Buying Secondhand Clothes on eBay - Any Point?

amandada

So far so good for me, I've had a couple of items where they've smelt a bit smoky, but I always chuck ebay buys in the wash before I wear them so it's not been an issue

drc

I've been buying used clothing on ebay for years and never had a problem. I always wash anything I buy before wearing it anyway.

I also buy most of my child's wardrobe on ebay as it's so much cheaper and you can get brand names for nothing.

ladylouise62

Crowqueen & amandada mention stuff smelling smoky - apparently, the grey plastic bags that are often used do make stuff smell smoky, so if it came in one of those it's probably not the seller. Having said that, the other sellers are awful if they don't sell clean stuff!!!!

Crowqueen

ladylouise62 wrote: »

Crowqueen & amandada mention stuff smelling smoky - apparently, the grey plastic bags that are often used do make stuff smell smoky, so if it came in one of those it's probably not the seller. Having said that, the other sellers are awful if they don't sell clean stuff!!!!

It came in a normal jiffy bag (padded paper envelope), so I know that wasn't the problem.

koolkid

I've had some real stinkers (literally)- it really annoys me because I sell a lot of things on Ebay but only good quality, named and good condition items. Some of the stuff I've received persoanlly I would've put in the bin! The worst is when they send kids clothes that look like rags- yuk!!!

Anyway, I have had some AMAZING things which I prefer to remember! Most recently-

-a Reiss suit immaculate £10
- Reiss trousers £4 beautiful
- Reiss coat £16 looks like new ( I like Reiss can you tell!)
- A Karen Millen dress £8 just needed hem up but was this seasons stock so big bargain
- A Phillip Lim top £7 (Bargain!!!!)

I think you get wise to those to avoid xx

giantmutantbroccoli

I always wash secondhand stuff before I wear it anyway, just in case they've used something I'm allergic to on it. Not that that makes it okay to send out dirty clothes! I wouldn't complain to someone about dirty clothes unless they were really filthy, or something unhygienic (like the wee dress), but I think it's really bad manners. I can't imagine letting your customers think you're a scruff is a good way to go.
Regarding the smokey-smelling stuff, people who smoke usually end up being so used to the smell that they don't notice it. I smoke, and while I don't notice the smell on my clothes or belongings at the time, if I put something away and later dig it out I can smell stale smoke on it and it's horrible! I'm a bit more forgiving of that just because people often can't tell if something smells of smoke or not. What gets me is so many people make a BIG THING of how all their stuff comes from a "smoke-free, pet-free home", and when you buy their stuff it comes stinking of perfume and sweat -because, obviously, if they don't smoke or have pets they don't need to wash stuff!

I guess I should stop, this is turning into a bit of a rant!

If anyone's after an alternative, oxfam now sell secondhand stuff online:
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/Default.aspx
I've bought some very nice stuff from there, it's a bit more expensive than eBay but I don't mind giving them more money.

Perranlady

I have bought quite a few items of clothing from ebay in the past and have been very pleased. I always go for things discribed as new or unworn, however, just this week I purchased a pair of trousers for my DD which were discribed as 'mint condition', when they arrived they were covered in fluff and hairs and had a spill on the front!! I made the mistake of leaving the seller negative feedback, thats when my problems began, I have since had several threats from the seller to report me to ebay, the first saying that they would give me a £1 refund to remove my feedback, if not they would report me for acting against ebay policy, the second offering me a refund to remove the feedback, with the same threat.
I never asked for any kind of refund, however, I withdrew the feedback and they refunded me, and we agreed the matter resolved.
That was until I had a further email telling me that I must return the item to them at my expense. I that was never mentioned B4 I withdrew my feedback. As the item only cost £3.00 in the first place + postage, It would cost me £1.95 post to return the item and I live in a rural area with no post office, it would mean I would be out of pocket. So I have paid for the trousers again and will now take up the matter with ebay.

geri1965_2

I've only ever bought three coats - one of which I've worn to work practically every day during the winter for the last few years (I walk to work in winter so no point spending money on a expensive coat which will get all sweaty and rained on!)

Another was nice as well but it didn't look quite right on me and I ended up giving it to the charity shop.

Currently waiting for one to arrive that I bid on yesterday and won - only a fiver, I don't expect too much so I won't get too disappointed if it's not right and will pleasantly surprised if it is!

Handbags is another matter, I've only had two out of about 10 that were worth keeping, but then I am very fussy and even if it has the smallest stain I can't bring myself to use it.

Crowqueen

Perran - always stick to your guns. If there's a problem, getting in touch with the seller before you leave a neg is OK, but I agree with you, sending things back for a refund often isn't really worth it, so negs should be allowed to stand in that case.

There is nothing she can report you for, in fact you can report her for feedback extortion, which I think you should try at this point.

ladygrey33

I never buy clothes from Ebay.... who knows what people have done to them!