Yes, I Did It eBay: Fabulous Fashion Finds on a Budget

One of my secrets to budget shopping is eBay. I absolutely love eBay and I have found some of my best bargains on there. I have recommended eBay to so many people and have encouraged them to give it a try. I have purchased everything from candles to dog sweaters and even purchased a brand new Ashley Furniture bedroom set for $300.00 being sold by a couple who decided to relocate to Florida all I had to do was pick it up. I have purchased almost all items brand new with tags but have also bought items that were gently used mostly handbags. I only buy clothing items that are brand new and I also don’t buy electronics because I like warranties. I’ve purchased new bottles of perfume, handbags, shoes, jewelry all from major designers.

This weekend while Chicago was in arctic blast mode, I took the liberty of creating a video blog or vlog as it’s now known, of some of the items I have purchased off eBay. This gave me a chance to work on my speaking skills, as well as, experiment with the video editing software on my laptop. So check it out and let me know what you think. Unfortunately the freeze frame has me looking like someone scared living hell out of me but I look much better when the video starts

Tips for shopping on eBay:

Check out the retail stores that have outlet stores on eBay. Sears, Best Buy, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Juicy Couture, & and many others have stores on eBay.

As with anything, it’s important that you do your due diligence on the product and seller you’re buying from. Read the feedback and percentage rating of each seller. Power seller status means that the seller is in excellent standing.

Shop late at night, I have won some wonderful items at great prices simply because I’m a “night owl” and the items were set to end later while most people we’re asleep.

For items that you really want, consider using an auction sniper website like auctionsniper.com to bid on your items for you. The website will go in and bid your maximum price at the very last second. This works well when you’re too busy to actively bid on the items you want.

Buy clothing and shoes from designers you already have in your collection. Shoes and clothing are tricky because you may wear different sizes based on the cut of the item. If you have several Michael Kors shoes in your collection you now know that you can buy his shoes in a size 7 and they will fit you perfectly.

Only buy from sellers who accept PayPal & credit cards. Never send anyone a wire transfer or money order. This is 2012, who still uses money orders? You’re covered financially, in case you don’t receive your merchandise or if the items are grossly misrepresented.

Avoid designer items from international sellers unless you can verify they have a good track record of selling authentic merchandise.

Now go do it eBay!