How to find bargains

A bargain isn’t the cheapest thing: it’s something sold below what it’s really worth. To spot one, first you need to know what it’s worth.

1. Learn the real prices

• Look at what has sold, not what is advertised. On Wallapop you can see reserved or sold items; on eBay you can filter by “sold items”.
• Keep a note with the normal price of what interests you.

2. Where to look

• Wallapop, Vinted, eBay with alerts for what you want. Bargains last minutes.
• Flea markets and car boot sales, especially early.
• Second-hand shops and clearances.
• People you know: many have things in a drawer and would rather you sold them.

3. Look for badly made listings

• Spelling mistakes in the product name: fewer people find them.
• Bad photos but a good product.
• Old listings: the seller is keen to get rid of it.

4. Negotiate respectfully

Ask how long they’ve used it, why they’re selling and if they have a receipt. Offer a reasonable price and explain why. What you learned in Negotiating the price works here too.