In the current economy, sites like eBay are seeing more and more sellers trying to make a little extra money by selling their surplus items and buyers looking to find what they need (or want)at a bargain price. There are good deals to be had on eBay and other sites like it, but before you decide to buy, here is some advice based on personal experience. It might just keep your own personal experience from being a personal disaster.
- Shipping. Before you bid on anything, check the shipping cost. This cost varies greatly among vendors. Some vendors hide their profit in shipping and handling charges. Although eBay is trying to stop the practice, there are still vendors that will charge more than twice the cost of the item for shipping.
- Color. Never try to match a color in your room with the color on the screen. It simply does not translate well. Everyone’s screen shows color a bit differently. So stick with neutral when buying online and buy color specific items in person.
- Size. Don’t assume because of how it looks just right in the picture that it will be - well...right. The mirror that looks so large on the dresser in the picture may look tiny in your room. That dresser may be very small in reality, making the mirror appear large (an old photographer’s trick). So ask for measurements if they are not included.
- Ask. Always ask for the specifics of the condition of the item. Ask for additional pictures if you are unsure. That tiny scratch they casually mention, may turn out to be a gouge that cannot be fixed easily. Know that before you buy!
- Insurance. Always buy insurance! It is meant to protect the seller, but you will have a better chance of getting your money back if the item arrives damaged.
- Feedback. Don't buy from a seller with less than stellar ratings. Check the feedback on every vendor you deal with. If there is a lot of negative feedback, take that as a warning and shop elsewhere. Don’t set yourself up for a bad experience.
Online Auctions are fun and can be a great source of home decor, particularly accessories. If you use your brain before you use your charge card, you can find exceptional bargains on sites like eBay. Plus, if you buy something all wrong for your home and your pocketbook – it can be a great place to unload it. Remember - one man’s hideous eyesore is another man’s chic treasure. Just make sure the eyesore doesn’t end up in YOUR living room!