one isn't given, but they are not required to give you one.

3. Look for lots that include mostly sets/outfits as you have greater chances of selling outfits for higher profit. Outfits are NEVER a bad thing! Check on whether or not the seller includes ACCESSORIES in the retail value. Yes, they do increase the value of a set, but they can add up very quickly when included in a wholesale lot. I RARELY purchase lots that include accessories in the retail value.

4. Read all of the sellers terms for the auction, you really want the seller to accept paypal so you can be protected by Paypal's buyer protection program. Be sure to look just underneath where it says "View sellers other items" to see "Free Paypal Buyer Protection" This means that you would be covered through paypal in the event that the seller didn't ship your lot to you. You are only covered for a certain dollar amount, so be sure to check out Paypal's policies.

5. Percentage of retail you will be paying for the lot is VERY important. You can figure out what the percentage will be by adding the bid price that you are willing to pay + shipping and divide by the retail value of the lot. DO NOT PAY MORE THAN 50% including shipping FOR ANY LOT! You will most likely NOT be able to make much back on the items after fees. Generally I will not pay more than 35-40% for a lot including shipping. Please, please, please do not be fooled by a lot of wholesale lots that have been popping up stating you will receive double your bid amount! That means that you are ABSOLUTELY paying over 50% of retail after shipping costs.

Here is a "general" price range you should look to pay for each retail value

 Prices are shown (1) Retail  (2) Buy it now or bid price MAX (3) Shipping range

 $100   $30    $5-10

 $200    $70    $8-12

 $250    $85    $12-15

 $300    $100    $14-18

 $350    $120    $15-20

 $400    $140    $15-$20

 $500    $180    $18-$20

 $750    $280    $25-$30

 $1000    $360    $28-$40

There are exceptions to ALL these rules, but I honestly think it takes expertise to know whether or not a lot is a dud or not. Most of the "bad" lots I have purchased were from sellers who sell TONS of wholesale lots all the time and I received tons of items that I have been stuck with ever since. Think about the tips I've given before purchasing your first or another wholesale lot on ebay. You want to make money, not lose it! Hope this helps, even a little bit!