As most of my loyal readers know, I've been a powerseller on eBay since 2000. I have two eBay "stores" and over 10,000 positive feedback between the two. I also love to buy on eBay.
Here are a few reasons why checking out eBay is always a good idea when you are shopping…
1. A lot of people are on eBay to make extra money, so deals are to be found:
I started out on eBay because I had quit my job to take care of my kids when my live-in nanny went bonkers and I had major trust issues about leaving them with anyone for a while (I got over that).
I started selling my maternity clothes because I was sure that I was never going to ever have another baby because the two I had did not sleep. I also sold all of my lawyer clothes because I decided that a lawyer who did not sleep was a bad idea.
I wanted the stuff out of my house. I wanted some extra money. I was not trying to get rich. My stuff was reasonably priced and sold instantly. When I explained what I was doing to the moms on the playground, they started showing up at pre-school carpool with bags of their own stuff. A little business was born.
My point is that many sellers on eBay are not trying to get full retail value for their stuff. They just want it out of their homes and to make a little spare change while decluttering. This means that there are great values out there.
Yes, many eBay sellers are regular businesses who need to sell at a certain price. But others are about to donate these $500 +
Roberto Cavalli boots to Goodwill but figure that if they get a few bucks, that is even better.
2. There are things on eBay that are not found anywhere else on the internet:
Ever find a pair of jeans or a lipstick color that you adore and realize that the manufacturer had discontinued it? I have and have also found that I can often replace it with a new pair or tube on Ebay. It is the best for that.
3. There are tons of new things on eBay it is not just an online junkyard
Not only do major retailers have eBay stores these days, many sellers like me get new things to sell. Many items have the "buy it now" option so you don't have to bid on an auction and wait to see if you get it.
4. You are protected if you get burned.
Ebay has a buyer protection program. If you get something that is not as described or fake, just let eBay know. You won't get burned. Trust me, 99% of things that I have purchased on eBay are excellent but I have had a few small issues that were easily resolved.
5. eBay is super fun.
If you love to shop, you should shop on eBay. There are so many funny and fun things being sold there. Some unique ones. Some silly ones. Some things that you never even knew that you needed. It is like the Skymall catalog on steroids.
Here are a few examples…
