Article Directory :: Home & Family Articles

Buying clothes on online marketplaces

By Bobby Buys

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 16Oct2009 Word count: 563 Viewed: 229 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Would you dare buy clothes online? Without trying them on, without even asking your best friend that eternal question: "Does this make me look fat"?

It can be done. Many people do it, and come back for more. Excellent bargains can be found on consumer-to-consumer online marketplaces, both on fixed price items and auctions. Your savings may average out at about 20 to 30 per cent in comparison with retail stores. If you are feeling exceptionally thrifty and do not mind accepting gently worn outfits, you will end up saving even more.

Here are some tips to help you find affordable and stylish clothes on online marketplaces:

1. Set aside an hour or so. There are thousands of clothing items in any online marketplace. Browse through them to find what you want. If you don't find things right away, don't give up. Online sellers are constantly populating the site with new listings. One of them could be just right for you.

2. Read the description. This is the most important step. It is amazing that a shopper will order a size 10 dress even though the seller conscientiously - and very delicately - wrote in the descriptions that the markings are French and that a French size 10 corresponds to a South African size 8. It is also important that you know all there is to know about the fabric care before you order the item - you would not want to end up with a garment that has to be hand-washed, would you? If in doubt, ask the seller a question.

3. Compare the prices. Take your time to examine similar items from different sellers - is someone else offering a better bargain or giving better conditions?

4. Go for gently worn. Let's face it, for many of us the only chance to own designer clothes is to buy them second-hand. There is nothing wrong with that as long as you make sure that the outfit is in perfect condition.

5. Evaluate the seller. So you found a garment that you really like. Don't just press the "place a bid" or "buy now" button. First note who is selling it. Are his or her ratings good? If yes, check whether the same seller is selling some other garment that you like. If yes, make a point of ordering several garments from the same seller. The added bonus is that most of the time when you buy more than one item from a seller, you can get a good deal on shipping costs.

6. Be ready for some home alterations. It is cheap and easy to alter a piece of clothing, even if you have to take the garment to your local tailor. While buying smaller is generally not recommended, you may not want to pass a chance to own the perfect dress just because it is a size bigger.

7. Accessorise. Look for those important touches that add to your overall look: belts, scarves, shoes and costume jewellery.

8. Check the seller's returns policy. If you know that you are susceptible to buyer's remorse (that is not a trait that will endear you with sellers, but let's face it - some of us are just made that way), do check the returns policy. However, also remember that the item needs to be in original condition to be acceptable for credit and that you will be expected to bear the shipping costs. Both ways.

EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here

More articles by Bobby Buys

Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:

Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details