The best tips and tricks to up your eBay game.
In case you didn’t already know, eBay is just about the best resource for any fashion girl. There are thousands of fashion pieces listed on eBay from all around the world. Some are new, some are worn and all of them are waiting to be snapped up by savvy shoppers.
I am totally eBay obsessed. I started using it back in 2009 as an underpaid and overworked university student with a penchant for designer clothing. There was absolutely no way I could afford the Sass & Bide t-shirts and Zimmermann dresses that I coveted on the money I was earning, so a friend pointed me in the direction of the auction site. After a couple of weeks I was hooked.
Today, at least half my wardrobe has come from eBay. Even though I’ve grown up and found a “grownup” job, I still use it to buy everything from jeans and boots to jewellery and bags because you just can’t beat the prices. As an example, my latest purchases include:
- Viktoria & Woods leather skirt originally $600 and bought for $46
- Alexander Wang Kori Boots originally $700 and bought for $262
- A brand new with tags Kookai Dress originally $90 and bought for $51
I even use eBay to buy my household items. Why should I pay $40 for my shampoo and conditioner set when I can get the exact same thing shipped to me for $30?
That said, finding exactly what you want and getting it for the price you want is an art that I’ve spent years practicing and perfecting. Some first time users of eBay can get frustrated because there are hundreds of pages to search through, pictures can be deceiving and shipping times can be really long. So for all you frustrated users, first time dabblers and keen fashion hunters out there, here are the best eBay hacks and tips that have helped me curate my dream closet for a fraction of the cost.
1. Search for spelling errors
This works particularly well if you are after a specific brand. You’d be surprised how many people write “Alice McCall” as “Alice Mcall” or “Alexander Wang” as “Alexander Wand”. These misspelled listings attract very few watchers/buyers which means no bidding competition and a cheaper price for you.
There’s even a special site dedicated to helping you find misspelled listings. It’s called Fat Fingers. Type in what you’re looking for and it will source all the misspellings for your search term.
2. Search for features and brands not product type
Searching features and brands will yield more results than if you search for a product type. For example, when looking for a black handbag you should only search for the term “black” and then select “women’s bags” category. Many people will list handbag as bag, pouch, shoulder bag, bucketbag etc. So including “handbag” in your search term removes all the other listings from your results.
3. Search for items listed in the wrong category
When listing an item, some sellers will accidentally list things in the wrong place eg. a dress being listed in the “women’s jeans” category. As with the misspelled listings, these attract fewer buyers and will generally have a lower auction price. If you’re after a dress, try searching in the tops or shoes categories and see what comes up.
4. Follow and save your favourite searches
Are you looking for something specific? Search for it on eBay and then select the “follow this search” option. eBay will then send you a notification every time something falling within your search terms is listed and you won’t have to constantly monitor eBay for newly listed items.
5. Don’t filter by size
Every single brand uses a different type of sizing. Some brands use 6, 8, 10 etc., some use S,M,L and some use 1, 2, 3 etc. So, filtering your search results by size 10 will eliminate all the size M results and you’ll potentially miss out on some great buys. If you really insist on filtering by size, make sure you run a few different searches filtering by size 10, size M and size 3.
6. Look at every single photo in detail
Many eBay sellers, especially the casual sellers, use dull, grainy photos that really undersell the appeal of the clothing. Really take the time to assess the pictures in a listing. You’d be surprised how many amazing pieces are disguised by bad listing photos. If you’re having trouble seeing through a bad photo, try typing the listing description into Google and see if you can dig up some better images that do the item justice.
7. Items ending at weird times have less bidding competition
Items that end at odd times like 3am when people are asleep or 9am when people have just started work will attract less buyers. As a result these listings will be generally be easier for you to snag at a great price. But since not all of us can stay up until 3am to bid on a dress, this brings me to the next tip…
8. Try using an eBay sniper service
These services work by placing your bid at the very last second. This gives only seconds for someone to bid above you and prevents the price from rising too high. They are a great tool to use if your auction ends at odd hours. Simply type in the auction ID and details of the maximum price you’re prepared to pay. My favourite one is called Auction Stealer. Sign up and you’ll get 5 free steals a month.
9. Two similar items on eBay at the same time? Buy the first one
Think about it: Every person that misses out on the first auction will jump on the second and the price will go up. So, if you’re ever caught in this situation where two similar items are listed at around the same time, always buy the one that ends first.
10. Expand the location filter. It’s always preset
The location filter is always preset to items only listed on eBay Canada. This will include items based in other countries but not items listed on foreign versions of the site. You should always change this filter to suit your preferences. If you’re after something common and simple, change the filter to “Canada only” to avoid excessive shipping costs and times. But if you’re after something very niche, open the filter up to worldwide so you can see every item that can be shipped to Canada. Opening the filter up is especially important if you’re after designer items. There are so many more choices in the luxury categories when you include auctions based overseas.
11. Beware cheap items will have lengthy shipping times
If you see an amazing dress for $5 and it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Often, items that are listed at a buy-it-now low price are made overseas and sent from overseas via boat. These items can sometimes take months to arrive, if at all. As newbie eBayer, I was blindsided by prices and bought a few things that either arrive after eight weeks or didn’t arrive at all. Avoid making this mistake by reading all the other information on a listing before making a purchase.
12. Bargain with the seller
There is no harm in contacting the seller and asking them for a better price. You’d be surprised by how many sellers are willing to take their items down and sell them out of the auction format. It is also worth contacting the seller about items you believe will gather a hefty price during the auction. If you see something listed for $20 and you know it has the potential to get to $100, why not contact the seller and offer them $50 before the auction ends? You could save yourself some money.
13. Always contact the seller with issues
Sellers rely on positive feedback to continue selling, especially the power sellers. If you aren’t happy with your item, contact them. Most of them are happy for you to return the item and they’ll give you your money back.
14. On the off chance you’re ever shopping in store…
And you see something that you love, search eBay for it before you buy it. I was once about to drop $200 on a white blazer in store when I decided to double check eBay. I found it, brand new, listed for it a buy-it-now price of $60.
Still not sure where to start?
Here are few links to some of the biggest fashion categories that offer the biggest bargains.
Kookai leather pieces are some of the most beautiful clothing on the market. The only problem is they retail for $500+. On eBay you can pick up some great Kookai leather from $100 or less. The same goes from Bec & Bridge and Sass & Bide. You can pick up some great Sass & Bide tees for $20 and super sexy Bed & Bridge dresses for $50.
Happy shopping.
Latest fashion stories:
Latest fashion deals:
Nasty Gal
Take an extra 10% off everything
Simply use the code and get an extra 10% off everything. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Missguided
40% off 2000+ items
Simply use the code and get 40% off sale. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Superdry
Up to 50% off selected products
Get up to 50% off selected products. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Ted Baker
Take 30% off new lines
Exclusions, T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Deal ends
ASOS
Up to 60% off sale
Take up to 60% off sale at ASOS. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Brastop Ltd
Up to 70% off sale
Enjoy up to 70% off clearance sale. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
ASOS
Get 10% off your purchase
Only valid for new customer account creation. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Koi Footwear
Up to 75% off sale
Enjoy up to 75% off sale at Koi Footwear. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Sweaty Betty
Up to 50% off black essentials
Take up to 50% off black essentials. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Deal ends
John Lewis
Up to 50% off womenswear
Valid for a limited time only at John Lewis. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Ralph Lauren IE
20% off give in style range
Take 20% off give in style range. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Collector Square
Up to 60% off Cartier, Messika, Dior and more
Enjoy up to 60% off pink gold luxury rings, necklaces, bracelets and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Crocs
Up to 50% off sale
Enjoy up to 50% off selected clogs, sandals, puff boots and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
River Island
Up to 70% off in sale
Get up to 70% off in the River Island sale.
Last verified
Umbro
Classic boots up to 60% off
Get up to 60% off classic boots at Umbro boot sale. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Nike
Up to 20% off sale
Get 20% off on selected items. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Nike
10% off students discount
Get 10% off students discount at Nike. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
PrettyLittleThing
35% off students offer
Offer valid on clothing, tops, accessories, shoes and more. Conditions Apply.
Last verified
JD Sports
Extra 10% off all adidas sale clothing
Get extra 10% off all adidas sale clothing. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Goldsmiths
Up to 50% off sale
Take up to 50% off sale at Goldsmith's. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Magee 1866
Extra 10% off outlet
Take extra 10% off outlet at Magee 1866. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Magee 1866
Up to 50% off further reduction
Enjoy up to 50% off further reduction. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
I Saw It First
40% off everything
Valid for a limited time only at I Saw It First. Exclusions, T&Cs may apply.
Last verified
Banana Republic
Up to 60% off sale
Take up to 60% off sale at Banana Republic. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Banana Republic
Free shipping on orders of €50 or more
Exclusions, T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Gap
Free delivery on orders over €50
Exclusions, T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Gap
35% off full-price styles + extra 10% off
Enjoy 35% off full-price styles and extra 10% off at Gap. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Lasula
Extra 10% off students discount
Take extra 10% off everything student discount. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Sweaty Betty
15% off your first order
Simply use the code and get 15% off your first order. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
PrettyLittleThing
Enjoy unlimited next day delivery €11.99
Conditions Apply.
Last verified
Gap
40% off full-price styles + 10% off sale styles
Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Boohoo
Get extra 24% off everything
Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Nasty Gal
Up to 70% off mid season sale
Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Crocs
Buy 2 get 40% off
Exclusions, T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Deal ends
Boohoo
Up to 60% off everything
Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
River Island
Up to 30% off selected lines
Limited time only. Online and in-store. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
I Saw It First
50% off everything
Get 50% off everything at I Saw It First. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Deal ends
PrettyLittleThing
25% off everything
Get 25% off by using this code at checkout. Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Sweaty Betty
Up to 50% off leggings
Take up to 50% off leggings at Sweaty Betty. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Deal ends
M and M Direct IE
Up to 70% off sale
Take up to 70% off wet weather clothing at MandMDirect. T&Cs Apply
Last verified
Popular Womens Clothing & Accessories coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Oct 2019 | Take an extra 10% off everything | TAK**** |
| 7 Oct 2019 | 40% off 2000+ items | EAR**** |
| 26 Aug 2019 | Get 10% off your purchase | ASO**** |
| 22 Jul 2019 | Extra 10% off outlet | SUM**** |
| 5 Jun 2019 | 40% off everything | MY4**** |