My Secret Method For Getting Designer Shoes, Handbags & Clothes At Dirt-Cheap Prices Copyright© 2018 by DesignersDirtCheap.com All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

The number one rule of a lady –  Stay classy. 

 

Table of Contents 

Introduction 5

Step #1: Get Smart 11

Step #2: Get an eBay Account 14

Step #3: Get a PayPal Account 17

Step #4: Make a Search List 22

Step #5: Do Your Research 27

Step #6: Search Successfully 32

Step #7: Know Who to Buy from 43

Step #8: Know What to Look for 51

Step #9: Know How to Bid & Buy 61

Step #10: Claim Your Prize 66

Conclusion 70

Introduction  If you had asked me a year or even six months ago if I would be writing a book about how I’ve been finding amazing deals over the last, roughly,13 years, I would have probably told you that you were nuts. But, a year or six months later and here we are. So, how did I go from possibly calling you nuts to sharing my bargain-finding secrets with you? I’ll share that with you in a moment. Understand that the reason I'm an authority on what I'm about to share with you is because I have what I would estimate to be about a $30,000-plus wardrobe of which I’ve paid about $10,000 or less for...and acquired the majority of it over the last 5 or 6 years. And by very conservative estimates (because I don’t have the huge amount of time or inclination to do an actual count), I have about 200+ pairs of designer shoes, 50+ designer handbags, and 175+ business suits (I dress professionally for work). So how would you like to pay what works out to be about 30 cents on the dollar for designer shoes, handbags and clothes?!...And get them without the hassle and expense of ever leaving the comfort of your home! I’ve been making purchases like this for so long, I don’t think much about it – it’s just how I shop. And if I’m being completely honest, I would have to admit that I’ve gotten a kind of spoiled in being able to find great designer bargains from the comfort of my sofa! But back to the question of why I’ve chosen to share this information with you and how this whole crazy book thing began. This story goes back a few months. My husband, who is an entrepreneur, came home one day and was telling me about a conversation he had with a female business owner. Long story short, in a meeting, they got on the subject of shoes and he told her how I was able to find really good deals on designer shoes on eBay. Her response to his comment was “wow, I’d pay to know how she does that.” Now, there’s a reason why I told you that my husband was an entrepreneur. Because as soon as he heard “I’d pay to know how she does that”, the wheels were turning. But it wasn’t so much about a money-making proposition as it was an opportunity to solve a problem or fulfill a desire and being rewarded for doing so – a real win-win scenario.

So, he came up with the idea of me putting my knowledge into a book for all the world to see. Which is something I never would’ve thought of doing in a million years. And truth be told, I really wasn’t all gung-ho about putting myself out there like that. Mostly because I didn’t see how what I knew was worthy of being put into a book or anything of the such, when I felt like it was something that was so simple to do. I basically believed that anybody who had spent any reasonable amount of time buying on eBay was already doing what I was doing. However, the simple fact that you’re reading this book means he convinced me of the uniqueness of what I had to offer. He explained to me that while some people may actually be doing what I was doing, there were potentially tons more that weren’t. Therefore, I would be fulfilling a want or need for a lot of people. He told me that I had a special "system" and it was saving us a TON of money while I still got to wear really nice things. And, we were able to use the money saved on other expenses or luxuries. I had to agree with him on that one. And then, he told me this book could really help a lot of women who would really like to have nice things, but couldn’t afford them because they were on such a very tight budget. I could sympathize with that because once upon a time, that woman was me. And since my belief is that EVERY hard-working woman deserves to have a few nice things, well then, if I can lend my talents to help them out, then so be it. So, here we are. My husband’s a really bright man and has such a sharp business mind so everything he said to me about putting this information together made total sense – even though I was still a little bit hesitant because I didn't quite have his vision for how everything would come together. I have to admit though that I’ve come to appreciate my own unique way of finding some pretty head-spinning bargains. And for many of them, I don’t do any bidding. I just find them and pay a ridiculously-low price. When I do bid, often times, I’m the only one bidding on the item! I’m thinking your next question is how did I come up with my system for finding these amazing designer deals? That’s a good question...but I don’t know if I can answer it. I wish I could say something that makes me sound really smart. But the fact of the matter is that it wasn’t some earth-shattering epiphany where I sat down and thought about it, poring over books and

ancient manuscripts while creating some complex mathematical formula from hieroglyphics. No, not even close. Even though that sounds so much more exciting than the reality of it. Because in reality, it was a WHOLE lot more boring than that. So I’m sorry if you were looking for some whiz-bang, complex methodology. Wait! There is one very important thing that you have to do if you want these super bargains. You have to repeat this chant and then you will magically start finding awesome deals. This is important. So please pay close attention. Are you ready?...Ok. Take a deep breath and say this 3 times: “we reweave rips”... Could you do it? Pretty tough, right? I know what you’re thinking…”I’ll never be worthy of receiving your ancient secrets because I can’t even say it once let alone 3 times! Because when I say it, it sounds something like we we we whips.” Alright, I’ll let you off the hook...this time. Don’t worry about the tongue-twister, just continue reading this information. I know and you’re welcome, because that was a close one, right? Seriously. My system is simple and easy and I know with a high-degree of certainty that if you follow the steps I've laid out, it can help you do exactly what I’m telling you it will. The reason why what I do is so simple is because of how it all began. It was just a case of me starting searching on eBay and, over time, my search methods evolved as I learned more about how it all worked...in order for me to get the best outcome. I have to confess though that I’ve really enjoyed the benefits of my “evolved” search methods over the years and my bank account certainly appreciates it very much so! So, when you get that amazing deal on that designer handbag or those shoes you REALLY wanted that fits perfectly into your budget, know that I’m smiling with you because I know that feeling all too well. Yes, with my system, you can certainly find outrageous bargains, but therein lies a potential “problem”. So I believe this is where I should warn you and mention my disclaimer. DISCLAIMER: Using my methods for purchasing designer shoes, handbags and purses could cause you to become addicted to seeking out and purchasing great deals. I’m totally serious.

Should this happen, you hereby swear that you will NOT hold me responsible in ANY way, shape or form. Do I have your word on that? I’m serious. Because if not, stop reading. If so, then read on… Ok. I admit it. I’m a “shoe-aholic”. But when you can get so many of them so cheaply, it’s really tough not to get them. Listen. I don’t care how many pairs of shoes you have because when you see that unbelievably cute pair of brand-new Steve Madden’s that are normally over $100 and you can get them for only $20, how in the world could you turn that down? And I didn’t!! (As I’m writing this, they came in the mail today!) You just can’t beat that!...Wait, actually I did!! A couple of days before I got the last ones, I got another pair from the same designer that were almost brand-new...for a whopping $13!!! I mentioned Steve Madden because I just happened to be finding some great bargains on his shoes, but I have shoes from a number of designers. NOW, do you see the reason for my disclaimer? If I’m a "veteran" at this, and this is how I am. As a “rookie”, you’ll be like a kid in the candy store. So don’t hurt yourself, because you could be the same way with handbags and clothes too! For example, I paid $42 for a like-new, leather Reba McIntire jacket that's normally around $400.00! That’s about a 90+% discount!! But do you know what’s REALLY exciting?!... I’m going to show YOU how to find bargains just like I do! If you’re already an avid eBayer, maybe one little thing that I’m sharing with you here can help you have greater success with your searches. If you’re not an eBayer, then I want to say this one last important thing about eBay. One of the biggest misconceptions by some people about eBay is that it is an unsafe marketplace. Many people are skeptical about the pricing and authenticity of the items that are sold on eBay. Well, I'd like to put your mind at ease, because the vast majority of eBay sellers have expert skills in finding popular name-brands at deeply-discounted price points.

And, there are so many safeguards in place on eBay and through PayPal and other financial institutions. So you should feel confident and not fearful about getting what you paid for, quickly and efficiently. Understand – I’m going to help you to rest your fears because you will be so much more knowledgeable and therefore so much more confident when making your buying decisions. I just want to make sure you’re in the right frame of mind. And, as you will see, I tried to make this a step-by-step guide that is extremely easy to follow. Oh by the way, you can thank my husband for all of the great screenshots. And he did help me to organize my thoughts so that this information is coherent and methodical. So without further ado, it’s time for you to start finding some awesome deals!

Clothes aren't going to change the world.  The women who wear them will. 

-Anne Klein 

Step #1: Get Smart  In the first step, I need to address two things… One...too many times, I see people not doing their homework and paying way more for items on eBay than they would actually pay in the store! Yes, buyers can be so unprepared and ignorant that they actually pay MORE than retail. Sadly, for some, the faulty thinking is if an item is on eBay, then that must be the cheapest place you can buy it. And so they take the lazy (and expensive) way out. Well, I’m here to tell you that is far from being the case. I hate to say it but there are some sellers who take full advantage of that faulty eBay thinking and overprice their items because they know there are lazy, uneducated shoppers. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve come across an item being bidded on, did some quick, common sense research, saw where you could get the item cheaper on the retailer’s website(!), and wanted to email the bidders to let them know. But I don’t. Because the way I see it is...if they’re being too lazy to get smart and do just a MINIMAL amount of research, then they actually WANT to spend their money unwisely. Bottom line – don’t assume that eBay has the cheapest prices. Two...I wasn’t completely joking when I stated my disclaimer, because finding great deals can become addictive or at least habit forming. So, we need to talk about what you can do to keep your wits and be a smart eBay buyer. Avoid Buying on Impulse Something any shopper is familiar with is the “impulsive buy”. While some impulsive buys can result in a great find, it's probably fair to say many of them may result in you asking the question, “Why did I buy this?” And then following that up with “Maybe I can just re-sell it.” Not only can impulsive buying happen when you shop at stores in person, it can also happen when you are eBay shopping. Common, yet smart, ways to avoid the impulsive buy are: (1) taking the time to think about your purchase and (2) doing your research.

So let’s discuss those two things and how to stay out of trouble with your bank account and possibly your significant other. Stop and Think The first, most basic, things to think about are whether you’ll be making use of what you’re looking to purchase and how much you’ll be making use of it. While the feeling of buying something new can be naturally fun and exciting, it's also smart to be realistic about the purchase. A few questions to ask yourself are:

● Is this something I've been looking to buy? ● Is this something I already have, or do I already have something similar? ● Is this something I will really use once I buy it? ● Will I be able to get multiple uses out of this?

After asking yourself these simple questions, it will help you evaluate your possible purchase and to be less impulsive. Do Your Research I’ll discuss why you should be doing research and how to do it in greater detail in another step, but here are some basic things: When you’re deciding on whether or not to purchase an item and even after deciding, something you need to do is your research, in order to learn more about the brand and item. When you’re buying a designer handbag, shoes or clothes on eBay, you must know what you’re looking for. Because in doing so, if you have a particular brand or style in mind, this will allow you to weed out anything that doesn't meet your interest. In addition, having done your research, you can establish the maximum amount you’re willing to pay for the item (and not a penny more) and evaluate how much others are paying, or what the same or similar item is being sold for. With Internet shopping, you're able to take advantage of the research aspect that is built into the web and use your resources before buying. This helps to reduce impulsive buying which leaves you with money to spend on items that you will actually use or benefit from. When you’re shopping, there is nothing like finding an item that you really like and is a great fit. In addition to that, knowing that you’re getting a great bargain is equally as thrilling. It is what makes eBay a great marketplace for the smart buyer.

Fashion is what you buy.  Style is what you do with it. 

Step #2: Get An eBay Account   The second step is to get an eBay account. If you already have one, go on to the Step #3. If you don’t have an eBay account, registering one is actually a quick and easy process. Let’s get started... Go to www.ebay.com and you’ll see the homepage – similar to what’s below.

In the upper lefthand corner, you will see where you can “register”or create an account.

When you click “register”, you’ll see the following form on the screen.

At this point, I’ll leave it to you to register. As I said, it’s a simple, quick and easy process. However, if you need help, which I doubt you’ll need, or if you just want more information, you can click “Help & Contact”.

When you click the link, you’ll see answers to common questions and other information. Once you’re registered or gotten your eBay account, it’s time to move on to Step #3.

Life isn't perfect,  but your outfit can be! 

Step #3: Get A PayPal Account   Next, you’ll need to get a PayPal account. If you already have one, go on to Step #4. If you don’t have one, don’t worry, it’s free to sign up and there’s no funny business with doing so. It’s pretty easy but there are a few steps to it. For the record, most people already know about PayPal and even have an account. However, if you don’t know about it, it is very easy to use and super convenient. And if you didn’t know, eBay actually owns PayPal. Here’s more information from Wikipedia about PayPal (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PayPal):

PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American company operating a worldwide online payments system. Online money transfers serve as electronic alternatives to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. PayPal is one of the world's largest Internet payment companies. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites and other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.

And here’s a little more information about them from the website How Stuff Works (http://money.howstuffworks.com/paypal.htm):

The idea behind PayPal is simple: Use encryption software to allow people to make financial transfers between computers. That simple idea has turned into one of the world's primary methods of online payment. PayPal now boasts over 100 million active accounts in 190 markets worldwide. PayPal is an online payment service that allows individuals and businesses to transfer funds electronically. Here are some of the things you might use PayPal for:

● Send or receive payments for online auctions at eBay and other Web sites ● Purchase or sell goods and services ● Make or receive donations ● Exchange cash with someone

You can send funds to anyone with an e-mail address, whether or not they have a PayPal account. To receive the funds, though, the recipient must have a PayPal account associated with that e-mail address. Basic PayPal accounts are free, and many financial transactions are free as well, including all purchases from merchants that accept payments using PayPal.

If you have a PayPal account, you can add and withdraw funds in many different ways. You can associate your account with bank accounts or credit cards for more direct transactions, including adding and withdrawing money. Other withdrawal options include using a PayPal debit card to make purchases or get cash from an ATM, or requesting a check in the mail.

Now, after providing that information for you from third parties, of course you can simply go to PayPal and get all of the information you want. Let’s get your account set up. Go to www.paypal.com. Of course the homepage may have a different image but no worries.

Once you’re there, click “Sign Up” in the upper right corner. When you do, you’ll see the form below. Choose “Personal Account”.

After you click “Next”, you’ll see the form below. Make sure the email address you use is the one you REALLY want associated with the account. Fill out the form.

After you fill in the information and click “Next”, you’ll see the form below that lets you finish creating your account.

Again, if you have any questions about anything, you can go to the bottom of the homepage and click on “Help & Contact”.

And if you were to click the link, you would see answers to common questions and links to other information regarding PayPal. Ok. Time to move on to Step #4…

Successful women still have their feet on the ground… they just have better shoes. 

-Oprah Winfrey 

Step #4: Make A Search List   So you have an eBay account and a PayPal account. And now it’s time to make a search list. Making a list of the designer name-brand items you want to search for is an important step. Why? Because making a list will allow you to do a proper search so you don’t waste time wading through search results for items you have no interest in purchasing. Besides, making a list will save you a lot of time. Because when you’re actually doing product searches, you won’t be wasting time trying to think of items you want to search for. Instead, you will simply look at your search list, type in the search terms you want to search for and away you go. So, getting it out of the way in the beginning will save you time later. When you make your list, you can go broad or be specific. Of course the more you do this, the more you’ll understand. For example, if you like Brahmin handbags but don’t necessarily have a specific one in mind, you can simply write down “brahmin handbags”. But on a side note, when you’re doing a search, if after scrolling through the listings you discover that there is in fact a specific style that you want, you can refine your search by just entering the more specific information about that particular item and do a new search to find the lowest price on it. This is actually more in line with what I do. For example, you start out doing a search of “brahmin handbags”. But as you’re searching, you see a particular brahmin handbag that you really want. So you refine your search and start looking for “brahmin handbags mini asher”. On the other hand, sometimes it may dictate that you start out with just a little more information to minimize the number of search results you get so as not to waste your time. For example, if you’re looking for a pair of shoes, you may write down “jessica simpson shoes size 6”. Or you can be even more descriptive. Here’s a great tip to get you some ideas about what you can put on your search list. Just go to various store websites that have the designer items you want. For example, www.dillards.com, www.macys.com, www.saksfifthavenue.com, etc.

Doing this is actually good for 3 reasons: One, you can get item ideas for your search. Two, you can see retail pricing which will prove very useful, as you’ll see in a moment. And three, you can get more product details which will come in handy when you’re doing your deep-dive research. Ok. Now that you have your search terms for the items you’re interested in all laid out, it’s time to do a little bit of research. Your research consists of you having a good idea about what the items you want are currently selling for in the store. So you need a retail price for the item to really know if you’re getting a good deal, a great steal, or if it’s a big nil. As you get information from your research as well as prices, jot them down on your list. On the next page, I’ve included a template for creating a search list. The space for “category” is simply where you could write shoes, handbag or clothes. And “description” is specific information about the item. Of course you can modify the document however you like. And as you get more experienced, you may even want to create your own – one that works better for YOU.

Search List For Designer eBay Items Category Designer & Description Retail Price 1.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 2.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 3.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 4.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 5.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 6.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 7.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 8.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 9.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 10.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 11.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________ 12.____________ ___________________________________________ ________________

Notes

A woman with class  is timeless.