My Pro Tips for Shopping on eBay

If I had a penny every time someone asked me for my tips for shopping on eBay, I’d be a very rich woman! I’ve been shopping on ebay since 2000, just a little over half my life, so I have many tricks up my sleeves for shopping the greatest place for vintage plus designer gems. I’ve found some amazing Chanel bags on ebay, plus my all time favorite Louis Vuitton Cannes bag! Read on for my pro tips for shopping on eBay!

Specificity rules.

Identify what item or piece you want and then start your search being as specific as possible.  For example, “vintage gunne sax dress xs“. From there broaden your search as needed, but you’ll be surprised by what you find when searching for really unique items. When I first started out, I had a list of searches written on a notepad and later in the notes app so I could track all of my favorite search terms in an organized way. With the “save search” tool (more on that below), I don’t have to do that. I still use the notes app to track new ideas, styles, or designers I come across however. I can’t remember anything these days, I make a note and search it later.

Save your search and make an offer.

I like to set keyword alerts so I’m notified when an item is listed. The way to use this feature is enter a search term as normally would and then select the heart to save this search. From that point, any time a new item is listed using those search terms, you will be sent a notification! Best. Tool. Ever! The upside of shopping on eBay is that you know how long an item has been listed for sale.  Use this to your advantage and respectfully ask the seller if they are negotiable on the price!  Use the “make offer” option if the seller has it available and the “buy it now” so you don’t have to bid. I also use the “make an offer” tool which many listings include. If the listing doesn’t have this option, then send a message to seller with a reasonable offer. 

Allocate time.

Alan calls it the black hole of vintage shopping because it sucks me in for hours at a time! Dedicate about 30-60 minutes hunting on eBay, which is what you would do at the flea market or thrift store! I normally start by going through my sale alerts and then dive deep into my specific searches. There isn’t a best time of day or day of the week to search so dedicate the time, when you have time and what works for your schedule.

Know your measurements.

Modern and vintage sizing differ so know your measurements before shopping online. Measure the following: natural waist, hips, bust, and shoulders. If you can’t measure yourself, then stop by a tailor and ask for measurements. When shopping online, always ask for measurements of a garment before buying.

My Top 20 eBay search terms