8 Tips for Buying without Trying on

Would you dare buy clothes online? Without trying them on, without even asking your best friend that eternal question: “Does this make me look fat”?

It can be done. Many people do it, and come back for more. Excellent bargains can be found in the bobshop clothing section, 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 are feeling exceptionally thrifty and do not mind accepting gently worn outfits, you will end up saving even more.

Here are some tips to help you find affordable and stylish clothes on Bob Shop:

1. Set aside an hour or so of your time. There are thousands of garments in the bobshop Clothing category. Browse through them. If you don’t find what you are looking for right away, don’t give up. Bob Shop 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 to see whether someone else is 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. You willprobably save on shipping charges.
    
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. Look for those important 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.