I have never been someone who has had a whole lot of patience, unfortunate as that may be. This downfall has prohibited me from taking part in many things…like learning how to actually hit the ball in golf, reading a book past the first 10 pages (it better grab me), and last but not least, taking advantage of the wonderful creation called eBay. Some things are obviously more important than others, in terms of helping my intelligence (like the reading bit, that would help me write and speak better) but none could have probably saved me more money than, being a smart eBay shopper could have. I mean, I have wasted tons of money in my life from things that I bought, and then never wore or wore just once or twice and then gave away. It hurts to think of that sunk cost that I cannot regain…..But let’s now dwell and move back on to the subject…..I can’t even begin to imagine how many amazing products have been sold on eBay for next to nothing: millions. And to think that I have missed out on all of them! But, apparently I have reader that has done the opposite of myself and has completely taken advantage of this brilliant creation and by doing so, has acquired around 75 of his 150 pairs of shoes. (Makes me look like a chump!) And by doing this, not only has he been able to purchase very nice, high-end shoes, but has also probably been able to save tens of thousands of dollars, which I am sure has helped him buy more clothing! 🙂
What’s most amazing about this, is the eclectic array of shoes that my reader now owns. I mean, it ranges from those Florsheim looking cream slip-ons (which for me don’t match the vibe of the others) to the most amazing suede Lobbs. But that’s what happens when you have the ability to get a shoe for $20-$30. At that price, you just might buy anything. It’s like when I used to work in retail, made loads of money for a 22 year-old, and had a discount. I frickin’ bought everything, even things that I hated after one wear. It was stupid….but that’s what happens when things are too cheap to pass up, which is why eBay is brilliant. Someone literally came up with the idea to have people pretty much swap crap that they don’t want and then the company makes loads of money from fee’s. Simply amazing! And while it sounds like the owners of eBay are having all of the fun, its actually people like my reader who (if they are diligent enough) are able to profit off of this concept and build a wardrobe (or whatever product they are after) on basement bargains!
Some of the shoes that he has gotten are simply beautiful. The suede Lobbs (above) are most likely my favorite, just because I love the uniqueness of the design, so French, yet so elegant! Next up, must be the Berluti wholecuts in a pebble grain. It’s funny because I have never seen that before, nor have I even thought of it, but to me, it looks brilliant. It’s the only way to tone down the dressiness of the whole cut, and make it a bit more casual. Great idea! And last, but certainly not least, are those yellowish/tan Bontoni wholecuts with brogueing. Those are simply beautiful! And for those 3 shoes, that probably retail upwards of about $4000, it would not surprise me if he got them for about ¼ of that price. How can you beat that? You can’t really and that’s why the eBay experience is so genius. I tip my hat to the owners and to those (such as this reader who owns all of these amazing shoes) whom have actually been patient enough to take advantage of the sheer brilliance in trading crap for bottom dollar prices!
I check ebay every now and then sometimes you can find beautiful shoes for very good prices. I’m just scared that I’ll be buying fakes.
Here’s a random example:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Edward-Green-CHELSEA-Slate-Antique-Calf-Leather-Cap-Toe-Lace-Up-Shoes-UK-10-E-/360436271659?pt=UK_Men_s_Shoes&hash=item53ebad0a2b
Its quite a nice shoe for still quite a lot of money and supposedly its a new shoe with defects(always unseeable little scratches or differences in colour). How do I know they’re not knockoffs?
There are a lot of fakes on ebay, usually designer jeans, scarves, shirts, items that can be easily copied but counterfeit shoes? Who would go through the trouble to make fake Lobbs or Berluti�s?
Also buy from reliable sellers. Be wary of sellers from the far east. Don�t mean to be biased but China, Thailand, Vietnam and sometimes Hong Kong are big producers of counterfeits.
My biggest challenge buying on ebay is getting the fit right. You don�t get to try them on. There are so many different sizing systems it can get confusing. There is the UK system, US system, Euro system and some brands like Santoni and Lidfort seem to have their own system (they run huge). Sometimes seller�s will list the shoe as a US 11 when it is really a UK 11. When in doubt ask the seller. Some sellers will list the length measurement but if it is taken on the outsole it really doesn�t help. I�m lucky I have a pretty standard foot size and have about a 75% success rate. If they don�t work I �re-ebay� them.
For I am not very fond of loafers, I can only your praising on those suede Lobb.
I clearly need to have a look on Ebay more often.
Thanks for the inspiration !
Stripe
Anon – That’s not a knockoff…you know they are knockoff’s if they are Gucci’s that are selling for $10.
Peter – Thanks for your input Peter. I hope that you liked the post!
Stripe – Glad that you enjoyed the post! Thanks for commenting.
-Justin
Great collection.
It’s not just eBay
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/mens-clothing/shoes/john-lobb-size-7-12-e-portman-brown-leather-shoes-and-shoe-trees-940942
3 pairs of lobbs on the oxfam site for �250 each. One with shoe trees too. If only I had smaller feet.
I urge anyone who they will fit to get them quickly.
Adam Jones – Thanks for sharing that. That’s a great deal!!
-Justin