buying EUC clothes on Ebay

[lazysundays]

I am addicted to ebay!! My toddler looks like we spend hundreds on her, and each piece of clothing I buy her is no more than $3. I love the Gymboree and high brands, and I love the lilly pulitzer dresses. For $100, I can buy more than enough for one year for a growing toddler. Daycare today commented that she never wears the same thing twice (she does but she has so many dresses that it just feels that way).

I started looking skirts for myself on ebay, just to see, and there were EUC skirts from Coldwater Creek for $15 etc, so I have bought myself a new closet for $200.

What are your experiences with ebay?

[dannylion]

I don't care much about designer clothes or designer anything except that I do like good, well-made handbags like Coach and Oroton. ( I realize there are those YMers who are quite happy with a $10 bag from Walmart and are appalled by people like me, but I Really. Do. Not. Care. You live your life; I'll live mine.)

It doesn't really matter to me if I have the very latest model, so I buy all my handbags on eBay. I never pay more than $50 for a handbag that might have cost as much as $400 originally. I benefit from the fickle affections of fashionistas who must have the very latest of everything. Their "gently used" castoffs become wardrobe staples that I will use for many years. I love eBay.

[CarolinaKat]

Jun 30, 2011 8:04:22 GMT -5 dannylion said:

I don't care much about designer clothes or designer anything except that I do like good, well-made handbags like Coach and Oroton. ( I realize there are those YMers who are quite happy with a $10 bag from Walmart and are appalled by people like me, but I Really. Do. Not. Care. You live your life; I'll live mine.)

It doesn't really matter to me if I have the very latest model, so I buy all my handbags on eBay. I never pay more than $50 for a handbag that might have cost as much as $400 originally. I benefit from the fickle affections of fashionistas who must have the very latest of everything. Their "gently used" castoffs become wardrobe staples that I will use for many years. I love eBay.

I've never figured out how to buy a handbag i like without inspecting it IRL. How do you know if you'll like it?

[michelyn8]

Jun 29, 2011 20:49:52 GMT -5 lazysundays said:

I am addicted to ebay!! My toddler looks like we spend hundreds on her, and each piece of clothing I buy her is no more than $3. I love the Gymboree and high brands, and I love the lilly pulitzer dresses. For $100, I can buy more than enough for one year for a growing toddler. Daycare today commented that she never wears the same thing twice (she does but she has so many dresses that it just feels that way).

I started looking skirts for myself on ebay, just to see, and there were EUC skirts from Coldwater Creek for $15 etc, so I have bought myself a new closet for $200.

What are your experiences with ebay?

Ebay is pretty much the only place I can find jeans and shorts in my size. I've also purchased jewelry, shoes and coats from there too in the past. I'm very picky and careful with what I buy though. So far, I've only had one bad experience with someone who never shipped what I ordered but overall, what I've purchased has been worth what I paid (to me) and in good shape. I love getting things for under $20 - including the cost of shipping - that I would normally pay over $40 in a retail store.

Just last month I scored a pair of J Crew shorts in like new condition for under $10 and a gold and diamond pendant for $75 (retail at the local stores was over $275). ;D

I have learned that I need to set a limit for myself and stick with it. I missed out on a ring by $1 last weekend because I didn't glue myself to the computer. But I'm not too upset. I was willing to go up to a certain amount and someone else was willing to pay more. I decide what I'm willing to pay for an item based on the listing and go from there.

I do skip listings that are short on detail and photos. I want to see as much as I can and the sparse listings set off my "crook" radar.

[Gardening Grandma]

After trying on a pair of NYDJ jeans ("Not Your Daughter's Jeans) in a dept store, I balked at the $105 price tag. I bought the exact same style/size on ebay for less than $20 and that included shipping.

I've had pretty good luck buying clothes on ebay. The trick is to read the descriptions and measurements carefully.

[dannylion]

I've never figured out how to buy a handbag i like without inspecting it IRL. How do you know if you'll like it?

Since I only like Coach and Oroton bags, those are the only ones I look at when I'm out on a rare shopping trip, so I'm familiar with their styles and have an idea which ones I would like to buy. Then I just wait until I see something I liked in a store offered on eBay. I like Coach and Oroton bags because they have certain categories of styles that work well for me, so I focus only on those styles when I'm looking on eBay. I know which styles would be too small or too fussy or otherwise unsuitable, so I can just ignore them.

I only buy bags on eBay for which there are LOTS of pictures from all angles and in good light. I look for sellers with good ratings and a refund policy that allows returns if the item is not as described. I pay close attention to the dimensions (most descriptions include the dimensions) since some bags tend to be too small for my lifestyle, and I keep a measuring tape next to my computer so i can have a concrete idea of the size. If the description is sketchy and the pictures are iffy, I just pass it by.

The high-volume sellers tend to be reliable as their business depends on their continuing to get good ratings. Generally, though, even with a low-volume seller, if the description is very detailed and the pictures are plentiful and good, it is worth considering if the price is acceptable to you. If you are unsure, contact the seller with any questions you have, and if the answers don't allay your concerns, pass it by. There will be another bag like it in a few days or a few weeks.