The other day, on our way somewhere (I can’t remember where. The pregnancy amnesia never seemed to go away.), Louise was hassling me for some ice skates now that she is taking lessons. Before, she hardly ever wanted to go ice skating but now that I’ve been taking the time to help her, she’s gained a little bit of confidence and wants to look the part…She wants some “white skates”!
Here’s Louise in her RENTAL skates. She’s not diggin’ the tan look at all.
However, being that Louise’s foot is growing constantly and because I don’t know how long she’s going to like skating, I’m not about to buy some brand new ones. Thelma suckered Fanny Mae into getting her some new ones but my mom is a pushover for these things. She can’t say no. I tell Louise that I’m going to look on eBay for a pair.
“Mommy, why do we have to shop at eBAy?”
Before I could answer her, Thelma quickly responds emphatically,
” Because it’s cheaper! Do you want to live or do you want to work forever?”
(Like duh!) Her manner of speaking was so matter-of-fact and absolutely right on! Good girl! I’m so impressed and proud of my money-wise baby!
So I go on eBay and I find the perfect pair. They are Girls Jackson Freestyle Skates #2071, which retail for $139.99. This is not exactly expensive considering when the girls get better and if they are serious about skating, I could easily have to shell out $600 for a pair. But, they’re just beginning and I KNOW there is some mom who is selling her daughter’s skates because she doesn’t fit them anymore or because her daughter decided that she doesn’t like skating as much as she thought. (It’s freakin’ cold in there!)
The pair that I found was gently used with scuffing, but I’m not concerned about this because Thelma has scratched the crap out of her brand new ones and these look pretty good. The lady selling the skates said she would attach the blades before shipping and all that I would need were laces. Sweet!
Bidding on eBay is an emotional roller coaster. There’s anxiousness and tension while you’re bidding, because you want to be the one to win it, but don’t want the price to go up too fast and high. You’re also weary that that someone will come and outbid you. Your heart is beating fast and you are glued to the countdown until bid ending time. Then when you DO actually win it, it’s relief, exhiliration and excitement that you’ve beat out everyone for your item! Ahem…um, no, I’m not competitive. Not at all.
After using my eBay bomber buyer skills ( I swoop in during the last 30 seconds), I won these great skates for my daughter!
So, my total price?
$31.56 + $9.45 S&H
for a TOTAL of
$41.01 !!!
That’s even less expensive than Thelma’s brand new skates. Thelma’s skates are not as nice as these and they were $75 new.
The skates arrived and Louise is excited beyond belief. I bought some laces and taughter her how to lace them up from “scratch”.
She did a great job and is now ready to hit the ice!
They look almost new don’t they?
Just because one is frugal doesn’t mean one is cheap and, of course, style matters. Buying quality items for a bargain price? I’d say that’s smart, not cheap.
Quality of life is directly related by how much you have to work to support your lifestyle.
-Jane, eBay Bomber Bidder
20/11/2009 at 7:54 pm Permalink
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.