Is ebay cheaper than flea markets

[rabbitfoot]

I'm just wondering if it is better to buy things on ebay or at flea markets. Where do you most often find the best deal?

[jeffrey]

I really don't think that one place is better than the other. A lot has to do with what you are looking for. Just as at a flea market you will find items that are a good deal and items that are overpriced, the same is true at auctions. The key is knowing what you are looking for and the price you are willing to pay.

[kbharbert]

i agree. both places have their advantages. just make sure you're not paying more than you should (or want to) once postage is added in with an auction.
i was all excited once to have won an auction for a particular Christmas ornament i remembered from my childhood. i'd seen one at a yard sale for $15.00 so was thrilled with a $2.00 bid win + $5.00 for postage. then...i got the sellers invoice for 'packaging' ($5.00) and 'handling' ($5.00).
i learned to ask about 'extra' charges before bidding. if a seller gets ticked, i don't bid.

[rabbitfoot]

Thanks for the answers. I figured that was the case, but some people swear that one area is better than another. And I'll make sure to ask about postage if I find anything on the auction sites. I know I would be terribly disappointed if I thought I was getting a good deal and a seller added on a bunch of fees that I was not aware of.

[Luv2shop]

people over charge on shipping on Ebay. they set the bid amount low and then get you on shipping charges.

[CouponsGalore]

It just depends whether eBay is cheaper than flea markets. My husband bought fifty lbs. of golf ball for a dollar. And, the shipping wasn't all that bad either.

You do have to watch the shippiing on ebay. And, also the handling fees. When I am shopping I add the bid, shipping, and handling fees together to figure out if I would be getting a good deal.

Sometimes you can search for free shipping. I have found there are ebay sellers who do not sock-it-to-you on shippping. They just do actual shipping. So neither party loses.

couponsGalore

[Ima saver]

Wow, coupons that threw me. You have chosen the same avatar as I. I don't really think shopping at either place is a good deal. I have finally learned that you only shop for something you really really need.
If I had children, I would try and find clothing for them at garage sales but other than that I don't look at e bay or go to flea markets. The last time I did, I bought stuff I did not need, just cause I thought it was a deal.
I have listened to some of the people on here that talk about all the shopping they do and the deals they make.
Instead of making all these good deals, how about saving your money and let it earn interest for you. Hope I don't make anyone mad. I have just reached the stage in my life, where I don't need anything but food and water.

[fultron]

Originally Posted by Luv2shop

people over charge on shipping on Ebay. they set the bid amount low and then get you on shipping charges.

Many ebay merchants do this to lower their seller fees, since the fee is based on the sale price before shipping. You should always add in shipping costs before deciding whether or not it is a good deal. Not just on ebay but anywhere.

[CJsoccerchic]

Ebay sellers are really trying to save themselves with the shipping. i agree with everyone when I say CHECK the shipping and calculate the whole amount and if it comes out to be a cheaper and better deal - go with it.
There are some "deals" out on ebay where the item costs ONE PENNY, but the shipping is a little high - this saves the seller lots of money and in the end, you'd pay the same amount as if you had bid $10.00 and paid the regular amount for shipping...

[nanamom]

I honestly prefer flea markets or garage sales. I sell on ebay and while I don't make money off of my shipping charge (although I add a very small handling charge to cover tape and packing materials) I know lots of people who do. I look at shipping charge before I look at prices. The other advantage to a flea market is that you see the merchandise. I bought a cool thing ofr my husband only to have it arrive and find a cigarette insignia on it. The seller did nothing about my problem. At a garage sale I would have seen the problem his picture didn't show.

[PrincessPerky]

Originally Posted by Ima saver

Wow, coupons that threw me. You have chosen the same avatar as I. I don't really think shopping at either place is a good deal. I have finally learned that you only shop for something you really really need.
If I had children, I would try and find clothing for them at garage sales but other than that I don't look at e bay or go to flea markets. The last time I did, I bought stuff I did not need, just cause I thought it was a deal.
I have listened to some of the people on here that talk about all the shopping they do and the deals they make.
Instead of making all these good deals, how about saving your money and let it earn interest for you. Hope I don't make anyone mad. I have just reached the stage in my life, where I don't need anything but food and water.

In many ways I agree, I do however miss out on some clothing deals cause I never know what size mine will be, and I hate storing never worn (by us) stuff!

[shelbylovesmelby]

I think garage sales are better than either. You can find lots of deals on things, most are things you use & need. I love finding a rummage for my dd's clothes especially ones that are reasonable & or are just getting rid of things. Occasionally you find ones where they sell it all for .25 to get rid of it. I love those folks! My aunt even found a brand new w/ tags on winter snow suit for .25!!!!

I swear some of the subdivision rummages were being held so they could pay their mortgage or something! *LOL* I'm not paying $3 for a used tee from k-mart!

But like any bargain hunt it's a hit or miss on what you are looking for & what you want to pay.

[Firefly]

I agree garage sales are better than both. For one, no shipping and you can usually talk the person down more if you think the price is too high.