Counting the pennies this winter?

Counting the pennies this winter? Swapping high street shopping for ebay bidding could be the answer.

If like so many of us fashion-loving girlies you’re feeling the pinch this winter but are in dire need of a new wardrobe: maybe some new jeans, one of those gorgeous faux fur headbands and perhaps even a pair of those oh-so-beautiful tan ankle boots – don’t despair or attempt to extend your overdraft, shopping on ebay just might be the answer.

Now, for anyone reading this that has no idea of what ‘ebay’ is (aka lives under a rock, back in the 90s or is a secret technophobe – don’t worry your secret’s safe with us) the basic concept is that ebay is an online auction site where anyone can post an item they wish to sell for other users to bid on, with the highest bidder at the end of the auction winning the item – simple.

Ebay is one of the world’s most popular second-hand selling sites and is absolutely great for baggin’ a bargain, plus not every item on the site is actually second hand, some sellers sell brand new merchandise at reduced prices – how great is that?

In case you’re thinking that ebay sounds something like an online charity shop let me just reassure that it is nothing of the sort – most second items for sale on the site are in pretty good condition, with some items never having even been worn!

Obviously there are a few items that can end up being quite expensive, so if like me you’re on a budget, it’s best to set yourself a maximum price you’re willing to pay for each item and stick to it – oh and a word for the wise, always remember to add on postage costs, it’s a real must.

Some of my most recent eBay bargains:

Topshop Acid Wash supersoft skinny jeans RRP price £38, won second hand (in great condition) on eBay for £24.80 (including postage and packaging) – that’s a massive saving of £13.20.

Topshop Leigh supersoft skinny jeans RRP price £38, won second hand on eBay for just £10.70 (including postage and packaging) – that’s a saving of £27.30

Pixie Vintage tan Chelsea-style ankle boots, brought from eBay brand new for £22.98 (free postage and packaging) – although not so much of a saving as some of the second hand items, I used some of the money saved from other eBay purchases to bid on these beauties.

 

Topshop dip hem speckle roll dress RRP price £29, won second hand from eBay for £22 (including postage and packaging) – that’s a saving of £7.

Best eBay autumn/winter buys:

 

Miss Selfridge faux fur headband hat, RRP price £16, currently available to bid on for £6 (not including postage).

River Island cream lace wool effect jumper top, RRP price around £25, currently available to bid on for £9.52 (not including postage).

Topshop navy fur trim borg lined short parka jacket, RRP £78, currently available to bid on for £51 (not including postage).

Jack Wills navy sweat pant joggers, RRP £39, currently available to bid on at the starting price of £0.99 (not including postage).

If you’re inspired enough to ditch an afternoon of high street shopping for an afternoon of ebay bidding,  remember set a budget and stick to it, use the search bar to type in specific items – don’t just buy for the sake of it and most importantly bag a bargain’. Happy Bidding!

 

Beth Mahoney – Journalism Student at the University of Gloucestershire.

Beth is the editor of Space, the UoG Student magazine. This is part of the CFW and the University of Gloucestershire  collision.