How to Easily Treasure Hunt With eBay: Fun Finds

A few weeks back I had a fun time exploring the aisles of my favorite antique mall…I was treasure hunting for a vintage lady head vase, one in iridescent emerald green. And, although I found a lot of great pieces that tempted me I did not find my special ceramic trinket. So I went back to my home and started to search the web. Then, I remembered I had seen one somewhere…eBay! I was excited because it’s easy to treasure hunt with eBay!

Step 1: Go to the eBay website (click here for eBay).

Step 2: Type in the search bar the item you are looking for. The eBay website is pretty straight forward There is a search bar at the top of the page, just use it to enter the description of the item.

• Tip: If you don’t find the exact match straightaway you might have to rephrase your description and try again. For instance, the vase I was looking for can sometimes be called a vintage lady head vase, a glamour gal head vase, or a 1940s lady head wall pocket. I searched all three ways and found the perfect match for me.

• Tip: Be specific! Make sure you include in the search the color and size. There can be hundreds of pieces to review, so you’ll find the exact match much quicker the more specific your search criteria.

Step 3: Click on the item and scroll through all the photos. Make sure to examine them thoroughly. Make sure to check the dimensions, color, and condition.

• Tip: Look for discoloration, fading, damage, chips, or cracks. Usually, if there is any damage of any kind, the dealer will disclose that in a photo.

Step 4: Read through the ” item description from seller.”

Step #5 : Check charges. Make sure the item price and shipping price meet your budget.

• Tip: Sometimes when picking out a product you may be enticed by a cheaper price…but check the shipping price as well because sometimes a seller will inflate the shipping cost to make up for the lower price of the product.

• Tip: Sometimes larger items can not be shipped – only local pick-up is available.

Step #5: Check the delivery date. Make sure it is within a reasonable time frame.

• Tip: My packages have always come on time…I’m actually pleasantly surprised how speedy some of them have arrived.

Step #6: Check the seller’s return policy.

• Tip: VERY IMPORTANT…If you have any questions at all you can send the seller a note via their “contact” button toward the bottom of their item page. I happen to have allergies to some perfumes and mold so I often will send the dealer a note verifying that the piece is mold-free and scent-free. Most dealers are very kind and very quick to respond.

• Tip: Most sellers I have used offer a 30-day return policy, but the buyer pays for the shipping.

Step #7: Check the seller’s stats. It’s just as important as checking the quality of the item to check the satisfaction of other customers. Look for the “detailed sellers ratings” at the bottom of the seller’s page. Make sure to read the seller’s “feedback ” score.

Step #8: Time to purchase!….if you are ready to commit to buying.

• Tip: Once you receive your package and everything is hunky dory, don’t forget to send the seller a good review. It’s an awesome way to say thank you and help their business.

It was pretty thrilling when I first learned how easy it was to treasure hunt with eBay! To be able to receive a rare vintage item from just about anywhere around the world! And…after ALL the searching and anticipation…. my precious emerald green glamour girl is home at last and on display! So give eBay a try … I hope you find it thrilling too!!!

If your interested in vintage glamour girl vases, see this eBay link.

If you’d like to see more about my quest for this vase, see my article, “A Favorite Way to Treasure Hunt For Fun Finds.”