Buying Rubber Stamps on eBay

Buying rubber stamps has never been easier thanks to the Internet. Many stamping and craft stores have online shopping facilities and stamp manufacturers often have online catalogs to browse, which is a handy alternative to the traditional paper alternatives. Another interesting option that stampers have is buying stamps from an online auction site, such as eBay, which offers stampers access to a wide range of used and new stamping supplies. As long as stamps and other supplies have been stored correctly, second hand or used supplies can make a good buy.

eBay and Rubber Stamp Supplies

eBay is now well established within the Internet world and is the most well known of the online auction sites. eBay has an international user base, with people from all over the world meeting online to buy and sell a wide range of items including rubber stamping supplies. Both private individuals and companies use eBay as a market place.

eBay has an extensive craft section with a huge variety of items listed. The craft section is broken down by category and all rubber stamping products can be found within the Rubber Stamping and Embossing category. This category is broken down further into subgroups and these include:

• Embossing Supplies
• Paper, Stationery
• Rubber Stamping Idea Books
• Rubber Stamping Kits
• Rubber Stamps
• Rubber Stamp Wheels
• Stamp Handles & Mounts
• Stamping Ink & Pads
• Stamping Instruction, Patterns
• Stamping Tools & Equipment
• Other Stamping & Embossing

Auctions and 'Buy It Now'.

There are two options for buying stamping supplies from eBay, these are auctions and Buy It Now.

Auctions

Buying rubber stamps and stamping supplies by eBay auction involves bidding for an item. Items can be bid for in steps or a member can simply enter the maximum amount that they are prepared to pay and the bids will get placed automatically should another bidder start bidding.

Buying stamping supplies via auction is a good way to find a bargain – many stamps and stamping supplies have low starting prices – however it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of the auction and end up paying over the odds!

Buy It Now

The Buy It Now function allows sellers to set a fixed price for the item and buyers simply agree to pay this amount. The Buy It Now function also includes items in an eBay seller's store. The Buy It Now function is ideal for buyers who want an item immediately or to have a fixed price.

New or Second Hand Rubber Stamps and Stamping Supplies

Both brand new and used rubber stamps and stamping supplies can be found on eBay. This can range from a stamper selling off retired or unwanted stamps through to stamping manufacturers selling new stock from their catalog. It is possible to limit an eBay search to new or used items by using the 'item condition' setting.

Sellers

Virtually anyone can sell on eBay, giving buyers a huge range of opportunities to chose from. This means that you could be dealing with a business or an individual. Before bidding it is a good idea to take a look at the seller's feedback and see what sort of experience other buyers have had.

International

Buyers and sellers from all over the world have access to eBay and this means that stamping supplies from many different countries can be found. This can be an ideal way to find something a little different.

Tips for Buying Stamping Rubber Stamps and Supplies on eBay

• Narrowing a search for stamping supplies to 'used' can offer some real bargains. Stampers often sell off job lots of old or retired stamps and this can be a great way to get a good range of stamps when starting out.
• If you are looking for a collection or stamping supply 'job lot', try ordering the items by price with the most expensive items at the top. Sometimes it can be difficult searching for these as many different search terms may be used. As collections or 'job lots' generally sell for more than the cost of a single stamp it is a good way to find items that may otherwise be hidden away amongst several pages of listings.
• Remember that the quality of used goods can vary so a used ink pad, for instance, could be almost new or might have been used extensively and be nearly dry. If in doubt about any aspect of the sale it is worth sending an email to the seller, most will be happy to answer any questions.
• Many sellers can offer goods at competitive prices on eBay, however if something appears to be too good an offer to be true, then be wary! A seller's feedback is a great way to find out more about their past customer service.
• Compare prices with other online stores. Although a price may seem excellent on eBay, other online stores have regular sales and discounts which can mean that their prices match or beat those of sellers on eBay.
• Check the cost of delivery before bidding as this can increase the sale price significantly.

Buying stamping supplies on eBay can be a great experience – however there can also be the occasional problem, perhaps with items not arriving or arriving damaged, or the products being incorrectly described. As with making any other purchase via eBay it is very much a case of 'buyer beware'.

For more information about eBay, including help and advice for people new to eBay as well as for the more experienced user, take a look at the About.com eBay site.