A Shopping Expert Shares Her Secrets for Shopping eBay Like a Pro
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It’s no secret that eBay is an incredibly useful shopping platform for finding rare, offbeat, or discounted items that can't be bought anywhere else. However, to avoid getting scammed, seriously overspending, or getting lost in the e-commerce abyss, you'll want to know some smart tips on how to shop eBay.
We spoke with Trae Bodge, the shopping expert behind the money-saving resource Truetrae.com, for pointers on setting up a watchlist, tailoring keywords, and vetting sellers before you buy from them. Here's what she recommends on how to shop eBay to find the items you want at the very best price.
Shop with a goal in mind
Before you start navigating the site, it helps to know exactly what you’re looking for. Because eBay has a seemingly infinite number of product listings, it's best not to use this site for casual browsing — instead, shop intentionally with a goal in mind.
“If your goals are vague, you could end up falling down a rabbit hole and spending a lot of time (and money) on things you don’t need,” says Bodge.
If you don't have any luck finding what you're looking for in your first round of searching, don't stress! Some searches will require a bit of patience. In the meantime, you can try searching for your item on other reselling platforms.
“There are person-to-person sites, like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, and there are also platforms like Decluttr for laptops and phones, MPB.com for cameras and video equipment, and Poshmark for clothing.”
Set up a watchlist
If you find what you're looking for, but you're not sure if you're ready to make a purchase, you can keep tabs on the item by adding it to your Watchlist.
Your eBay Watchlist is organized in order of which items’ bids are about to expire, so you'll know how much time you have to make a decision — just note that other users can still buy an item, even if you've added it to your Watchlist.
Tailor keyword searches
When searching for an item, make sure to use a wide variety of keywords. This will help you find what you're looking for — especially if you have a particular product in mind.
“Include details like the brand, color, special features, model number or generation, and the year it was made,” says Bodge.
However, this may not always work, depending on what you're looking for.
“Consider broadening the search terms just in case a seller has not described an item as accurately as your search terms indicate,” she adds.
You may need to rework your terms to encompass the aesthetic of the era you're looking for, as well. For example, if you're trying to find a shoe style from the '90s or '00s, try adding the term “Y2K” to your keyword search or any celebrities that were famous for wearing that brand. This may surface more options than simply looking for a specific year.
Avoid the electronics section
You can find plenty of cheap gadgets on eBay, but you might want to be cautious about buying them here.
“I would suggest avoiding electronics, especially bulky items like TVs, unless it’s from a highly reviewed seller or if there is a clear return policy,” she says. “You don’t want to end up in a situation where you receive an item that doesn’t work and it’s a huge hassle to send it back.”
Consider purchasing the item directly from the manufacturer or from a credible site, store, or resale platform that offers a forgiving return policy.
Check seller reviews before buying
Although eBay scams aren’t common, they can happen. That said, Bodge advises shoppers to evaluate sellers before making purchases.
“Sellers are rated and reviewed — it’s worth taking the time to note their rating and read what other buyers have said about them,” she explains. “Also, know that you are free to ask any relevant questions of a seller, so you are 100% clear on what you are buying.”
If you're unsure about buying an item, Bodge suggests asking a potential seller if there are any additional fees on top of the listed price, when you can expect the item to arrive, and what they'll do if the product doesn't work as advertised.
Look for additional ways to save
Who doesn’t love saving money? Some sites will help shoppers save even more money on eBay purchases, which is a total win in our book.
“Whether it’s cash back, a discount code, or a free shipping offer, you can sometimes find savings opportunities. For example, CouponCabin.com has a whole page dedicated to eBay offers,” Bodge says.
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