How to buy clothes online - By: Bobby Buys

Some people would never buy clothes online, especially not on consumer-to-consumer auction sites and marketplaces. They say it is not possible to buy clothes without trying them on first.

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 do not mind buying second-hand clothes (and why should you), you will save 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. Do not give up if you do not find what you are looking for straight away. 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. Pay careful attention to those extra 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.

About the Author

bidorbuy.co.za is South Africa's largest online marketplace. Buyers and sellers come to bidorbuy to buy and sell virtually anything in auction format or at fixed prices. Contact details: bidorbuy Marketing Department; email promotion@bidorbuy.co.za, web site http://www.bidorbuy.co.za

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