Are you confused about how to navigate the websites, distinguish reputable sellers, and make safe and secure purchases? I know I was when I first started shopping eBay. Times really have changed. Disreputable sellers are few and far between. Now you can pretty much shop with confidence. I have been shopping on eBay in particular for years. I’ve bought everything from clothes, shoes, jewelry to antiques on eBay and you can, too. Let’s talk about how to score the best deals on eBay and Poshmark, and what I like and don’t like about both platforms.
Ebay’s home page has specific categories, as well as suggestions that will help you find the items you’re looking for. No matter what you’re searching for, you’ll be able to narrow your search by filtering a multitude of applicable fields. Many sellers will also offer a Buy It Now option if you need it right away or are just comfortable with the price offered. Some sellers offer counteroffers. Try to suggest prices to score good deals. Before you buy here are some pointers.
- Familiarize yourself with the Prices of the items you are looking for
- Find out What People Have Paid in the Past for the Particular Item
- See If a Buy It Now Seller Takes Counteroffers
- Don’t be afraid to Haggle for a Better Price. …
- Sign Up for Alerts on Your Desired Items. …
- Check the Shipping Cost. …
- Check out the Sellers Feedback before buying-super important
Don’t hurry to place bids. It will increase prices. The best strategy is to wait until the last auction seconds. This approach is used by experienced users. Sandra will tell you more about that in our live today. Honestly, I do not often do this. My time is valuable. I try to familiarize myself with what an item costs. If I get it at a price that I am comfortable with, I am fine with that.
It doesn’t have to be the biggest bargain on earth. How to know if you are paying too much? To me, this is completely personal. How badly do you want it? If there is more than one of the items you are looking for, compare the price and condition. Note any defects or issues, and the seller’s return policy if they have one. Also, note how quickly they ship (there will be a note at the top of the listing if they are away for a certain period which would delay shipping)
I buy a lot of clothes on eBay. In the picture above, I purchased the Michael Stars tee (brand new), the Treasure and Bond Utility Jacket, and the Rag and Bone Crossbody bag all on eBay. FYI eBay has some great buying guides on their site to help. You can find an eBay Clothing, Shoes, and Accessories Buying Guide here. Here are my tips for purchasing clothing: Know your sizes and measurements for the particular brand you are shopping for, measure a favorite shirt, pants skirt, etc. so that you are assured what you are buying will fit. Measure it flat side-to-side at waistband, armpits, and inseam, so you can compare with sellers’ listings.
If you haven’t shopped on eBay before I will walk you through it. I love Johnny Was. Let’s just say I am shopping for some of their items. Here is a screenshot.
Next, you would click on the category under women’s clothing that you are looking for. If you know the exact name of the item, you can narrow the search way down. However, keep in mind some sellers don’t know the exact name of the item, if you narrow it down too much you might miss out. If you don’t find what you are looking for click on the little heart (see above) and save the search.
When the item you are looking for turns up eBay will email you. If the item below is what you were looking for here you would either place a bid or click buy it now.
It is really pretty simple and straightforward on eBay now. Of course, you need to register just like everywhere else, but once you have done that your information is stored and you are free to bid and buy. You can also save particular sellers on eBay if they carry items that you often look for. I rarely use this feature but it is available.
I am often asked about my Native American Jewelry Collection. I have been collecting NAJ since the early ’80s, many of which have been purchased on eBay and a few recently on Poshmark. When searching for Native American Jewelry I find it more effective to search for artists that I like, as there is just so much stuff out there. I will link to some of my favorite artists at the bottom of this post. If you like Native American Jewelry, I would go to Jewelry, and then Ethnic and Tribal, and then Native American. Then you can type in the artist you like or type in Navajo, Santo Domingo, Zuni, etc. These are a few of the purchases I have made in the last year.
We have also purchased (smalls) antiques on eBay. This article might be helpful Ebay Antiques Buying Guide. Again it is a little tricky until you find out exactly what you are looking for. If you know, you will figure out how to navigate the app pretty quickly.
eBay vs Poshmark
Poshmark is more clothing and jewelry centered and in my opinion caters to younger buyers. Their search engine is not as effective as that of eBay and is a bit more difficult to navigate.
Here is my home page on Poshmark. On the left, you can see my likes. At the top is the search bar.
Here I searched for Rocki Gorman in the search box. You can see the results populate below the search box. If you wanted to look for earrings, I would search “rocki gorman earrings”.
One of the things about Poshmark that drives me crazy is they steer you to repeat scroll (ie they do not tell you how many items you are searching for) and you don’t realize you are scrolling back over items you have already viewed. They have a flat shipping rate which can be a plus if you are buying multiple items from the same person. Each seller has a closet. If I click on the four-strand pink carnelian necklace that you see above below it will be the seller’s closet (ie all of the items they have for sale). I think Poshmark encourages people to offer deals if they purchase more than one item from their closet. I rarely use this feature because I am looking for something specific and I don’t want to buy a bunch of other “stuff” just because it is a bargain, but maybe younger buyers like this feature
They do not allow returns. I have purchased clothing and a couple of Native American Jewelry items on Poshmark. I don’t feel like it is as user-friendly as eBay but maybe it is just me. Their system of favoriting items is better than that of eBay’s in my opinion.
Here is a good article on how to shop Poshmark
From Pennies to Plenty-How to Shop Poshmark
SHOP SOME OF MY FAVORITE NATIVE AMERIAN ARTISTS WORK ON EBAY
RENELLE PERRY
ROCKI GORMAN
CHIMNEY BUTTE
SHOP SOME OF MY FAVORITE CLOTHING LINES ON EBAY
JOHNNY WAS
BRYN WALKER
CYNTHIA ASHBY
EILEEN FISHER
I hope you found this simple tutorial on How to Score the Best Deals on eBay and Poshmark helpful. I am joining my pal Sandra Sallin today on Instagram at 11:00 a.m pacific time live where we will discuss how to shop eBay, Poshmark, Etsy, and more. You can follow Sandra on Instagram here, and on her blog here. Please share any wisdom you have on bargain shopping and let Sandra and I know what you would like us to cover in future lives. I hope you will join me right here on Sunday for our Sunday Fab Five. You can read all of my Sunday Fab Five posts here.
*EDITORS NOTE-HERE IS THE LINK TO THE LIVE WITH SANDRA AND CINDY ON BARGAIN SHOPPING
Hi Cindy! Great post on ebay and etsy etc. I really enjoyed your discussion with Sandra. I loved your yellow shirt withe turquoise pin.. You looked terrific! Can you share where you got your shirt? I’m guessing Sundance? You really could be on tv😊Thanks!
Hi Robbie
Thank you so much. The shirt is from a local shop Tancredi and Morgan. You can call them. Marsha makes the shirts herself ane it has been a popular style forever1. I have it in too many colors to count!!
Here is the link to their shop https://tancrediandmorgen.com/
I loved this post so much! Very informative and helpful. Thank you. I just discovered your blog through Sandra. I enjoyed your helpful videos. I hope they will continue!
Hi Donna
Welcome! I think you will enjoy our community here. I think Sandra and I will be doing one on accessories soon!
Super helpful tips, Cindy. I used Poshmark recently to score an out of stock jacket for our sons wedding. Brand new for a third of the new cost. Yay. It gave me a little confidence to explore more. And now I’m going to give eBay a whirl too. I missed your live with Sandra and hope it’s saved on your IG! xo
Hi Cindy, thank you for this post! It gave me a new found confidence to use both of these sites! I have heard of some friends getting overly used bags on Poshmark so don’t really shop from there. However, my kids buy for their children on the site, most recently Chacos’s for their children.
The whole bidding thing on eBay is what gets me and your insights helped!
Always informative!
Thank you,
Jan
Hi Jan
I love ebay, but have gotten a few zingers over the years. Mostly in the early days. I hope you now can find some fabulous things with confidence.
Cindy,
I’ve learned so much from the post and on your live with Sandra! I will refer back to this post when I’m ready to dig in and search for something! a
Annie you are such a good sport!!
Annie you are such a good friend…how much do I owe you?
Thanks Cindy – great post! 🙂
Thank you Cindy this is very useful. I buy from EBay and Etsy and find both of them worthwhile.. l just bought a brand new Everlane shirt and saved myself $20.00 bucks., nice! Happy weekend 🙂
Thanks Cindy,
Ebay is a wonderful way to “Test” brand, size or a new style, especially pants, which can be hard to size. You can learn that you wear a size 26 in Democracy or NYDJ brand jeans without ordering them full price, and most often they are new with or without tags and perfect if they fit. Yes, definitely look at return policies, sometimes all I do is try it on, check the size, know what would fit, and pay for return shipping, like with J.Crew. Less than the gas to drive to the mall, and not something I can do at my local store, they don’t always carry my size unfortunately. I always look on eBay, Poshmark and Thred Up for any brand or specific item I see or like, often I can find it there, rather than the store, and it is often new, and a fraction of the price. I cannot tell of all of the lovely high end clothing I have purchased at a fraction of the retail price. And my last advice? Be patient. That lovely scarf , expensive sandals, handbag or those designer overalls (yes) will at some point just be there for you to purchase.
Poshmark was my friend after my house burned down in a California wildfire. I had some things I loved, and I was able to replace some of them on Poshmark. I had an extensive Eileen Fisher collection. I was able to find almost everything or at least something close. It was very useful for replacing some loved costume jewelry pieces. Shoes, not so much.
I have shopped on eBay for about twenty years. And have sold a few things before I moved to Georgia. You have to have a sales tax certificate or something. I buy mostly clothing. But when I started collecting my Fiesta Ware dishes. I bought a lot on eBay. I’m always watching something on eBay. I always check the feedback. And years ago I bought a cell phone. It wouldn’t open or work on my network. I sent it back and got a full refund. That’s why I shop on eBay. I have looked at clothing and things on Poshmark. But I would rather buy something new with the tags, instead of used.
Hi Cindy, as you know I am eBay seller “nanscloset2016” since 2010. The eBay customer service guarantee policy is very valuable and important. I would add the recommendation to your readers to choose a seller who has a lengthy history on eBay and 100% Positive Feedback Score before buying. Unfortunately, there are still disreputable sellers and buyers on there. Poshmark is too problematic for me: simply harder to navigate searches, etc. and I always give up trying to find what I want or listing anything on their site. I specialize selling a limited selection of brands/items that I love/wear/use so I can confidently answer any questions a buyer might have. Would also recommend not buying from anyone who does not add any details to listing descriptions or use only stock photos of brand name items anyone can upload from a brand website. Hope this info helps. You provided excellent guidance today for navigating these 2 sites!
I watched the blog with you and Sandra today. It was very informative and an inspiration to get back to Etsy and eBay shopping
Hi Lee
I love Ebay and Etsy!
Hello Cindy, very much appreciated the insights on purchasing through these new markets… I love following through on your suggestions ! Wondering if you would share the maker of the bag in the photo? Thanks for the consideration.. never have I enjoyed and been intrigued with a blog so much as yours! Amelia
Hi Ameliz
Absolutely, the maker of the bag is Rag and Bone. I believe you will be able to find it on Poshmark or Ebay. I purchased it last year on one of the platforms, can’t remember which. The great thing about that bag is it unsnaps and folds completely flat for travel.
Thanks for this info Cindy. I recently purchased a large antique TerraCotta olive jar on Ebay. My first big purchase. This piece was described as having no cracks, or chips. Stated that this particular seller did not accept returns, but I did see the Ebay guarantee. Ordered the piece, and when I rec’d it, the entire top portion of ;the jar was completely broken off from the rest of the jar. When I contacted the seller, he basically told me that it was up to me to contact FeDex and deal with them. I opted to go through the Ebay contact, return was accepted this past Monday, and my refund has already been credited. So grateful for the Ebay guarantee.
Jill,
I sell a little on eBay and it sounds like your seller did not handle the situation well. Not good customer service. They may have not adequately packed the item. I’m glad you were able to get a refund. I hope this doesn’t discourage you from shopping on eBay in the future!
Linda
Hi Linda
Thanks for replying to Jill. I agree. I would probably be much wealthier without Ebay!!
Hi Jill
I am so glad you got your money back. I am cautious about purchasing fragile items on Ebay. Things need to be packed so well these days!
Cindy, thanks for the very informative info on eBay. I have things for sale on Poshmark and have done fairly well, but I think I’ll try selling on eBay. I tried before but found it a little confusing to list things, so gave up.
I think you are correct that maybe Poshmark is for the younger crowd, not sure.
You always have such good info on your blog, I really enjoy it.
Hi Carol.
I used to sell on Ebay but haven’t in quite awhile. I need to though!
How about the necklace you’re wearing at the end of your post , at meet Cindy?
Hi Karen
That necklace is by Paula Carvalho. You can find her on Instagram. I love her work!
Hi Cindy,
I’ve purchased a few things on EBay, mostly my vintage paper mache’ trays. Never clothing or jewelry but you’ve given such great tips that I might start a search!
My daughter uses Poshmark all the time and finds beautiful clothing at amazing prices. I had a harder time navigating the site and finding what I was looking for so gave up on it!
So many good pointers here, great post!
Xo Heidi
Hi Hedi
Give Poshmark a try. Their search engine isn’t nearly as good as Ebay’s but I do like it!
YES and YES!!!! I have been cleaning out my closet and have been selling on Poshmark – a great and easy portal for the clothes that don’t suit your life anymore. It is easy and fun. I bought a really cute Jannessa Leone hat on Real Real, Nili Lotan pants on Poshmark for a steal. fun to clean out and just have a few really good clothes now that I am vintage…
Thanks for this article. The EBAY tutorial was so helpful!
Hi Diane
Those of us that are “vintage” love vintage finds as well!
Have you tried the RealReal. I’ve been happy with my purchases. And their return policy is very good also.
Hi Peg
I think I have purchased one or two things on the Real Real. I will check it out again.
This is so helpful, Cindy! You make eBay fun.
Cindy, I am happy to hear that you still think there are reputable sellers on Ebay. I was turned off Ebay because it just seemed like to many stores flooding it with new things. Way back in the old days I punched some amazing art from Ebay, in fact I purchased my 15,000 wedding dress on Ebay for $500.00! It was missing 2 buttons, I called the designer and she sent them to me for free! I also purchased a handmade embroidered veil to my specifications($60) as well as my invitations, which were hand made and hand lettered. Each piece was amazing and special and I was very lucky to have found the pieces. I donated the dress and veil to a wonderful organization that raises money for breast cancer.
In the old days I also purchased some beautiful original art from the UK and Scotland, and France. Now days I do not see too many things, but you have encouraged me to get back in the game!
As for Poshmark, I have never been on there. I will check it out. Have a great day! Looking forward to your talk with Sandra.
Hi Eliz
I have shopped Ebay for years. I can always find things there! Give it a try. As Sandra said in the early years it was kind of like the wild west! Not anymore!