There definitely are “real” deals on eBay (by real, I assume you mean not counterfeit), and there are definitely scams and fakes too. Handbags are particularly notorious for being knock-offs. Tiffany jewelry, certain watches. I would never buy a Louis Vuitton or Coach bag off eBay, for example. If you are determined though, there are a bunch of guides out there on how to spot a fake Louis etc. Some blogs/forums like Purse Forum will have its members weigh in on the authenticity. Other things that raise a red flag: seller based out of a foreign country, bad or not much feedback, multiples of the same item/brand.
That being said, there are a lot of good deals out there. The vast majority of items being sold on ebay are from reputable sellers. Check it out!
Hi - I have been buying on Ebay for about 3 years now - have bought about 80 things - books, handbags, toys, etc.
In all that time, I have only been “scammed” once and it was for a Coach purse. She was a “new” seller from Canada. I received the purse, amd realizing it was a fake , contacted Ebay immediately. I was told she was removed from Ebay but was given no reason why. I was told by Ebay that I should first try to rectify the situation with the buyer before Ebay stepped in. To make a long story short, I gave the seller time to return my check (which she never did) and when I again went to Ebay (and Paypal) to get my money back they both told me too much time had lapsed and there was nothing they could do.
Just be careful, look at their percentage of satisfied customers and also how many items they have sold. Also, if it is too good to be true, it probably is!!!!!!
Yep, Ebay is generally just fine, although I have to agree it is probably not the place to purchase items that are often copied, such as purses. To be safe, buy only from sellers with lots of positive feedback. I’ve got some good deals from Ebay!
hi, I actually am a wholesaler and sell branded items on eBay. I have been in the Fashion industry for many years and have contacts for all sorts of products.
I think that you have to do your homework and check the sellers feedback. As in any business you need to check who you are buying from… It is really difficult to make a ggenral statement that all Coach items are fake on eBay.
Thanks
Gitasan
Yeah, I agree with everyone about buying from reputable sellers. Check out their feedback and ask questions about the item. A good seller will answer you honestly and provide good customer service.
I have gotten great deals on ebay but was careful to research the item, ask questions, and then only buy from reputable sellers.
I am addicted to shopping on ebay. I have found great things from $300 shoes for a 1/3 of the price to vintage dresses. I agree with others, it is very important to do your research. Check the sellers feedback, if there is negative, find out why. I have bought several things on ebay and have had only one bad experience. It had nothing to do with authenticity of the product, the seller was just VERY slow. Some of my favorite things to find on ebay for great savings are hair products. Jumbo sized shampoo and conditioner for fractions of what you would spend in the salon.
Like ‘lovetoshop’ above, I too am addicted to eBay, mostly because I hate regular mall or store shopping. I’ve been buying and selling on eBay now for at least 5 years, and I’ve purchased MANY fantastic items for uber cheap (shoes, clothes, makeup, jewelry, home goods, art, you name it) Items that spring to mind: two fantastic necklaces I got, on which I was the only bidder, and I KNOW they were way under priced because of the amazing quality of workmanship on both of them. In all of the items I’ve ever bought, I have had less than a handful of problems. Always check the feedback on a seller before you buy.
If you’re a ‘speed shopper’, eBay is probably not for you. It’s kind of like TJMaxx, Ross or Marshalls…they always have different stuff, but you have to take the time to ‘paw thru the racks’ to find what you want. But when you find that certain gem…it’s addictive! And paying via PayPal makes everything so much simpler.
eBay sells everything—and I mean everything—so I’m definitely a believer! ;-)
Yeah like you all I too am addicted to ebay, I’ve been eBaying since long, and when I bid on a item it is always in the last few minutes. I don’t always win because someone may be willing to pay more than I am. I have won items by a few cents. Most people bid an even dollar amount.
I think Ebay image is worse than it should be. I have been buying lots of stuff from eBay and so far I haven’t made particularly negative experiences there. And from time to time you can really get a good bargain!
I have bought some great stuff on e bay and some not so great stuff. But generally I think if you look you can get some great items, especially if the seller states they have used it.
Hi, Yes there are some really great deals on Ebay. But when you shop ebay check out your seller, check their feedback. Check what the people say on the feedback. Ask you seller questions, see if they answer in a timely manner and how helpful they are. Reason being if they dont answer you or help you. They wont help or answer you if there is a problem.
There are definitely deals on eBay. I sell authentic Juicy Couture and Betsey Johnson accessories on eBay for less than the MSRP. Now some items are cheaper than others but generally, they are always cheaper than Nordstrom or Saks, plus you can avoid tax. There will always be counterfeit gear on eBay but that’s why you always check out a seller’s feedback first. When in doubt, ask the seller, check their feedback or if you have to, just move on.
And I always feel kind of cheap and ...even dirty! shopping on Ebay, I dont know why!! Its just not refined place to shop for women’s apparel - it just is basically untrustworthy.
I mean the first purchase on Ebay that I made went well. The second I thought I was getting a great deal but actually lost out on the overpriced shipping and handling fee. AND THE WORST, was two times I bought and the charge was made to my card and had to go through a huge hassle to contest the charge to get my money back when items were never shipped!
