Off Season Finds

As a savvy shopper, I rarely buy anything at retail.  I’m also not a ‘trendy’ person, so I buy things that will last for years – in terms of style and construction.  Add those two together, and there are some excellent deals to be found at Ebay, Etsy, and second-hand stores.  Today let’s focus on Ebay.  Here are some of my recent finds:

Brooks Brothers Shetland Wool Sweater – I’ve been looking for one in ‘Air Force Blue’ for a while…jackpot.

Murray’s Toggery Shop Heavy Chino Shirt – Great for late-Fall.

Brooks Brothers 3/4 Length Winter Coat – this is perfect for work travel up North in the Fall/Winter months.

The best part – Loro Piana wool.

Each of these cost me well under $20 each shipped.  It actually cost me more to have a pocket on the coat repaired ($22) than the coat itself.  How did I get such a good deal? – They are all off-season.  For all the Ebay-ers out there, now is the time to look for cold-weather gear.  Even though cold weather is the farthest thing from your mind, there are some steals to be found.  I got a mint condition Barbour Beaufort last summer for under $100.  Here is another example of that, and a few others along with their price at the time of posting:

Barbour Beaufort – $100.  Way below retail.
Clarks Wallabees in Chesnut – BIN @ $49.50.  Less than half of retail.

Harris Tweed Jacket – $9.99

Red Wing Pecos 1155s – BIN @ $79.99.  The best boots I have ever owned at less than half of retail.

LL Bean Original Norwegian Sweater – BIN @ $33.58

Buying on Ebay is not for everyone – I’m the first to admit it.  For those that are good with it, here are a few pre-buy and post-buy tips:

Pre-buy:
Don’t buy anything without good pictures.
Make sure the seller is reputable – check the feedback.
Always check the measurements – if they aren’t there, ask for them.
Make sure every question that you have is answered.  Fit/condition/history/etc.  Spend your money well.

Post-buy:
Always wash, clean, condition whatever you buy.  This should go without saying.
Fix what needs fixing.  Replacing buttons, shoelaces, or a polish makes a huge difference.
Find a good tailor.  You should have one anyway.

Good?  No good?  What are some of your greatest finds?

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10 Comments

  1. 07/11/2011 / 9:43 AM

    I was late to the party with Ebay, but put my toes in the water getting some of the bigger pieces to finish up luggage sets in discontinued Vera Bradley patterns (we, as in me and my 2 twentysomething daughters, have three of the old patterns reminiscent of the Pierre Deux prints that VB copied). I quickly learned that if I find something and I want it to forget about bidding because I’m not savvy to the system, nor am I particularly patient. If I want it, I want it. Period.

    My best find was something that I’d wanted for a long time and after about a year of looking, I finally got it. A full length mink coat for $495…and I got it off season, too. Classic length, shawl collar, beautiful color and in my size. Looking forward to the first black tie event the first weekend of December, when the weather always takes a turn for the worse and I end up freezing.

  2. Glenn
    07/11/2011 / 9:47 AM

    Nice classic scores my friend!

  3. ron
    07/11/2011 / 9:58 AM

    Buying off-season is the deal. Just got a vintage herringbone wool jacket and two plaid wool ties, all in beautiful condition, at a local thrift shop–less than $13 total.

  4. Jon
    07/11/2011 / 11:40 AM

    I’ve been on the lookout for a Barbour for quite sometime now. Being a college student with limited funds, I can’t bring myself to pay full sticker as I never do on anything. While scouring eBay for quite sometime, I keep coming on used or vintage jackets at good prices. However, many jackets include a disclaimer on a certain smell the used jackets have. Being that I’ve never owned a Barbour, could you elaborate some on this? Also, I believe us to be around the same size, 6’1 around 42 coat size, what size do you prefer in Barbour?

  5. Josh B
    07/11/2011 / 3:58 PM

    Couldn’t agree more. Even my friends for whom money is not an option, shop for deals on ebay.

  6. 07/11/2011 / 5:51 PM

    JEALOUS.
    LOVE A DEAL LIKE THESE.

  7. Jonathan
    07/11/2011 / 10:09 PM

    In the last year I have found my ghroove my
    my groove when it comes to
    Finding bargains. I will NEVER
    Pay retail again! So here is a
    Portion of what I have found:
    38 long sleeve Ralph Lauren
    shirts: less than a $100
    Patagonia 3/4 zip vest brand
    new: $2
    2 never been worn early 90s Dallas Cowboyus
    Starter Jackets XL: $13
    Armani shirt with french cuffs:j$3
    New absolute favorite shirts/ 2
    Patagonia flannels: $5
    $350 Croton divers watch: $20
    Claiborne chocolate suede
    jacket: $5
    Brand new Green Master’s hat: $1s
    3 Polo hats Brand new: $3
    Vintage Herman’s hunting boots:j
    $2 valued @ $180
    Collection of 10 Memphis Final
    4 shirts new: $10
    Game used 90s Alabama football helmet:j
    Free
    2001 US Open Watercolor sketchbook:
    $10
    I also have bought a lot of art,
    Records, Cowboys and Orioles swagh,
    And a ton of books

  8. 07/12/2011 / 10:07 AM

    Those are great finds, JRS! Especially the BB coat.

  9. Jonathan
    07/12/2011 / 1:07 PM

    I forgot the my best deal. Now
    I didn’t get these all at one
    time but rather over a period
    of years.
    Costa Del Mar Multi sport:$1
    Costa Del Mar Swordfish:$5
    Ray Bans Inner Wave: $1
    Ray Bans Aviators (New): $1
    Bolle: $1
    Oakley Jackals: $1
    4 more pair of Costa Del Mars:
    $4

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