The eBay Mobile Shopping Challenge

By Marni Elyse Katz
December 8, 2009

According to American Express, the average American will spend $455 on holiday gifts in 2009, an amount that's fairly consistent with the average spend of $457 last year, another trying financial year for many. A strict holiday shopping budget means that every penny counts—and that getting a deal is a top priority. Just because we didn’t join the ranks of those dedicated bargain hunters outside of the big box retailers this Black Friday (um, beauty sleep), doesn’t mean we’re not sticking to a budget too. We so are. And we’re so savvy, using mobile apps to price check our purchases, right at the mall.

Inspired by the idea that we might be able to achieve our holiday shopping without leaving said bed, for less money than it costs at the mall (never mind the gas, parking garage fees, and monetary—not to mention waistline—cost of the 5,000 plus calorie cinnamon roll we have to eat), we got to work, hitting the usual spots for this season’s hottest gifts. We hunted down ten must-have products across a variety of categories, in the most popular stores. But, before purchasing anything, we used the newly upgraded eBay mobile app to comparison shop on the go, checking prices of the same exact items on eBay that we were finding at the mall, and ultimately purchasing whichever was cheaper.

The result? We calculated a $200 savings for not schlepping to the mall. Nine of our ten items were less expensive on eBay. Let’s take a look.

(Note that prices are averages on the day this article was written and do not take in to account taxes or shipping. Many eBay sellers offer free shipping.)

Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS 10.0 Megapixel Digital ELPH Camera (eBay average price, $146; Best Buy retail price, $200; total eBay savings, $54; above, left)

The digital point-and-shoot has as become ubiquitous as the iPod, and, like its musical cousin, the Canon PowerShot comes in an array of metallic colors. With its compact design, no fuss features, and high quality results, this camera is a must-have for every member of the information age. Say cheese!

Nintendo Wii (eBay average buy it now price, $199; Game Stop price, $200; total eBay savings, $1; above, center)

If there are boys of any age in your house, or any kids at all, chances are the Nintendo Wii and/or its newest games top their list. Introduced two years ago, pretty much everyone still can’t get enough of this interactive system that let’s players get physically involved in the gaming experience.

Vera Wang Princess EDT, 3.4 oz (eBay average price, $31; Sephora retail price, $72; total eBay savings, $41; above, right)

While she may be wishing for an excuse to pack off for a weekend in New York City for fittings at Vera Wang's Madison Avenue bridal salon, you're just not there yet. Next best? Vera Wang Pricess Eau de Toilette. (Ok, not really, but diamonds just aren't in the budget.) The scent blends exotic florals with succulent fruits and a hint of vanilla. Show her just how irresistible it makes her.

Apple iPod Touch 8GB Third Generation (eBay average price, $200; Best Buy retail price $200; total eBay savings, $0; above, left)

For business types that can’t part with the "crackberry" for corporate matters, but want to be hip to the apps, not to mention have a music library at their busy little fingertips, the third generation iPod Touch will make them feel a little bit cooler after hours.

Fischer-Price Elmo Tickle Hands (eBay average price $27; Toys R Us retail price, $30; total eBay savings, $3; above, center)

Why should Elmo have all the fun? Now toddlers can get in on the tickle action with these furry red vibrating hands. Apparently, they are meant to incite the little tykes to run around tickling each other, and to dance to the “Tickle Hand Groove.” (As if they weren’t wild enough already.) But really, Elmo Tickle Hands are a stitch.

LEGO Star Wars Hyena Droid Bomber 8016 (eBay average price, $20; Target retail price, $20; total eBay savings, $0; above, right)

If you’re buying for an elementary school aged boy, know that his world is all Star Wars, all the time. (Yes, you were into it as a kid way back when, but the power of the prequels has caused a bigtime comeback.) LEGO Star Wars Hyena Droid Bomber (and every other Star Wars LEGO product) combines George Lucas’ genius with the timelessness of Sweden’s plastic building bricks, not to mention the whole shooting thing. This gift is a surefire hit.

Matchbox Deluxe Rocky the Robot Truck by Mattel (eBay average price, $70; Toys R Us retail price, $65; total eBay savings, -$5; above, left)

Bob the Builder and the gang are out; Rocky the Robot Truck is in. This rugged yellow machine may look like an average dump truck, but it’s smarter than that: This toy talks. (Because really, it’s never noisy enough in the playroom.) Sensors detect heavy loads, causing Rocky to complain (he’s got 80 phrases in all). His lights flash. He dances. And like his new owner, he even farts and snores.

Citizens of Humanity “Ava” Straight Leg Jeans in Faith Wash (eBay average price, $139; Bloomingdale's retail price, $180; total eBay savings, $41; above, right)

Boot cuts have gone by the wayside as denim designers usher in the thin. Unfortunately, not every lady can pull off the super skinny. Fortunately, you have options. The Citizens of Humanity “Ava” jean has a crisp, clean cut that we fell for straightaway.

Nespresso Essenza C100 Automatic Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Plus Automatic Milk Frother (eBay average price, $245; Williams Sonoma average price, $300; total eBay savings, $55; above, left)

Your parents still haven’t committed the whole venti, macchiato, half caf lingo to memory. Rather than coaching them again when you’re visiting this holiday season, gift them with the power of their very own automatic espresso maker, the Nespresso Essenza. It even comes with a frother. Now, you just have to teach them how to work the thing.m

Dooney & Bourke Zebra Satchel (eBay average price, $225; Macy's average price, $275; total eBay savings, $50; above, right)

Your sister’s been hinting at a new handbag. This Dooney & Bourke satchel adds zip. (Zebra’s the new leopard, didn’t ya know?) Plus, the double handles and shoulder strap let her decide just how to carry it off.

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