The Best Things to Buy on eBay (If You Like Saving Money!)
I confess that until recently, I didn’t really know what to buy on eBay, so I hadn’t really given it a lot of thought as a place to shop online. In fact, I mainly thought of eBay as a place to sell things online, and hadn’t really explored the possibility of buying stuff there.
That changed after I learned that eBay often has great deals you can’t find anywhere else, which piqued my interest as someone who’s always hunting for a good deal! I spent several hours searching for the best, cheapest things on eBay that I could find, and to my delight, I came away far from empty-handed!
In this post, I’ll share some of the best deals that I’ve come across on eBay. This is far from an exhaustive list of what to buy on eBay to save money, and I’m sure there are plenty of other deals just waiting to be found!
I’ve also included a few bonus eBay shopping tips near the end of this post that should prove especially useful for eBay newbies. Enjoy!
9 Things You Can Buy on eBay to Save Money
1. Beauty Products
One of my favorite face serums definitely qualifies as a “splurge,” given that a 1.7-ounce bottle of Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate (whew, what a mouthful!) costs $62 at most retailer, or about $36 per ounce. But I found sets of samples of the same serum on eBay whose cost worked out to around $28 per ounce, making it an easy way to get those must-have “splurge” products for less.
Related: Over 50? This Simple Routine Has Exactly What You Need
2. Pet Medications
Did you know you can buy flea and tick treatments like Frontline Plus for your pets on eBay? And not only that, but the prices are often $10-20 cheaper than you’d find at other retailers.
Related: 11 Smart Ways To Save Money As A Pet Owner
3. Razor Blades & Cartridges
Razor cartridge refills are notoriously expensive, but you can find great deals on them on eBay! For instance, a box of 12 Gillette ProGlide refill cartridges would cost you about $46 at Target, but you can find the very same set on eBay for $25-30!
Related: How To Make A Simple Exfoliating Scrub For Your Smoothest Legs Ever
4. Gift Cards
You can find tons of discounted gift cards on eBay. Some of the best deals I’ve seen include a $100 Cabela’s gift card for $80, and a $25 Apple gift card for $20. Buying a discounted gift card is an easy way to save money on purchases you were already planning to make anyway!
Related: 7 Unexpected And Creative Ways To Give Gift Cards
5. Coupons
Another way to save money on purchases you were already planning on making is with coupons, and you can find some great coupons on eBay! Just search for “[store name] coupons” on eBay to see what’s available — most coupons go for just a couple of dollars, but which is worth it as long as you end up saving more than the amount you paid for the coupon!
6. Jeans
A good pair of jeans can cost quite a bit, but there are plenty of great deals on them on eBay! Just search for your favorite brand(s) along with your size to see what’s available.
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7. Phone Cases
Smartphone cases are generally a “you get what you pay for” situation. A sturdier, more protective case is definitely going to cost you more than a flimsy one! But you can find top-of-the-line phone cases at great prices on eBay, and protect your without emptying your wallet!
Related: 9 Surprising Purchases That Will Save You Money In The Long Run
8. Batteries
If it seems like you’re always replacing dead batteries, why not stock up? You can save yourself quite a bit by buying batteries in bulk on eBay! You’ll find the same name brands you can find in stores, so you don’t have to worry about quality or performance. From the listings I’ve seen, prices vary quite a bit, so be sure to do the math to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
9. Craft Supplies
There are plenty of money-saving opportunities for crafters on eBay. If you love making your own soap, check out the prices on melt-and-pour soap bases. They’re often sold in larger quantities than at the craft store, and they cost quite a bit less too.
3 Bonus eBay Shopping Tips
1. Always Check Seller Reviews
Every eBay listing has a seller information section that displays how much positive feedback the seller has received. For the best experience, be sure to to only buy from sellers with a very high percentage of positive reviews!
2. You Don’t Have To Bid
Some eBay listings are sold auction-style to the highest bidder, but there are other options too. If you’re not interested in getting involved in a bidding war, used the advanced search options to limit your search to products with a “Buy It Now” option.
3. Have Questions? Ask Them!
If you still have questions after reading an item’s description, don’t be afraid to ask the seller! The listing’s seller information section has a link you can click to contact the seller, making it easy to shoot them a quick question to clarify any important details.
Have you ever scored a great deal on eBay?
NEW! Can you guess the 5-letter word related to today’s post?
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I wouldn’t recommend getting pet meds on ebay; u never can be sure of the expiration date, how the items were stored so they don’t lose their potency, etc.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ebay and paypal don’t cover vouchers
Please log in or create a free account to comment.re: Craig’s List – I’ve never used it but my city has a meeting place at the police station for people buying and selling on Craig’s list. It’s a ”safe place” and if your city/town can provide a ”safe place”, that would be great. It doesn’t cost anything but at least there’s an officer nearby.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use e-bay for filters – I have 2 different air filters, a Honeywell & a Winnix. The filters are expensive, even at Walmart. Each one needs 2 different filters. I keep ordering from e-bay. It’s not always the same seller but I’ve never had a problem & they are even packed the same way. Far less expensive!! I have a Shark vacuum and have gotten all the filters (Sharks need 3) from there. Some actual retail stores have sites to get rid of older/refurbished items. Bought a Coach handbag, new but no tags for $40 but it’s definitely “real”, has feet on the bottom. I love fairy lights and they’re cheap (today I have my red, white & blue starlights on the plants for the 4th). I’ve never had a problem with anything I’ve bought & I always get it on time.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I had Amazon for 1 year (I had redeemed some points so it didn’t cost me). It was good to get food for the dog and some grocery items (since I live alone, I don’t need big cans/jars) and a couple of other things. Now that Amazon keeps hiking its membership, I don’t find that it’s worth it. I know my prices, my state is tiny and weighing out the costs, I can get the same locally for less money. What does bother me is so much is made in China. Why aren’t we making stuff here? I think of my grandmother who ran a footpress for 40 yrs. making sneakers. Are we too proud to do this type of work anymore?
I live in the mountains of California-brr in the winter. I purchase Tsunami women’s coats (Canadian) on eBay and have many of their coats. They’re high quality, used but in great shape. I got my first coat with horses at an Arcadia, CA horse race track. I’m a beekeeper and routinely buy certain items from them. They’re a go to site for all sorts of items.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve purchased my energy shots – the 5hour kind – at a great savings. I bought in bulk and it took the price down to $2/shot!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Many times you can find make-up that the company discontinued too.
I’ve learned to check ebay first for my online shopping.
I appreciate the information about buying on e-bay but would also like information about selling on e-bay.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I buy Amazon basics batteries, and they get fantastic reviews, in tests they perform as well as Duracell or Energizer, and better than most others, they’re definitely worth having a look at.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It helps to know your measurements not just your size when buying jeans on eBay. I sell jeans on EBay and it’s frustrating when a customer messages me after receiving them that they don’t fit. Many manufacturers often do not put the correct size (measurements). I always put Rise, Waist, inseam & cuff opening. Some people will also ask for a hip measurement. So take a pair of your jeans that fit well and measure them before purchasing. :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tip! Thanks Natasha :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Natasha – thanks for doing that. I needed shorts this summer and couldn’t find them anywhere (they think shorts have a 9 inch inseam!!). I had to have some shortened. I look for names that I know will fit, even if they’re slightly used.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This is a fantastic list of ideas! I will apply your ideas right now , That’s a great way to save money!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use the selling/buying app mercari to buy everything now. I have bought makeup, Pandora beads, purses bras etc. The buyer and seller both review each other. You can haggle if don’t like the price. Some items offer free shipping some don’t. I like much better than eBay.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Don’t know if anyone mentioned it, but eBay features “Make Offer” auctions. This means the seller is willing to accept a lower price than listed. I try to be reasonable and make fair offers, i.e. no $1 for a $100 item. Chances are, the seller is willing to haggle a bit or sell at a lower price just to get the item moving.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Also, NWT items were mentioned earlier. There are also NWOT, that’s new without tag items. They’re often a good bargain.
And lastly, there are charity sellers who raise funds for a special cause. I support one who does TNR for feral cats, and am very happy to support a good cause!
Great tips!! Thank you F.S. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m a sucker for Amazon and eBay. Now that Amazon is providing less while gouging more$$$ from their loyal customer base, though, and eBay seems to be implementing customer reviews/ratings on merchandise, plus there’s no membership fees or purchase amount minimum or other requirements to receive free shipment, I’m quickly growing weary(leery is more like it) of Amazon’s tactics and the unscrupulous way they’ve began treating me.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They’re unethical, unprofessional business practices should be put to shame. All they really have going for them at this point is the impartial, unbiased opinions of customer feedback. Although, any seller can get their friends & family members to deceptively praise whatever it is they’re hawking(snake oil!)
Amazon, like eBay is has the brands that you’ll find out at a brick & mortar store usually, somewhat cheaper. But oftentimes, it’s a catch-22. Even though it may be cheaper per item, but only if you buy in bulk, as in huge quantities.
Amazon now has several subscription/membership plans, that you must now pay a monthly fee to purchase or utilize, in addition to the prices your plopping down for the goods and/or services!!! What?!?!
I say Ridiculous!!!! Blah!! Nay!! ¡No way, compadre!
I do Amazon for(still free, as of now, until further notice) Subscribe & Save. And for certain other things manufactured by companies that I ordinarily never would’ve heard of because they don’t sell in store front locations, like my Bluetooth speaker, referred to as, Cambridge Oontz Angle. I know, I know. Don’t knock it because of the cheesy name, though.
Sure, I’d have loved to have walked into Best Buy, Sears, or Macy’s to purchase a JBL Flip, and would’ve gotten a lot a better sound quality, but the JBL is a $100+ spkr(Even a refurbished one of the last version, #3, would’ve set me back at least $75), which is definitely not in the budget! So, I had to compromise and conclude that even though the JBL Flip would blow Mr. Oontz outta the water, for $25, the lesser known brand does surprisingly well for itself. I did my homework, shopped around, read the specs, which I’m grateful for because I regret nothing. Oontz has just about everything I need, nothing I don’t and I didn’t break the bank.
Cellphone chargers, selfie sticks, cases, makeup, cosmetics, sunglasses, these are the types of small, rather frivalous things you can find on Amazon, in excess and in a wide variety, dirt cheap. Just don’t get hung up on labels. And unless you don’t mind having to most likely pay a $99/annual, or a $12.99/month prime membership fee(Yikes!), I suggest you stick w/ their Subscribe & Save program(25 bucks is a lot to spend on Brawny paper towels, but you get 25 rolls!) Or, buy from international, or third-party sellers who don’t have to comply with Amazon’s restrictions of making the consumer purchase at least $35 worth of products, after buying the hefty prime membership!
I’m a Bay Area native residing in the heart of Silicon Valley and Amazon’s main corporate office in Mountain View is only about a 35-40 minute drive away from me. Despite that however, it feels as though I’m eons away. The ‘fat cat’ powers-that-be who run the company are dragging me down with they’re scheming, conniving, grimey money-grubbing ways. It’s so disheartening. Trying to make ends meet on $900/mo. is already an arduous chore, in and of itself. I’m jaded and disenfranchised.
eBay, don’t you start to turn on me now, too!!
I have been using EBay for many years and have had great success. I love buying jewellery — some of my most beautiful and most reasonable pieces are EBay purchases. Latest one: blue sunstone and pearl bracelet (silver-plated) for 6.00 including shipping. I get compliments every time I wear it. If you do have a problem (I have had several items never arrive), EBay provides support. I’ve always got a refund.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I buy a lot on eBay. The first thing I do is go to eBates. (If you don’t already use ebates, use this link: https://www.ebates.com/r/JUDY1431?eeid=28187 ) You will get a rebate for some of the items you purchase on eBay. ALSO, and I think this is IMPORTANT: USE PayPal! Best way is to set up an account. PayPal will help you if something should go wrong with your purchase. I purchase a lot of items from China, and have never had a problem because I use PayPal. I also check other sites before I actually do the purchase. Have fun!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m curious if you verified the authenticity of the products you purchased? My local news station did a study on items purchased through another online seller (the biggest one in the world) and they had been sold products that were fake (an expensive serum was one of the items). I’d also be concerned giving my pet medications without verifying they were the actual product. Just a thought.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.As long as you’re willing to do some research and go through the reviews, it’s unlikely that you’ll buy any inauthentic items. It’s definitely worth it! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I bought perfume on eBay and then the same perfume in the store. The eBay item was fake and I got a refund.
I started using eBay almost twenty years ago when we were homeschooling. I live in a small town but eBay increased by schooling options. Now, I am redoing a bedroom and found a perfect wallpaper border at a local paint & wallpaper shop. Unfortunately, they only had one roll and it was discontinued. I took a picture of the border, came home and searched for another roll on Ebay. I got lucky! found a single border roll for sale at less than retail. Granted, it doesn’t always work this way. I also love saved searches and being notified if a matching description is listed.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My daughter got scammed out of two thousand dollars buying a car through eBay paid for it and never got it that’s the first time I ever had a issue !
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My sister did too. She payed $1600. And never saw tge vehicle. I know I would’ve researched more.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We did too. Rented a car to get a used pickup. My husband insisted on paying in full in advance. The pickup made it from North Carolina to the eastern border of Tennessee. We ended up leaving it in Knoxville – and took the rental car back home. Out $1500. That was years ago before the refund guarantees. Lesson learned !!
I have purchased over 1,000 things from eBay–and never had a problem. I have even made some friends in China—I edit and clarify their descriptions–for both American and British consumers (yes, I am “bi-lingual”). I recently did my gift shopping for the year–a dozen Betsy Johnson necklaces—Macy’s retain $50–my prices under $5–they are not seconds–absolutely stunning. These sellers are pleased to make a small profit–so, we are, also, helping them build a business. Also, if you have a certain clothing item, and you prefer “New” you can search for “NWT” (new with tags). My J Jill tunics are $18.00 instead of $79.00—quite a savings!! Namaste!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Searching “NWT” is a great tip! Thanks Chelsea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.We’ve been using eBay for years. I use it fairly often for mylar bags for dehydrated goods, vacuum sealer bags, plants and seeds and other household items. I also bought the phone I’m using right now there.
M’honey has bought cars, replacement parts for motorcycles and cars, printer toner, printer ink and a hundred other things.
I’ve never been screwed over but M’honey has.. just read the reviews and judge.wisely.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I only have 2 comments about buying on E-Bay: With the beauty products, and ANYTHING with an expiration date, if the description doesn’t say what it is, or you don’t get an answer to your question. If you ask, and they don’t answer-pass up the deal…it’s not a deal! Some sellers will buy “lots” of about to expire items which are a lot cheaper for them. They sell at a deep discount. You lose!
Comment #2: I switched back to Amazon because I didn’t have to shop so HARD – (you know checking for dates, etc., BUT the savings are available. Sometimes I like the challenge, sometimes, not so much! I almost always will check EBay during my shopping experience, just to see if Amazon is offering a great deal.
Oh, and stay aware of shipping costs! EBay items that have a VERY low price sometimes have a very high shipping cost. Just be aware!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have seen what you’re saying about the low price and high shipping, but believe it or not, the total can sometimes still be cheaper than anywhere else. So, I bite the bullet and pay it after comparison pricing.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I get my phone cases from aliexpress. Have you tried aliexpress?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I haven’t, I’ll have to try one!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Printer ink!!! You can get refills for your printer for $1 each (sometimes less!)! I have never had any issues with them or quality concerns. Also, eBay is great to find discontinued items you may need as a replacement (pieces to your flatware set, electronics parts, etc). Refurbished items too.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great ideas!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been using Ebay since 1998 and for the most part it is an excellent way to find things you want at a very reasonable cost. It is also outstanding for finding things that are discontinued, vintage, etc. I have a favorite kind of shoes that were discontinued 15 yrs ago that I can still find on Ebay. They are new, old stock. Ebay is the only place in the world that I can still buy them. The list is endless. When you are shopping for something always check Ebay to because it is a terrific resource. When you are looking for something specific you also save your search and each morning Ebay will notify you if something was listed the day before. I love that because it saves me from having to remember.
But you do have to be very cautious when it comes to several of the things you mentioned. Makeup is often counterfeit and you really don’t want to use that on your face! Also any pet medications are very suspect. They can be old or counterfeit as well. My dogs are far too important to me to take a chance. Use Ebay to save money in other ways and buy the best for your pets.
While Ebay does have seller protection to some extent it is not as easy as saying you want your money back and takes time. It is easier to do your research first. I’ve been buying and selling for almost 20 yrs and still find occasionally there is a problem…..but then nothing is 100% so you have to weigh the benefits of convenience, price, etc. Even if there is a problem once in while it is definitely worth it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow you are way behind. I was on ebay in the early 90’s. I have bought and I have sold items that I no longer needed. I have had excellent luck on there. Especially if you like hard to find stateside designer European brands. I buy a lot of business supplies like patterned poly bags for shipping, mailers, software, toner cartridges. It’s amazing what great deals you can get. The reviews keep sellers on their toes. Glad you finally discovered it! Be careful for newbies it can get addictive….all those bargains!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I actually bought a fabulous car on ebay back in 2004 and it was great! Car dealers are still a bit shifty and rarely get reviews. In that matter Ebay really keeps people honest.
That’s amazing, I would have never thought to look for a car on eBay!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’d suggest extreme caution buying high end beauty off eBay. There are often more fakes than real products and it’s nearly impossible to tell they’re fake until you’ve got it in your hands. I’ve gotten ripped off three times in as many years. If it’s really important for you to have an item, pay a reputable seller, AKA the official eBay seller or Amazon seller, not some reseller who may or may not have the real thing.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ditto for pet medications! Read the seller’s reviews!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree with you, Nichole. There’s a risk buying beauty and health items from eBay and Amazon. It’s best to stick to sealed items, shop buyers with very good feedback. I haven’t had problems with eBay or Amazon before, but other buyers often complain of fake beauty items from Amazon.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Also beware of fake feedback! Amazon is notorious for fake feedback. If an item has lots of oddly worded reviews, misspelled reviews, take note.
I don’t remember whether it was from Amazon or eBay, but I bought a high-end brand of men’s cologne from a seller based in New Jersey and it was fake. The outer packaging, for some reason, was oily. Otherwise, the bottle and package were amazingly authentic looking. The cologne only smelled like the real thing for about half an hour. Then it was as if it was never applied. The seller did refund our money. Their reviews were positive on both Amazon & eBay. After realizing it was fake, I searched more, and on some lesser-known selling sites, the seller had complaints of counterfeit cologne. I was amazed to find out how very common that is.
I’ve been using eBay for close to 20 years! Although 95% of my purchases are positive, more recently I’ve run in to the problem of ‘old’ beauty products. There isn’t usually an expiration date on them, so it’s difficult to tell how old they are. I’ve bought mascara that turned out to be old and dry. Foundation that looked fine, but had a strange smell and the consistency was not good. Buyer Beware!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve been buying on eBay for years. There’s little worry about counterfeit issues. As long as you check the sellers reputation you should be fine. eBay also covers you with purchase protection. If you should encounter a problem, there is a dispute process that you can start.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great information. I’m glad you can check the seller reviews.,I won’t use Craig’s list because of some of the stuff that can happen – with shafty people advertising stuff. A friends of ours husband to work for eBay. It’s been several years.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.In our area I wouldn’t trust Craig’s list. Crooks a lot of times will post with good deals on cars. They use this to lure people and people have ended up being sucked out of the money. At least you can check the reviews of the sellers before you buy.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My warning: watch out for the pet medicines, especially things like Frontline Plus! After working in the veterinary field for 30 years, I discovered that these products are often counterfeit and also handled improperly. (ie: taken out of original packaging and placed into unmarked vials) You really don’t know what you are getting. Your pet is worth more than that!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I agree about the pet medicines. I heard a while back about counterfeit pet medicines. I wish I could remember the details. I would never take a chance, especially with those being sold cheaply.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Last year my babies had a flea problem that the frontline I used was not touching. The vet asked where I had bought it. (Walmart and TSC) Then told me that stores are getting theirs from China and that only half of the fipronil was actually in the product. I had spent close to $300 for this. The box doesn’t even say where it was manufactured. He sold me a new flea collar for my pets. Knowing I was a groomer and that I know flea collars only keep the fleas off the pets head, he explained he tried it on his shepherds and it does work, and works for a year. It is made by Bayer. I know some have a problem with their ethics, as do I. But if it keeps fleas and ticks from my pets and house, wellll. The fleas are gone and no ticks this spring. The collars are actually less than you would pay to keep a spot treatment on them, but not much. For those of you who swear by the cheap collars, you have been lucky to never had a flea problem in the first place. Meds and beauty products sold at those prices could easily be more expensive (medical bill) if they are bad from bad storage practices also.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What is this flea collar? Dog only, or also for cats?
I always think the spot medications lose efficiency after time.
Dog and cat. Made by Bayer. Seresto is the name on the can. At around $70 (less for cats and small dogs) the price is a lot, but they last a year. And if you remember to register with the company, immediately!!, and your pet loses the collar, they will replace it for free within that year. The can says 8 months protection. Vet told me a year. Still comes out the same or less. I did see one in Walmart the other day, but I think I will go to the vet to get mine in the future. There was a rebate at the time I got mine and got $15 each back. For 3 collars it was a big help.
My sweetie is gone but had thought about Seresto and was glad I didn’t buy it. Since then, I’ve seen a few articles where Seresto can create problems. One I remember is that they don’t necessarily last 12 months. I believe others found since it was direct contact, the pets experienced irritation. I swear by Frontline.
Watch the seller review, very important. with that said, for the last few yrs, when ever I see a product I am interested in, I highlight it, copy, then head over to Ebay and look for it.. most times buy it there. some times it takes a while to be shipped out. Most people on Ebay are honest. to the left side, if you want to just hunt for NO Shipping cost, click the box. you have choices, Auction, no auction, or both, shipping and no shipping. I prefer Ebay. HAPPY SHOPPING.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I order from ebay as often as I grocery shop..lol. Everyday items, gifts, holiday decorations, anything and I mean everything! I do have a few favs, mr.clean sponges in bulk (I always forget what they are called..help?) I get 50 for around $6 and use everywear. Microsier clothes, .74 cents each. I keep in each room and use for my reading glasses, table tops, windows, washing my car is a good one. I use all your reuse recipes for make-up, dryer sheets, heck eacheck one of my 6 kids have one with their name for dirty hands and faces, use wash and they feel new. Sheww I cold go on for hours, but won’t…lol.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Magic Erasers! They are the best!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is there a worry that some of the EBay items may be counterfeit?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sure, I just use the fool me once idea. Honestly, it has been 10+ years with no more issues than any other store.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes! Especially medications (pet AND human), high end beauty and apparel, and electronics. Check seller’s reviews, and use your spidey sense- if it seems way too good to be true, it probably is. Check where the item ships from- that can be a clue. There are some countries known for counterfeiting, so just use your best judgement when ordering. With some things, it’s worth the gamble. With others (medications), not so much…
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Sometimes, yes. Just be sure to read the reviews – they are very reliable! :-)
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