Win online auctions with ease

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Online auctions, like eBay, let you choose from a huge selection of items and, generally, pay less for them than you would anywhere else. Some people even make a living buying goods at Internet auctions and reselling them retail.

Competition can be stiff, so be prepared to fight for what you want – at least until it costs more than you can spend. Try these bid-winning tips from eBay the Smart Way.

* Refresh the Web page often during the final minutes of an auction so you can see the latest bid. Go to the auction page for the item you want to buy, and click the Refresh button on your internet browser.

* Bid the Bay Way. Choose how much you’re willing to pay for something, then ask eBay to bid for you, up to that amount. You can even set the increment, how much eBay raises your bid each time, by 50 cents, $1, $5, and so on. Each time someone bids higher than you, eBay will raise your bid above theirs by the increment you set, up to your maximum, saving you both time and money.

* Use the 10-cents difference trick. Ebay forces you to raise your bid by at least a certain dollar amount each time, usually a round number, like $1 or $5. Increase yours by that amount plus 10 cents to get a jump on your competition and raise your odds of winning the auction.

* Become a Sniper. Sniper software lets you swoop in and bid at the last minute, with the idea that if you raise the bid say 15 or 30 seconds before the auction closes, you will win because no one else will have time to counter. You can buy Snipe software on eBay or subscribe to a Web service that will Snipe for you.

No strategy guarantees you a win, but auctions are supposed to be fun, right? Win or lose, always enjoy the game.



All the best,



Timben

Insider’s guide to online auctions

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Internet auctions work a lot like regular auctions – Yahoo, eBay, Amazon.com and other virtual auction houses act as proxies between buyers and sellers, awarding goods to the highest bidders.

* You can buy anything under the sun at mega auction sites, but don’t sell the small ones short. Large auction sites, like eBay, don’t guarantee and item’s authenticity, but some specialized Internet auction sites do. You may also have more luck finding what you want.

* Read every site’s Terms of Service agreement and Privacy Policy so you understand the rules sellers and buyers play by. For example, all sales are final at some, while others let you return goods. Some let you withdraw your bid, others don’t. Know the terms before you shop.

* Set a ceiling on how much you are willing to pay for an item, and stick to it. Don’t get caught up in the bidding frenzy and spend more than you had planned.

* Check the piece’s going price at stores and recent auctions before you bid on it to avoid overpaying.

* Read all the specific information the seller gives about an object. Look for details about its condition and whether any pieces are missing. You can complain to the auction company and, in some cases, return the item if the seller mislead you.



All the best,



Timben

Quick tips for flea market shopping

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Not every flea market item is a steal, but savvy collectors know how to sniff out the best deals. This guide can help you walk away happy, too.

* Arrive early for the largest selection. The best deals disappear early.

* If you need a particular item, find how much it sells for in retail stores before you hit the flea market.

* Inspect items carefully for chips, missing pieces, or tears before you buy. Generally you can’t return a flea market find.

* Before you spring for that antique table and chairs, make sure you have a way to get them home. Most dealers don’t deliver.

* Find a stall you especially like? Get the vendor’s card and ask how often she sells there, when she gets in new pieces, and where else she exhibits. You may want to visit her again.

* Walk away from an item you aren’t sure about buying. If it still calls to you from two aisles away, go back for it. Better yet, if business is slow for that seller, wait until the day’s end when he will be happy to make a deal.

* Shop around at several vendors before you buy. Dealers occasionally buy from the same wholesale sources, so some may offer the same goods at different prices.



All the best,



Timben

Best bet for antique bargains

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Flea markets are like giant indoor yard sales with vendors hocking the usual toys, tools, and clothing. But they’re also treasure troves of art, antique furniture and jewelry, and other collectible wares.

By shopping these bazaars, you can decorate like royalty – without spending a fortune. Make the most of flea market finds with this advice from Secrets to Affordable Antiques.

* Look for monogrammed flatware. Most people prefer plain pieces, leaving you super deals on real initialed silver.

* Buy antique furniture in single pieces. Sets cost more money. Even George and Martha Washington did not own matching bedroom furniture.

* Pay for the art, not for the name. Buy unsigned paintings for the best value, or pictures by little-known artists.

* Hang pictures with tears or damaged frames above the stairs, over a bookcase, or elsewhere high on the wall. It’s hard to see flaws from a few feet away.

* Touch up scarred frames with matching acrylic paint.

* Try the same technique with chipped, cracked vases, china, and ceramics. Display them high on shelves and turn the damaged sides to the wall.

* Repair tears in canvas or paper with a little masking tape across the picture’s back and hangs it high.

* Don’t shop for collectibles in the town where they were made. Pottery, furniture, and other antiques are always more expensive in their hometowns.



All the best,



Timben

Uncover coin collecting secrets

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Is that old penny really worth $100? Find out using free information about coin collecting. The United States Mint – the ultimate coin authority – offers free information for both, avid and amateur coin collectors on its Web sites, www.usmint.gov. Click on Consumer Awareness for valuable tips on how to tell real collectibles U.S. coins from fakes. Or click on About Us and go to the Collector’s Corner for free advice on finding, buying, and caring for your coins.

Free newsletters from coin traders and collecting societies provide price lists and insider’s advice. Coin dealer Ellesmere Numismatics puts out The Winning Edge newsletter, a widely circulated price list guide for rare U.S. coins. Best of all, it’s free for the first six months. Just call 800-426-3343 or subscribe online at www.ellesmerecoin.com.

Sign up now, and they will also send you two free booklets on coin collecting, 638 Coins with a Fundamental Reason to Rise in Value and The Nine Most common Mistakes Made by Rare Coin Investors.

Your local library is also a helpful resource for valuing your coins. Put a price on your money with these books.

* A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S.Yeoman (updated yearly)
* The Standard Catalog of World Coins from Krause Publications



All the best,



Timben

When to call in the pros

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Dry cleaning can give your clothes a longer life. They won’t shrink or bleed as much when they’re dry-cleaned, and dry cleaning can get rid of oily stains that don’t come out in the wash. Also, have your clothes dry-cleaned of you think they might lose their shape or their colors in the washing machine. Not all clothes with the “Dry Clean Only” care label have to be dry-cleaned. You can wash some garments in cold water by hand with a gentle cleanser. Then lay them out flat on towels to dry so they don’t lose their shape.



All the best,



Timben

Update old clothes to latest styles

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Chances are a small change to an out-of-style outfit hanging in your closet could make it fashionable again. If you’re handy with needle and thread, you can update your wardrobe with a few minor alterations. In fact, even paying for an alteration can be cheaper than buying new clothes. Think about putting in or removing shoulder pads or changing buttons and other trim. Something as simple as raising or lowering a hemline can make those clothes stylish again.



All the best,



Timben

Identifying quality clothing

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Quality clothes look better, fit better, and last longer. Buying cheap clothes and replacing them when they fall apart can be expensive. Spending a little more money on clothes you can wear again and again will save you money in the long run.

Shop for clothes that are well-made. When you see a pierce you like, inspect it for quality workmanship before you buy it. There are lots of clues that tell you whether a garment is made well. Check the hem and seams to make sure they’re well stitched, and look for telltale signs like holes and snags. Any patterns, like plaids or stripes, should match across seams, lapels, and between pieces, like a suit jacket and pants.

If the item has a zipper, the teeth of the zipper shouldn’t touch your skin. Pockets should even and have clean stitching wherever they connect with the garment. Quality buttons made of brass, horn, or pearl are a sign of quality garment, so keep that in mind as well.

Remember to look inside, too. The interior of the garment should look as good as the outside, with the seams cleanly finished rather than rough and frayed. Jackets, pants, and skirts should have a lining on the inside if they’re made of a winter fabric, like wool. Otherwise, you’ll be uncomfortable when you wear them.

The most important thing to look for in clothes is the fabric. Learn to pick out quality fabrics by going to a department store or fabric store. Get to know how cotton, wool, silk, and cashmere feel and how they’re different so you can identify them when you shop. Every fabric has its advantages and disadvantages.

Cottons and linens are cooler because they breathe better, but they’ve been known to develop holes after a while. Silk drapers beautifully, but it requires high maintenance. Look at the care label on the garment to see what it’s made of and what kind of care it needs. The more you know about the garment, the more confident you can be that it’s worthwhile purchase.



All the best,



Timben

Never pay full price for shoes

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You need new shoes. Don’t worry. There are good deals all over the place. You just have to find them. Follow the sales and make use of coupons, and you’ll never have to pay full price again.

Always look for quality before you look at the price. Quality shoes may cost a little more, but they’ll last longer, which means you won’t have to keep buying new shoes. When your shoes wear out, have them repaired. It’s cheaper to replace the sole or the heel of a well-made shoe that’s comfortable and fits you well than to toss it out and buy a new pair.

Be kind to your feet and buy the proper shoes for different activities. Have enough pairs in your closet so you can switch them every day. Wearing the same pair of shoes day in and day out isn’t good for your feet – or your shoes.

If you know the style and size of shoe you want, you can save money by buying brand name shoes online. The following companies offer sale prices over the Internet. Just be sure to check the shipping and handling charges so you don’t spend more online than you would have originally.

* Eastland www.eastlandshoe.com
* Florsheim www.florsheim.com
* Nike www.nike.com



All the best,



Timben

2 ways to curb impulse buying

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You can stay on budget by avoiding impulse buying. Studies have shown that impulse buys make up 27 to 62 percent of all purchases made in department stores.

Save money by making a list and only buying what’s on the list. If you see something else you like, wait until you get home and add it to the list for next time so you’ll have time to think before you buy the item.

If you don’t have a list but do have a spending limit, bring only the amount of money you’re willing to spend in cash and leave your checkbook and credit cards at home. That way, you can’t go over budget.



All the best,



Timben

Keep an eye on seasonal discounts

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Schedule your big shopping trips so they coincide with big sales. Wait until mid-summer to buy warm weather clothes and bathing suits Fourth of July sales. If you’re really patient, get your beachwear at the Labor Day sales in September when it’s on clearance. The same goes for winter clothing. Retail stores stock up on winter clothes before Christmas and then mark them down by 50 percent through January. By March, you can get a winter coat for a fraction of what you would have paid the season before.



All the best,



Timben

Get discounts with store credit cards

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You can save a lot of money with department store credit cards if you use them wisely. Department stores give you additional discounts on purchase when you use their store credit card. Some stores also invite you to private sales where the store is only open to employees and cardholders for a short time. Just remember to pay off your balance every month, and never use the card to buy anything outside of your monthly budget. Department store cards have huge interest rates.



All the best,



Timben

How to talk the price down

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Price tags aren’t set in stone. It takes a little courage, but you can bring down the price of secondhand clothes just by haggling a little with the salesperson. They’re more flexible than you’d expect. You may need to get over any fears of seeming pushy or cheap, buy once you get going, you’ll save money left and right. Here are a few tips to remember:

* Ask for a discount if there’s a flaw, like a stain or tear on the garment, no matter how small. If the product is even slightly defective, you deserve a reduction in price. Salesperson wants you to leave happy and come again, so they’ll usually give you the discount if you ask.

* Use your buying power. Request a bulk rate if you buy a lot of pieces at once, or if you buy something expensive, ask them to throw in a free gift. Say you might consider purchasing this really nice gown if they add the handbag to the package. You could walk away with a bunch of free stuff.

* Be friendly with the salesperson. You’ll be relieved to find out bargaining doesn’t have to involve yelling and angry comments. Develop a good working relationship with the people at the secondhand store so they realize you’re not trying to be difficult – you’re just trying to get a good deal.



All the best,



Timben

Smart catalog shopping

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Look through a favorite catalog and rip out the page of any item you’re interested in. After that, pull out the order form and throw away the rest of the catalog. Wait a day or maybe even a week, then look over your torn out pages again. If you still want an item, you’ll know this isn’t an impulse purchase, and you can spend the money in good conscience. In addition, since you’re only looking at a few pages, you won’t be tempted to buy other items in the catalog.



All the best,



Timben

Good advice for outlet shoppers

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Outlet malls may seem like bargain heaven at first, but keep an eye for full-priced merchandise in disguise. Some outlet stores sell their products at full price. Find out how much the clothes would cost at a retail store before you buy them so you know exactly how much you’re saving.

Another trick to look for is “cut-ups.” Rather than selling discounted retail clothing, the outlet sells last year’s leftover fabric that’s been cut to look like new styles. It’s not the same product you would get at a retail store, but if you don’t mind, then go ahead and take advantage of the lower price.

Watch out for liquidators posing as outlets. Rather than selling the same clothes at reduced prices, liquidators sell discontinued or slightly damaged merchandise from several different companies. It’s basically the stuff the manufacturer couldn’t sell because no one wanted it. Make sure you’re buying a quality product before you get swept away by the price tag.



All the best,



Timben

Save a bundle on classy clothes

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At consignment shops, you can buy classy clothes at below wholesale prices. Consignment shops sell higher quality clothing than thrift stores, carry a greater selection than garage sales, and offer deep discounts over retail. They’re even better than outlet stores, especially for specialty items like formal wear and business suits. At consignment prices, you can save a bundle and look great too.

You’ll find the nicest items near the register or in the window. Some shops charge more than others or generally carry pricier merchandise. Shop around till you find one that fits your taste and your budget. Then visit it every couple of weeks to get first dibs on the latest deals. Become a regular and befriend the manager and employees. They may be more willing to haggle with you, help you find what you need, or hold certain items.

Check your yellow pages under “consignment,” “secondhand,” or “clothing, used” to find stores near you. Or visit the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops (NARTS) on the Internet at www.narts.org. Here you can search for resale, consignment, or thrift stores by state, zip code, area code, type of merchandise you want to buy, or any combination of these.



All the best,



Timben

Advantages of thrift store shopping

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A thrift store is a great place to go for rock-bottom prices on clothes and accessories. Thrift stores are nonprofit organizations that offer previously owned items at bargain prices. They get their inventory through private donations, as well as manufacturers and retail stores.

The Salvation Army and Goodwill are both popular thrift stores, though there are others, like TVI/Value Village and Buffalo Exchange, which operate for profit. According to Secondhand Chic by Christa Weil, these for-profit thrift stores usually have a nicer atmosphere and are organized more like retail stores.

Weil also mentions a few pros and cons that come with thrift store shopping. The best part, of course, is the unbeatably low prices. You’re not going to find cheaper clothes anywhere than you will in a thrift store.

Other advantages include their wide selection of styles and the variety of products available. They have everything from hats to shoes. You can even find brand new clothes in these shops since some retail stores now donate their unsold inventory. As a bonus, you get to support a charitable cause just by going on a shopping trip.

You should also be aware of the challenges of shopping at thrift stores. It will probably take you longer to look through merchandise simply because the clothes aren’t usually organized into sizes or styles.

You may also run into problem when you decide to try something on and realize there aren’t any fitting rooms. Most bargain hunters, however, are happy to put forth a little effort for the savings they find.



All the best,



Timben

The best place to hunt for a deal

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Save as much as 80 percent, no matter where you shop. Get great quality, as well as low, low prices when you visit DealHunting.com. This incredible Web site offers bargains from hundreds of well-known stores in over 30 categories.

After you select a store or a category, you’re immediately taken to a list of items on sale. Sometimes you’re given a coupon code to enter. At other times, the site will simply let you know what’s on sale. Shop at stores like Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers, Sears, Gap, or JCPenney.

And if you’re interested in other items, such as toys, electronics, cosmetics, or even gifts, this site can help you out there, too. Visit them at www.dealhunting.com.



All the best,



Timben

Shop from the comfort of home

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Many of your favorite china makers offer special deals and discounts directly from their Web sites. You could save anywhere from 15 to 74 percent on select patterns and pieces, all while shopping from home.

So skip the middleman. Just type the name of a china manufacturer, like Mikasa, into the address line of your Web browser, then check their home page for mentions of clearance items or special deals. Or click on your favorite pattern and look for discounts off the retail price.

Start with these famous sellers, guaranteed to offer online savings.

* Lenox www.lenox.com
* Mikasa www.mikasa.com
* Royal Doulton www.RoyalDoulton.com
* Villeroy & Boch www.Villeroy-Boch.com



All the best,



Timben

Get VIP vouchers for favorite stores

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If you are an outlet store warrior, you’ll love www.outletbound.com. This Web site lets you search for outlet stores and centers across the nation by brand name, category, or location.

You can even sign up for a “shop Like a Pro” VIP voucher worth hundreds of dollars at participating outlet centers. Just fill out a short questionnaire online to receive your voucher. You will have to give Outlet Bound some personal information, such as your name, where you live, your e-mail address, and how often you visit outlet centers.



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Timben

Smart way to spend less

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Think you can’t find fine China at outlet stores? Think again. Mikasa, Lenox, Noritake, Fitz&Floyd, and Royal Doulton are just a few famous brand names with outlet stores around the country.

You can save anywhere from 10 to 80 percent off retail by shopping at these factory outlets. What’s more, you can buy a lot more than China at an outlet center. Make the most of your trip by:

* Checking every piece of china for chips, cracks, and other defects.
* Asking about the return policy, especially if you’re buying it for someone else.
* Making a list of must-have items, along with a budget.
* Wearing a fanny pack instead of carrying a handbag to free you up for handling china.



All the best,



Timben

Introduce yourself to Web reading

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Avid readers have always enjoyed browsing bookstores and libraries for good books. Now it’s time to browse digital libraries on the Internet. Think of them as huge libraries with an infinite variety of books. The best ones don’t charge subscription fees or accept advertising.

Try visiting some of the old standby sites like Bartleby.com at www.bartleby.com, Project Gutenberg at www.gutenberg.org, or The Online Books Page at http://digital.library.upenn.edu. Another possibility is online Bible reading programs on sites like Crosswalk.com at http://bible.crosswalk.com.

Or use your favorite search engine and enter “books online.” You can even add a qualifier if you’re looking for a specific topic.

Lots of time in front of a computer can lend itself to eyestrain. Make sure your monitor is large and clear enough to let you read in comfort.



All the best,



Timben

Clever Idea For Collectors

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Finding a rare book is what book lovers dream about. But shopping without a guide can end up costing you a fortune. Save a bundle on first editions and rare, signed, or out-of-print volumes by shopping with a trained eye. Several valuable guides can give you just the help you need.

* Official Price Guide to Collecting Books by Marie Tedford and Pat Goudey.
* Book Finds: How to Find, Buy, and Sell Used and Rare Books by Ian C.Ellis
* Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions by Bill McBride.

If you purchase books through a dealer, check their credentials. Organizations like Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America at www.abaa.org protect consumers by monitoring their members for honesty and integrity.



All the best,



Timben

Great way to find unusual books

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The Internet is the place to go for any book you could possibly want. Take advantage of the Web’s exciting book-finding technology. You’ll find retail and discount prices on new, used, rare, and out-of-print books – even scratch and dents. Here are a few sites to get you started.

* Abebooks.com at www.abebooks.com
* AddALL at www.addall.com
* AllBooks4Less.com at www.allbooks4less.com
* Amazon at www.amazon.com
* BookCloseouts.com at www.bookcloseouts.com
* BookFinder.com at www.bookfinder.com
* Christianbook.com at www.christianbook.com
* HamiltonBook.com at www.hamiltonbook.com

If you want to borrow, lend and swap books for free, check out The Book Cart at www.thebookcart.com. You can borrow and lend paper-backs through the mail for the cost of postage and handling.

Before you buy a book, you should do two things – compare book prices and shipping and handling fees. The one thing that can undercut great online prices is high shipping and handling. Watch for promotions and specials deals for reduced or free shipping.



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Timben

Members get bigger discounts

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You love books. You’re are an avid book buyer, and you like giving them as gifts. Yet, serious book buying can be expensive.

A number of bookstores and their online counterparts offer membership clubs as a way for you to enjoy extra savings. Yes – you’ll have to buy the discount card, but devoted book buyers may find the savings offset the membership price.

* Barnes & Noble’s $25 annual membership fee cuts an extra 10 percent from purchases made at all Barnes & Noble, B. Dalton, Bookstar, Bookstop, Doubleday, Ink Newsstand, and Charlesbank stores, as well as online purchases at www.bn.com.

* For a $10 annual membership fee, Books-A-Million offers a discount card that can be used at any of its retail stores and for online purchases at www.booksamillion.com.



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Timben

Books – Read fine print on book club offers

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Book clubs are like getting books by subscription. You just agree to purchase a few books during the membership period. If you want the selected title or an alternative selection, it’ll be sent to your door at your request.

If you’re regular book buyer, clubs can be a convenient option to going to bookstores, and they may offer savings to boot.

Among the best known clubs are Book of the Month Club, Doubleday Book Club, and The Literary Guild. A newcomer, but currently the most popular of them all, is Oprah’s Book Club.

If you’re interested in clubs for readers with special interests, visit Web sites like F+W Publications at www.fwpublications.com/bookclubs.asp. It features over 20 clubs ranging from gardening to science fiction.

But don’t dive in with your eyes closed. These clubs also offer their share of headaches. Most arise because folks fail to look beyond those exciting introductory offers to what they’re really committing themselves to. Common irritations arise from shockingly high shipping fees and the arrival of unwanted books.

Learn the ropes and get the facts before you jump for one of those “6 books for 99 cents” deals. And consider options to the clubs that require less commitment, like discount book services with mail order or online catalogs.



All the best,



Timben