Beauty and care products are not cheap. A branded hair dryer, a set of facial care or an electric toothbrush can quickly cost tens of euros in the store. However, you don't always have to pay that full price. Through online auctions, you regularly buy the same products far below the recommended retail price. In this article you can read how that works and what you pay attention to in order to get home really cheaply.
Why beauty products through an auction are cheaper
On an auction platform, it is not the manufacturer who determines the price, but the bidding consumer. Products often come in as returns, overstock, showroom models or leftovers from suppliers. Those goods have to go, and that translates into competitive starting prices. If a lot starts at €1, chances are that you will end up paying a considerably lower amount than the regular retail price.
For the beauty category, this means a wide range: hair dryers, stylers, shavers, facial cleansers, make-up, perfumes and complete care sets change hands every day. View all Beauty & Care auctions to get an impression of what is currently available.
Low-cost bidding step by step
1. Determine the retail price in advance
Before you place a bid, look up what the product costs new in the store. This way you know exactly how much you save and avoid paying too much in the heat of bidding. Write down a maximum amount for yourself and stick to it.
2. Factor in the additional costs
At many auctions, there are still shipping costs and sometimes a premium (auction commission) on top of the winning bid. Add those costs to your maximum bid. After all, a €15 lot with €7 shipping costs will cost you €22. As long as that total amount remains below the retail price, you are doing a good thing.
3. Bid at the right time
Most decisive bids fall in the last minutes. Follow a lot that interests you and keep an eye on the end time. Those who bid fanatically too early will only drive up the price. Waiting calmly and striking in a targeted manner often yields the best results.
4. Look at the condition of the product
Read the description and take a good look at the photos. At Knalveilingen it is stated whether a product is new, returned, used or showroom model. A return product can be technically fine, but have damaged packaging, for example. That often makes a big difference in the price, while the quality is simply excellent.
Popular beauty lots to watch out for
Some product groups keep returning and are extra interesting to keep an eye on:
- Hair dryers and styling toolsHigh-wattage branded devices at greatly reduced prices. For example, you can find the JIMMY Hair Dryer, a compact powerhouse that lends itself perfectly to a sharp bid.
- Electric toothbrushes and shaverscare equipment that has a hefty margin in the store.
- Perfumes and fragrance setsIdeal as a gift and often offered individually or in bundles.
- Skin care and make-upfrom day creams to complete care sets from well-known brands.
How to buy safely and wisely
Buying cheaply does not mean that you have to take risks. Keep these points in mind to bid worry-free:
- Always check the shelf life of cosmetics and personal care products.
- Please read the lot description in full, including any notes on packaging or accessories.
- Compare the make and model with the retail version so you know for sure what you get.
- For electrical appliances, pay attention to the supplied plug type and the warranty conditions.
The advantages at a glance
Buying beauty and care through an auction is attractive because you:
- often saves tens of percent compared to the retail price;
- have access to branded products that you normally ignore because of the price;
- buy more sustainably, because returned and overstock goods are given a second chance;
- set the price yourself with your own maximum bid.
Get started
If you have a little patience and do your homework in advance, you can regularly buy beauty and care products for a fraction of the retail price. Set your maximum bid, keep an eye on the end time, and strike when the time is right. Feel free to take a look at the current offer and find out which lot suits you. Have fun bidding!