Help me Ebay shop

[MeadowHay]

A lot of people on here have mentioned to me about shopping on ebay to find good quality clothes at much cheaper prices. E.g. just had a look on the Jaeger website as there's a sale on but I still can't afford those prices sadly even though I really liked the clothes. But I feel a bit lost when I look at the stuff on ebay - how do you know if it's in good condition? Is used - good condition actually that good or will it be worn?

Anyone got any tips for how to get good bargains on ebay that are good quality and not too worn?

[Pottedplants]

I think shopping on eBay for used clothes is a gamble. I have bought 'worn once' clothes and they have looked stretched/colours more muted/washed than expected and occasionally a few bobbles, but overall in good condition.

I don't think there is a failsafe way of shopping second hand clothes online. The only advice I can give is to only pay what you think the item is worth. Obviously if the item is in poor condition, frayed etc, this should be stated in the description and if not you may be able to take up a case with the seller. But generally I'd read all the 'worn once' ads with a pinch of salt.

[HereBeFuckery]

Search by brand names, eBay sellers worth their salt will list by brand and size. Zoom right in on pics to see fabric more closely, and accept you'll buy a few duds. There's tonnes of ace stuff on eBay, selling cheaply.

[PerspicaciaTick]

Pick brands and designers where the clothes are well made to start with and where you know how the sizing works.If you are buying something by a named designer, be aware of any catalogues they may also work with, get familiar with how the labels look so you can spot them in pictures.

Look carefully at the pictures. You will start to recognise which designs/items are current/last season and which ones have been tucked in the back of a wardrobe for a couple of decades.

Think about what the seller isn't telling you. I avoid items where the seller hasn't bothered to add any detailed description.

Remember to factor in P&P and don't be tempted to bid more than you are comfy with. There will be another similar (if not identical) item along shortly.

You can set up searches and alerts on ebay, so ebay will let you know when items you are interested in get listed. Bide your time and buy only items where you feel comfortable with the description and the seller. Be picky.

Be aware that clothes often arrive smelling strongly of other people's washing powder and conditioner. This is a good sign (because they are clean) but I personally find some of the scents revolting, so I do a quick try on, check out the item and then get it in the laundry asap.

If you don't like an item you've bought, you can always bung it back on ebay and recoup your costs.