Money Saving Idea #2: 40% off Shoes
As a guy, shoes tend to be more of a utilitarian type of thing, rather than an obsession. So when I need to buy new running shoes, I’ve found a way to save about $60 off the actual price, for the exact same shoes I would buy in store… its called eBay!
I’ve found, shoes from the same brand (eg: Nike, New Balance, Adidas) have pretty consistent sizing — so if your a 12 in one type of Nike, you’ll be a size 12 in all Nikes. Knowing this, it makes shopping easy — pick your brand, and know your size, and you can order almost anything without trying them on.
That’s where eBay comes into play. By spending a few minutes searching their shoe section, you’re able to see a plethora of different shoes, with low minimum bids and buy it now prices. While the selection sometimes varies, you can typically find most of the popular styles online all the time, with prices up to 40%+ off the retail price — and most of the time, the seller is actually a shoe store somewhere in the country.
To break down the cost from buying off eBay:
- Nike Running Shoes: $69.99
- Plus Shipping: $23.00
- Taxes: none!
- Total Cost: $92.99
So for $93, you can get a brand new pair of shoes, that are the exact same as those sold in stores. Compare that to the same shoes, costing $139.99 in store, PLUS tax (12% here in Canada), thats $157 total.
This may not be for everyone — but if you buy the same brand, and same size, its an easy way to save money.
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I suppose as long as the seller is a legitimate shoe store, I’d be okay with doing this (once I knew the exact shoe and the right size). Otherwise, I’d be afraid of getting a knockoff or stolen property.
This post does remind me that I should probably get a new pair of sneakers soon. I don’t wear them every day, but I have had them for a few years now.
I just started running and shoes are definitely the biggest expense. After all, you NEED shoes to run. I can talk myself out of buying fancy running clothes at Lululemon, but I’m stuck buying shoes. I’m lucky though – right now, I visit my parents once a year in Florida and there is a Nike store. Last year I bought my first pair – only $70 USD for a great pair of shoes that even account for the fact that I pronate. We’re heading back in a few weeks and I’m thinking of picking up a new pair.
I just go to sporting good stores like Modells where I can find decent Nike’s for $30.00 for $40.00 on sale, almost all of the time. They are probably not the coolest “styles”, but they are the regular brands and as a professional the amount of time I get to spend wearing sneakers is unfortunately limited anyway. It is amazing how cheap some things are on ebay.
I am always amazed at the deals you can find when you shop online! Ebay and Amazon are great. Stephanie’s comment is the typical comment I get from a slightly older generation (no offence); that buying online is risky. Truth is, ebay, amazon, and many others completely remove the risk buy setting up user reviews and ratings. You are pretty much guaranteed you will be getting what is described.
I’m not sure if you follow Fabulously Broke? Her post today reminded me of this tip – her comments regarding “shoplifting rings” in particular. Here’s a link: http://www.fabulouslybroke.com/2011/01/the-secret-world-of-shoplifting/
Not saying that you’re participating in some large scale scam, because I’m as likely as the next guy to go to eBay for a better deal (and have several times in the past). Just found it interesting is all!
i started shopping on ebay a month ago.i did buy some items from ebay.the offers might be attractive but one must be careful while buying items because there are many people who sell substandard goods on ebay