Expert Advice: Albert Tanquero’s 5 Ebay Shopping Tips

This week, I’m kicking off, “Expert Advice,” a semi-regular column written by experts in their field. You’re probably thinking, “I thought you knew everything?” And that’s a very smart (brilliant, really) assumption, because yes, I do know everything. But I’m also very tired, and I relish turning the keys over to somebody else for the day.

This week, Albert Tanquero, avid Ebay buyer, seller and co-founder of “the Found,” will be offering a daily Ebay shopping tip. I first met Albert at the Chicago Antique Market, which runs through October on Randolph Street. Albert’s booth was swamped, so I bit and tore my way through the crowd and when the bloody masses finally parted and I saw “The Found”, I knew I had “found” a kindred spirit.

Mugshot goodness. Don’t worry, only victimless crimes were committed in the making of this art.

In addition to running his business, Albert is like a human Google bot, trolling Ebay at all hours, vetting everything and making the best available to you. If you’re interested in Albert’s work, his contact information is below.

So heeeeeerrrrrreeeee’s Albert . . . .

5 Ebay Tips
By Albert Tanquero, Co-Founder, the Found

EBay – for most people this is just another website to go and buy random and useless “stuff.” What most people don’t understand is that eBay is the world’s largest junque shop, antique dealer, flea market, and garage sale all wrapped into one and in full electronic swing 24/7. Those of you who have bought on eBay understand its convenience but most don’t realize its importance. EBay is a goldmine for anyone interested in experimenting with his or her own home décor.

I started buying on eBay two years ago and I soon became an addict. I started collecting vintage match box labels from the 40’s- 60’s from Eastern Europe, then I went onto ephemera, then onto 35 mm slides, then onto mug shots, and now I am buying vernacular photography. I’ve spent thousands and ended up with so much “stuff”- I had to start selling myself. So before you buy anything on eBay again- I want to give you some advice. How does one shop like a pro?

Tip 1:

Know what you are looking for. This sounds obvious but in reality most people just browse on eBay and end up buying impulsively. If you are looking for a specific phone, book, piece of furniture, etc.- know the model and specifics before you go online. This will save you time and help you find the exact item. Don’t forget to read the entire description and send questions to the seller about the color, size, shipping, etc. There is nothing worse than getting an item that doesn’t meet your expectations. If the seller fails to respond in an orderly fashion DO NOT BUY FROM THEM.

Tip 2:

Develop patience. Most items sold on eBay are not so rare that something similar won’t appear in the near future. If you do not win an item that you really wanted don’t despair- just check regularly and chances are something comparable will make its way on the site in time. That is not to say you shouldn’t go after something that you think is really special. If you love it- buy it! But don’t buy impulsively- walk away for an hour or a day and think-“Do I really need a Phrenology head sitting on my mantle?” If the answer is yes, you know what to do.

Tip 3:

Do research on your item to determine its value and know what your maximum bid would be for that particular item and stick with it. There are many times when items go for more than their worth simply because bidders are impatient and inexperienced. For example, if you see you a vintage floral print you like set a maximum bid price in your head and stick with it. Do not become attached because something similar could be posted the following day or week. This is not to say you shouldn’t go after something you find truly special. In that case, you are the only one who can determine it’s monetary value. I once found a mug shot I had to have and bid $83.00 dollars on it. Was it worth it? Probably not, but it is something I will always treasure.

Tip 4:

When you see an item you like check to see when the auction will end. If you are around when the auction ends- try to snipe it. This means that you will wait 30-45 seconds before the item ends before going in and making a high bid. This is a practice many deem unfair, but in reality it is part of the eBay game. When I first started collecting, I lost out on many items because of snipping. I finally had to play along with the game and now I win most of my auction bids. If you are not around then set a maximum price and stick with it – but try to do it the day the bid ends. Most buyers are drawn to items that already have bids so this drives up the price many days before the item ends. Wait until the very last day. You can also take advantage of the “WATCH THIS ITEM” feature, which will allow you to track your item during the auction.

Tip 5:

Spend time searching under different categories and check to see if other sellers are listing the same item for a lower price. Different sellers may classify the same item in several different ways. It is very important to search for an item using different searches. For instance, a mug shot can be found under: police mug shot, mugshot, arrest card, police cards, even vintage mug shots. All of these will bring up different results but all are truly mug shots. Think about how your item might be classified. Also, spend time learning about eBay by using their resources. It sounds like it might be a waste of time, but their tutorials are extremely helpful and will end up saving you money in the long run.

Don’t forget – EBay is not just a place to find random “things”- it is the world’s largest connector of collectibles and special items with buyers who can salvage them. I myself have sold ephemera, photos, and other items that people discard, to individuals that will go onto value them. It is this special relationship that makes it all worth it.

It makes my day to know that someone will frame a “found” photograph from WWII, read love letters that were dying to be reread, or give new life to something on it’s way out.

Happy bidding!!!!!

Thanks, Albert. If you know something about something related to design, art, lighting, shopping, etc., etc., email me. To inquire about (or better yet, to purchase) Albert’s work:

Do you remember when Arnold (Schwarzenegger, not Willis) compared the feeling he gets from pumping iron to the feeling he got from . . . something much more fun than working out?

Well, some people say that they get that same feeling when they receive their Strange Closets email. I’m just saying . . .

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