one man’s trash is another man’s treasure…er woman

Last week I tweeted about how much I loved ebay because I always find things for cheap! Nicole tweeted back suggesting I do a post on it. So here it is. What I got and why I love it!

First, I am not grossed out by second hand clothing. I always wash it when I get it and I don’t ever buy intimate items like bathing suits, panties, bras or even workout shorts. Those all seem a little too personal to me…but to each their own. But I like my clothes already a little broken in. Is that weird? I am assuming not due to how successful ebay and second hand stores have become. I must be totally normal! ha!

I got this GAP skirt for $7.99

I got this GAP skirt for $6.99

I got this Anthropologie skirt for $9.99

I know that was a lot of skirts but they are great for work with wedges and a top or great for play with a tank top and flip flops. Plus I spent, $36, after shipping for THREE skirts. I couldn’t have purchased one new one from either of those store for $36. So it makes me happy. Cheap clothes = win for Kelly! My other favorite thing to buy off ebay is jeans! There is nothing better than a pair of already broken in jeans. That is love right there! 😉

But just as with anything else I have found a few tricks for ebay. I mean you are still spending money and no matter how good of a deal something is, you shouldn’t just waste money. So first, make sure you know your size! I know what size I wear at GAP so I know what size to look for. I know these skirts will fit me because I know GAP and how GAP clothes fit. When I shop on ebay I usually tend to seek out brands that I absolutely know my size in and know exactly how it fits. I am not likely to bid on an item of clothing from a store I haven’t ever shopped in before and therefore have no idea what that store’s sizing scale is.

Next, if you find something you like from one seller look at what else they are selling. Most of the time if you buy multiple items from the same seller they give you a discount on shipping, as an incentive. I bought both of those GAP skirts from the same seller and she had a deal going on with shipping. If you buy more than one item from her then shipping for the second item was only $1.50. Score. I’ll take it.

Lastly, look at the seller’s ebay rating. Typically I don’t usually bid on anything if the seller has less than a 95% rating. I usually like the 98-99% ratings better. This rating is based on upon other buyers rating the product and service that the seller provided. That, to me, is important. I want the confidence that when I bid on an item it is likely to be as described and shipped timely. And I always take the time to rate the seller. If the products arrives with 6-10 days and it as described I always go back and rate my experience. I figure since I appreciate the rating so much I might as well do my part to continue to the cycle.

There it is…my ebay plan of attack! 😉

Do you ever shop on ebay?