eBay can be a budget bride’s savior dream but it can also be a nightmare. If you are looking for a great deal on your dream dress, eBay may have just the dress for you. Here are 5 tips to help you avoid disappointment when you are shopping for a dress on eBay.

1. Pay Attention to Photos – Don’t buy a dress unless the seller has included photos of the actual dress – not just the designer’s photos.  This goes for any gown, new or used.  Avoid listings that only offer the designer photo. If this is a used dress, you want to see photos of the dress in it’s current state. If it is a manufacturer who claims they can make a replica of the dress – you have no idea what their version will actually look like unless they include photos of one they have recently completed.

2. Ask About Shipping -  If the dress you are considering does not have the shipping cost listed, ask before you bid. Once you win the bid, you are legally required to purchase so if youre wonderful $200 steal ends up having a $150 shipping cost tacked on, you’re stuck with an expense you did not count on. Honest sellers will be able to give you a shipping price up front so that you know what to expect.

3. Visit A Bridal Salon – Seriously! Until you’ve tried on dresses, you have no idea what different styles will look like on you. Many brides have found their dream dress online only to receive the dress and be disappointed that it doesn’t look as good on them as they thought it would.  A trip to a local bridal salon will help you determine what styles to avoid when shopping online.

4. Is it Made to Order? – Made to order isn’t always a bad thing. A made-to-order gown means that the seller will manufacture the gown to your measurements for you. This can be a great deal – but remember – if it is Made to Order it is NOT a designer gown. There are many overseas sellers that offer “made to order” gowns using designer photos. NEVER order a made to order gown unless they offer photos of the actual dress they have made in the past.

5. Feedback Matters! If your seller is a bride selling her own gown, she may not have a high feedback number but sellers who offer custom made gowns and bridal salons selling designer samples will have higher feedback numbers. Check the feedback to see what previous customers have to say, and pay attention to the most recent feedback in particular.

BONUS TIP: READ!!! Don’t let a pretty picture and a low price get you bidding to soon. Read the listing from top to bottom and take time to ask the seller questions is there is any information missing.

To get you started – we recommend visiting Your Dream Dress on eBay. Your Dream Dress is a bridal salon that offers top designer samples on eBay at a fraction of their retail price. Their gowns are new gowns that have been used as samples in their own salon and includes names like Alvina Valenta, Vera Wang, Anne Barge and more.