Guest Writer Zem Joaquin Shops Locally on eBay Classifieds

By The Inside Source
March 30, 2010

Today marks the re-launch of eBay's Kijiji classifieds as eBay Classifieds. Already the global leader in online classifieds (the company boasts the No. 1 format in key European markets, Australia, South Africa and Canada), eBay is upping the ante with major enhancements like a site redesign, spam and fraud-blocking technology and best-in-class customer support. “We’re introducing a more visual, easy-to-navigate and family friendly classifieds experience that our research tells us consumers in the U.S. want,” says Lorrie Norrington, president of eBay Marketplaces. “eBay Classifieds sets a new standard in the U.S. classifieds market, offering a trusted local community selling format for items that don’t make sense to sell on the eBay marketplace, or when selling locally is preferable.”

The re-launch is also accompanied by the introduction of a new eBay Classifieds application for the iPhone. It offers free ad postings for sellers in less than a minute with up to eight photos; quick search by keyword, location and more; and single-page ad view with reply, watch, and share features.

What do we love about buying locally? Having the chance to check out an item in-person before we buy it, saving on shipping costs and of course, the reduced environmental impact of moving an item within the neighborhood as opposed to sending it across the country on gas guzzling planes, trains and automobiles. There's also an overall "green" benefit of buying used—giving new life to something that already exists in the world is a lot more eco-friendly than sending it to a landfill and utilizing additional resources to make something brand new. To explore the green angle even further, we invited Zem Joaquin, founder of sustainable shopping information site ecofabulous and eBay Green Living Expert, to pick her favorite items from eBay Classifieds and tell us what she'd do with them. Here's what she had to say.

The most beautiful and unique pieces of furniture I have purchased were almost always previously loved by someone else. Buying used keeps furniture out of landfills and dramatically reduces the need for precious natural resources, like trees and petroleum, which are required to create new pieces. (Why save the trees? For one thing, one tree can sequester 56 thousand gallons of water, create oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.) Additionally, the pollution associated with manufacturing is eliminated when you buy an item that already exists.

More benefits of buying used: Well, it's usually a lot cheaper than buying brand new. And have you ever noticed a chemical smell when you buy new furniture? That’s from the “off-gassing” of Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, gases emitted from products like furniture and paint that get into the air and can have adverse health effects. Your vintage purchase will have off-gassed ages ago, so bringing this new-to-you piece into your home will not affect your indoor air quality like a brand new piece would.

I always start my search for vintage furniture in my area. Classifieds are a great place to begin. eBay’s new Classifieds site is super family friendly (no unexpected adult content) and easy to navigate. If I get my goods (especially larger items, like credenzas and couches) from someone in a neighboring town, I not only save on shipping costs, but I also dramatically cut down on the carbon dioxide and other emissions associated with sending furniture across oceans or distant lands.

Another plus of buying local is that you can actually go see an item before you buy it, so you get exactly what you expected.

Of course, not all previously owned furniture, whether you get it locally or from afar, is prêt-a-asseoir (ready to sit…on). A chair may need a new cushion, a coat rack might want a fresh coat of paint and a dresser could call for a some new lacquer. But don’t be daunted by the prospect of a little paint or upholstery; it's often much easier than you think. Here’s a recent project I did with a step-by-step photo guide to help get you started. If you like that one, these others may inspire you too.

As for what I've got my eye on next, here are my favorite items currently available on my local eBay Classifieds.

1. Berkey & Gay Sideboard ($1,000) Though not inexpensive, sideboards with this type of detail are not found every day. Heavy and delicate, this is a good job for a local mover or a couple of your friends!

2. Wood Side Table ($30) The official shape of Hollywood Glam. I am a hexagonal hedonist. Striped, sanded and sealed, this could be a gorgeous night stand or occasional table.

3. Oak Rolltop Secretary Desk, c. 1930 ($250) I love this roll top exactly as it is. Practical and private, this is still a chic way to organize your communication.

4. Wedgewood Stove Antique Vintage ($200) Love this vintage white stove, especially with lots of black surrounding accoutrements! But this is exactly the kind of thing you NEED to buy locally, since shipping would cost you an arm, a leg and maybe even some additional appendages (certainly more than the reasonable price of the appliance).

5. 19th Century French Inlaid Wood Desk ($450) This tres francais writing desk is dainty and beautiful. Great for a guest room, girl’s room or small space calling for a dramatic accent.

6. Twin Size Bed Frame ($200) With some new lacquer or a fresh coat of non-VOC paint, this would brighten up and bring some glamour to a girl’s room.

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