How To Buy Craft Supplies on Ebay

Posted on | July 21, 2009 | 2 Comments

Ebay is a great sources to both buy and sell craft supplies. I’ve gotten needlepoint kits, scrapbooking paper, and rubber stamps, all at extremely reasonable prices. Their full retail prices were several times what I paid.

People are sometimes reluctant to use ebay for fear the product will be damaged, or worse, never arrive. I have bought several dozen items from Ebay and have had generally good experiences. Even better, I’ve sold many craft books I no longer enjoyed owning.

TIPS

Do be sure to read the sellers feedback (comments from the buyers). You’ll learn enough from these snippets of information to decide whether this is a person with whom you want to do business.

Check out the stores for sales before bidding. Sometimes closeout sales can even beat out the online auctions.

Always keep in mind the shipping costs. $4.00 shipping on a $2.99 item can really drive up the total cost.

Consider selling your own items online. The cost is extremely cheap. And, you can use the money you receive to buy new materials

Try to bid at a time when several of the same item are available. This usually drives down the price.

If you can, wait until the last possible moment to bid. This might stop other buyers from driving up the price.

Auctions ending late at night or early in the morning, when most bidders are sleeping, can also be a source of bargains.

Be sure not to bid on impulse or without researching the product. Remember, once a bid is made it cannot be retracted.

Try to negotiate on shipping, especially if you are willing to buy more than one item.

Watch the type of merchandise you are interesting in for a few days prior to bidding. You will get an idea of what things usually sell for. This is important. It allows you to know a true bargain when you spot it.

If you buy craft books online try to actually see the item in a store or a friends home before you purchase it. I can’t tell you how many times I was disappointed in a book purchase.

If you can’t view the item in “real time” at least look on the internet for descriptions, sample pages, screen shots and/or reviews.

Online auctions can be addictive. Make sure you really need (and can afford) what you are planning to purchase.

Warning…I’m a real auction addict. I’ve bought more online than I have actually needed. And several things I gave away unopened. Beware that the same thing doesn’t happen to you.

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Comments

2 Responses to “How To Buy Craft Supplies on Ebay”

Rachel
July 21st, 2009 @ 9:32 pm

These are great tips-especially watching for a few days first. I usually get so excited about a new item that I go crazy. I’ll try that next time. I’ll be linking to this as well.
Len
August 19th, 2009 @ 4:02 am

Ebay is a great place to buy some stuff. I’ve had my share of disappointments though but all is well. These are good tips for first time buyers. I have some crafting supplies too if you like to check them out.