Would You do Your Christmas Shopping on eBay?

By Kendra Gilbert on December 11th, 2009

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To do your shopping on eBay is to basically shop second-hand. For the most part, you are scanning page after page of previously-owned items for sale. Which may make some people hesitant about logging onto to the site to do their Christmas shopping. It’s one thing to do a little cyber-thrifting for yourself, but is it okay to do it when you’re shopping for someone else?

After seeing many a commercial promoting the benefits of doing your shopping on eBay this holiday season, I have come to the conclusion that it is okay to both buy and receive gifts off the e-thrifting site. I certainly have purchased things for myself, so why wouldn’t it be okay to purchase something for someone else? I think it just takes a little more care and caution than just going to the mall and picking something off the rack. After all, you have to be sure you’re not getting a damaged or counterfeit item. No one wants to unwrap the cashmere Ralph Lauren sweater they’ve been eyeing all year, only to find it has a big stain on it.

A lot of the items on eBay these days are new. So, if you’re shopping for someone who is completely grossed out by the thought of wearing a used dress, fear not, you can still find a nice new BCBG number that will do the trick. There is also a huge selection of new electronics, accessories, games and gadgets for all the people on your list. Of course, you will have to factor in shipping time, cost and other hassles that come along with online shopping.

But, I’m curious to know if getting an eBay gift would offend you? Sure, we might all be on board with giving the gift, but what if that sweater under the tree this year is for YOU. And it’s from eBay?