Finding Ebay Camping bargains

It's winter and if you camp like I do, in a tent, with no heating, you probably have packed up now until the spring (big high five to you if you haven't!)

But while you sit before your cosy fireplace do your thoughts turn to camping? Do you read your Camping and Caravanning Magazine cover to cover and then sigh a dream of fields and ....well maybe not, but now is a good time to hunt out some bargains ready for next year.

Ebay is a great place for the odd tent or spare pole (all of my tents are second hand, 2 from ebay). It's good to get things now because you can pick up stuff that is nearly new, bought for this years summer holiday by people that thought they'd like camping and didn't and are now selling, and also things bought by novices that do like camping but have now realised what they should have bought and are selling off surplus. And of course the keen camper who is selling off things due to a tent upgrade.

And winter is a good time to buy because only a weirdo true camper looks for camping things in winter, so you can often snap up a quick cheap sale. Especially if you use a sniper app (yes I cheat sometimes for things I really really 'need')

Things to watch for, that will nab you a bargain, are tents that are not erected, it's cold and wet and people may have only just decided to have a clear out - they can't be bothered to photograph the tent up, but don't be put off, read the description, Google the actual tent so you can see what it looks like (check the price new too to see what a bargain it is) and then bid away.

Don't be scared if a tent needs a little repair either (ooh a blog post for the future!) you can do all sorts of repairs yourself for only a few pence in many cases. Re proofing a tent is also surprisingly easy.

Always check where the tent is located - most tents are listed as collection only - so be sure you can afford the time and money for the drive, or email the seller to see if they would be prepared to parcel the tent up if you organised a courier (some parcel firms are surprisingly cheap!)

Here is a selection of things I've found with a search today.

Large canvas frame tent

 Nice canvas tent, square and old school but a lot of space and as it's canvas its asking to be painted!

Vango Tent

 Nice modern tent, I suspect used once and now space is needed!

Retro Canvas tent

 Love a retro canvas frame tent, bargain!

Bell Tent

 Not so cheap as the others but a gorgeous bell tent all the same.(and if it gets no bids you could always make an offer)

Has that whetted your appetite? Go on, have a browse...keep your credit card handy.