Shopping on eBay?

[Desirée {PL Team}]

Just curious... how many of you shop for pinup/rockabilly/vintage clothing & accessories on eBay? Why? What do you like and dislike about it?

 

[Vera van Munster]

Over the years and after finding Etsy.com, I've discovered there are wayyyy more people on ebay that haven't got a clue about what it is that they're selling.You see a lot of dresses from the 80s,90s & new millenium, that are listed as not only vintage,but as "deadstock" or listed by decade,rather than just calling it for what it is : "retro inspired".I don't do it.I just stick with etsy, or I shop at the local antique malls.The reputable stores on ebay are few and far between.

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

I've never bought anything off ebay. The few times I've looked for vintage, I found what Vera has, people listing things that they have no clue about. I'm sorry, but the 1980s prom dress you have is not a "1950s sock hop" dress. My Aunt once bought a 69 Mustang off ebay... she got a great deal, and it's a great car. Other then that, I have no experience with ebay.

[Penny Baker]

My husband uses ebay more than me but I agree with the other two, I use etsy a ton more.  It is a lot more reputable and the people who sell on their are usually in our subculture anyway.  I have gotten a set of glasses from the 60's that I love, dresses, and my friends sell hair accessories on the site too.  Ebay is just for people who are trying to get rich fast, I look for discontinued things there a lot but that is about it (and I usually never buy them).

[Scarlet von Harlet {★}]

eBay is great if you have patience. It's kind of hit or miss. I've used etsy a few times it's okay. I think a lot of things there are a bit overpriced, or at least the things I'm looking for for costumes anyway. I don't get caught up in if something is actually vintage or if it's vintage inspired so that part doesn't really bother me. There are a lot of people just cleaning out their closets so you can get some killer deals. Quite of few of my favorite dresses I've bought on ebay for 99 cents! But again it's hit or miss. Some people sell things cheap because they just want to get rid of stuff quickly and other times it's s*** quality. A bit of a gamble but I think it's worth it.

[The Trousseau]

One of my (too many) projects that doesn't get enough attention is a blog on vintage fashion and style in general.  I have three pages on ebay, only one of which is done.  You can find it here

If I get to it, I will finish the other two someday!

[Rosalind Friday]

I agree, if you're specific in your search terms, you can often find dresses or styles on ebay that you may have already found elsewhere but are looking for something that perhaps someone else no longer wants or did not fit, etc.  I have found a few things this way.  What I find it is more useful for is makeup and accessories, including shoes.

[Auburn Hills]

Over the years I've bought quite a few items from ebay.  I find it best for the reproduction lines when a style in my size has sold out.  I get alot of brand new shoes at great prices from ebay.  Overall I prefer the vintage clothing on etsy.  The etsy sellers have better descriptions, more photos and answer questions quickly.  I've never been dissappointed with the quality and condition of vintage I've bought  on etsy.  Ebay, however is a very different story.  Alot of sellers sell items that are really just costume or pattern quality at best, not wearable and the bidding gets silly out of control for alot of the better listings.

[Soda Shop Sue]

i like that there is lots of selection, and if you are on a budget, you can shop via price... but i dont like paying for something and the seller not sending it!

[Gosia W.]

I like ebay. Its a nice place to find bargains. You need to be very patient with searching but it's worth it. I have a few nice clothes that i paid under Ł15, coz owners were in need of selling them.  Ebay is full of nice things, you just need to give it a chance.

[Lola Polka]

I use eBay only.

I already have my favourite sellers and it's going really good! my wardrobe is totally stuffed. 

But on the other hand I've never used anything different.

And I'd really like to but don't know where to start.... as most of the people I don't like changes ;)

I am interested only and only in authentic 50s, sometimes 40s - hard to find excellent condition, dresses. 

[Goldmine Trash]

 I used to sell 20s-50s vintage clothing and (handmade, one of a kind) vintage reproductions on EBay. I did that full time from 2000-2004 and it was great back then! Unfortunately EBay has taken a turn for the worse since. A lot of their policies are highly unethical and breed mistrust - the last thing you want when doing business.

 

 It's become a fad to become a vintage dealer, which means 7 out of 10 dealers these days aren't really into vintage, they're just trying to make a quick buck. Sadly, this means they don't know their products well, and a lot of educated buyers are wary of shopping online for fear of being burned. Combine this with the poor business policies and EBay has gone way downhill. A year or two ago they published a report which admitted they lost 1/3 of their traffic in one year. That's a lot!

 

 Etsy has it's shortcomings, but it's a much better site for buying (and selling) vintage, imo. There's tons of great vendors there who never cease to amaze me : D. Tons of vintage, a several of reproduction lines vend on there too. Etsy is also a mecca for handmade jewelry.

 

[MissWanderlustless]

Ebay is a lot of scouring to find what you want with accurate pictures! It's decent for finding some good deals, but there's a LOT of stuff I rather not waste my time with.

Etsy on the other hand is great once again if you know what you're looking for. I've noticed quite a few people trying to pass off Forever 21 clothing as "vintage". Yes, I know they moderate and there's only so much you can do but it's a little ridiculous when stuff is far from handmade or vintage.

Frankly I have the best luck finding stuff in person. Plus I rather be able to try things on in person rather than deal with returning it.