We might be deep into Black Friday week, but it’s fair to say that dedicated eBay shoppers are bagging discounts all year-round. For the savviest among us, there’s a tried-and-true strategy: time is set aside for smart scrolling (which even takes into account spelling mistakes), notifications are activated and monitored, and thumbs are perennially poised over the bid button.
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Retailer sales talk that peaks this time of year has long been a part of the eBay-er’s vocab. It’s common to barter a price before buying, and you’ll find endless fashion items at lowered prices on the site at any given moment. That being said, right now there’s Black Friday signposting on eBay’s homepage, including an auction that features pre-loved pieces from Vivienne Westwood, Gucci and Prada, all starting at 99p. But to ensure you invest in something you really want, I recommend approaching sale season in a more considered manner. This might be a period when sellers will be more inclined to discount their items, but that’s not to say they won’t be open to offers once the Black Friday frenzy is over.
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“What makes eBay so special to me is its unmatched inventory. You can spend hours exploring the archival pieces from luxury brands – including items that are no longer in production,” eBay’s pre-loved style director, Amy Bannerman, tells Vogue. Amy also shouts out her “ultimate shopping hack”, eBay’s Imperfects range. “It offers incredible discounts on already discounted luxury designer items, just because of tiny imperfections such as a loose thread or a missing shoe box – it’s the best way to snag high quality, one-of-a-kind items at amazing prices.”
I’d advise drafting a wish list before you embark on your eBay search – the more specific, the better – that takes into account the products you’re after, as well as colourways, fabrics, sizing and brands. As mentioned above, don’t forget to try different spelling variations, as that way you won’t miss any gems hidden by a typo. And don’t hesitate to negotiate pricing – it’s a cliché, but if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
