I'm just going to tell you straight – I was addicted to shopping on eBay.   In fact my colleagues knew so much about my addiction that they used to joke that I had two jobs, the one I got paid to do and the one I was doing on eBay – go look me up – AskBronny is my calling card!

Now this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, except the job I had which was meant to be researching websites at the time (knew it would come in handy) somehow always lead me to eBay and the fashion section of eBay.  In fact my colleagues knew so much about my addiction that they used to joke that I had two jobs, the one I got paid to do and the one I was doing on eBay – go look me up – AskBronny is my calling card!

Now, I actually didn’t trade as AskBronny back then but branding dahling, it’s all about branding!  But onto the point of the article, being a weathered and worn eBayer – of the selling and buying variety I feel that I can with some expertise pass on some hot shopping tips.  Not that any of you probably need them if you are already online and in particular reading this article on my website – oh how I love you all (0:

Okay, first things first.  You go to eBay and you begin to browse.  My first tip is quite an obvious one – have an item in mind, some key words that you will use to search.  For example, recently I purchased some fabulous heels on eBay – here they are in all their glory.  I know – aren't they fabulous!  If you want a pair you can get them online at Three Inch Golden Lotus – click on the shoes to go straight there.  I’m in love with her shoes at the moment – well these ones anyway, and I have to say it was a speedy delivery and the shoes are fab! 

So using these shoes as an example here is how I found them.

1. Search
I typed in exactly what I was after in this case 'platform heel'.

2. Browse
Once all the platforms came up I then began to browse – exactly the same way you would in a shop!

3. Research
When I had found what I liked I thoroughly checked them out, that means size, color, images of the shoes.

4. Check Seller Ratings
Most importantly you need to check the sellers ratings, for example I would never buy from someone with less than 98% positive feedback, I also read any negative feedback and all the positive feedback.  Also, I would never buy from overseas unless the seller is a power seller – that means they will have over 1000 transactions to their name

5. Check Your Measurements
If you are concerned about sizing then make sure you know your exact dimensions.  In the case of shoes, go to a shoe shop and measure your foot, then send these dimensions to the seller to make sure the shoe is going to fit – this is exactly what I did with these shoes and the same as what I did with my True Religion jeans which I also bought from a power seller on eBay – for a third of the price that they retail for offline!

6. Pay Now or Bid
Now, you can either buy what you want outright or you play the bidding game.  Personally, if I really want something and the option is there to buy it now – I always buy it now, it saves the hassle and stress.  I learnt my lesson when at the last minute I missed out on a pair of size 40 antique boots – some drag queen got to them first – I was mightily pissed off let me tell you!  Anyhoo!

7. Waiting For The Mail
Once you have confirmed your purchase, you now play the waiting game.  Pay quickly is my advice, and then keep in touch with your seller, if you havn’t received the item in a week – let them know!  They will usually have a good explanation, or you can even ask the seller to send you a shipping docket for your records.

8. Feedback
This is the most important part really!  Post your feedback about the seller and your experience, the seller will do the same for you.  This is how you build your profile increasing trust amongst the community. 

Finally – happy wearing … I’m just loving my shoes at the moment, they just go with EVERYTHING and the compliments!  I positiviely feel like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (0:

I’m away, I just must have a Diane Von Furstenberg dress in my wardrobe and not being willing to pay around $500 – I am sure I can get one on eBay for about $100 – I will report back …

Love
Bronny
xxxx

PS. That Diane Von Furstenberg Dress (pictured left) is now featured in the latest issue of Who magazine (September 28 issue) adorning none other than Ms Kate Hudson - fashionista!

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