What My eBay History Reveals About My Shop-a-holic Tendencies

by Ailie Wallace

When I think of a shopaholic, I immediately imagine someone like Carrie Bradshaw buying yet another pair of designer shoes in “Sex And The City,” or Cher Horowitz in Clueless. However, the reality is much less glamorous than that. I don’t buy Jimmy Choos. (Well, I would if I could afford them.) My addiction is eBay, and my shopping binges usually involve sitting on my couch in my pyjamas with a laptop balanced on my knee. I strongly believe that shopaholism is a real ailment, and what’s more, by examining my eBay purchases from the past three months I aim to prove it.

Plastic Mobile Phone Cover

Price: £2.99 (free P&P)

Just bought a new mobile phone, so a cover is an essential item.

2 x Tanning Gels

Price: £0.99 (+£2.80 P&P)

Justified. Come on, what a bargain! Normally these are £7 each!

Leather Mobile Phone Cover

Price: £1.99 (free P&P)

Everyone needs more than one phone cover, right?

22 Inch Faux Fur Mongolian Cushion Covers

Price £7.99 (+£2.99 P&P)

If you don’t have a 22″ Mongolian on your couch then you’re doing it wrong. Who doesn’t love picking strands of brown fur off their clothes?

My boyfriend hates them.

Women’s Wide Brim Floppy Hat (from China)

Price £1.69 (+£1.78 P&P)

Looks nothing like the photos. Should probably avoid buying things where the postage costs more than the item itself.

Laptop Sun Hood

Price £12 (+£4 P&P)

Two sheets of plastic held together by elastic. Doesn’t stop the sun shining on my laptop, and I live in Scotland where the sun barely shines.

2 x Floral Shaped Fried Egg Moulds

Price £1.98 (Free P&P)

Either everyone is missing out on lovely floral shaped breakfasts, or I must be freakin’ nuts.

Am I a shopaholic?

Okay, so it looks as though I might have a problem. Some of the items I bought, like beauty products, are much cheaper than what’s available in the shops. EBay is probably a smart place to shop for everyday items like that, so I feel justified in these purchases. On the other hand, do I really need flower shaped egg moulds and a Chinese floppy hat in my life? Probably not. Over the three months I spent a grand total of £320 ($500) on 58 items from eBay. I really need to ask myself — do I really need all this crap?

Final verdict: Yes I admit I am a shopaholic. Usually it’s at times when I’m either feeling low or hung-over that the crazy purchases occur. Clearly, I need to sort my life out, and take up a new hobby. Jogging is probably a good idea — it’ll get me away from the computer, and it won’t cost me $500!

Ailie is a freelance writer living in Central Scotland. She recently quit her career as a data analyst to pursue her dream of working for herself, and is also writing her first novel. Outside of work she enjoys outdoor sports and has completed Tough Mudder as well as a 97-mile hike!

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