The wonder and joy that is Ebay

Ok, so I acknowledge that it's harder to get bargains on ebay these days, now that everyone is at it, and knows where to look, but it's still unbeatable if you know exactly what you want. We managed to get a car radio part for example, which was so much cheaper than buying a whole new radio, after our car was vandalised for a third time...

Other ebay purchases in the Thrifty Household have included a victorian settle; a barcelona chair and footstool; six cushions; some vintage fabric that I'm going to use to cover a small footstool and numerous music/recording bits and pieces. Having written that long list I realise that perhaps I'm not quite the ebay novice I thought I was, but I haven’t quite worked out the sneaky ways of bidding that ensure I beat off competition every time! However, a while back the Guardian Weekend magazine had some useful tips -

How to win on eBay:
1. The best interiors bargains can be found in the categories Antiques, collectibles (50s, 60s and 70s) and Architectural Antiques (best for old tiles and salvage)
2. When searching use buzzwords such as ‘retro’, ‘old’ and ‘vintage’. For example, search for ‘old French bed’ rather than Corbeille bed - a seller who lists is as Corbeille will know its value.
3. When you’ve found an item you like, check the ‘completed items’ search. This will give you an idea of its market value.
4. Ask the seller questions, request more photographs and check postage or pick-up distances if the item is big.
5. Look for misspelled items - it’s a great way of finding a bargain no one else will see.
6. Be prepared to do a little work: if a sofa has a good structure, you could re-cover it or dye the cushion covers to bring it up to date.
7. Stick to your guns: have your top price in mind before you bid.
8. Bid with obscure prices like £5.51 - it gives you more chance of pipping someone to the post for a few pence.
9. Remember, you can always resell your buy on eBay if you don’t like it.
10. Have a clear out yourself, and turn your clutter into cash to fund your new buys.