ebay

Yes, today's post will be about ebay. =)

I discovered ebay 2 years ago, but did not realize the beauty of this site until late last year. Since i discovered how I could purchase items that I needed for less than half the usual price, I've been hooked. Just because it's been used before is no reason to say no to something in perfectly good condition, right? This way I can save heaps on items like books, appliances, computer accessories... even gift cards or vouchers for 1/2 price! (I tried to find Paul Clitheroe's book on ebay... unfortunately, plus postage, it was cheaper to just walk to the bookstore and buy it full price. Go figure.)

Well, you would probably think: isn't that worse for your savings... Since you'd probably be more inclined to buy stuff that you don't really need! Surprisingly, I have never bought something off ebay on impulse, or something I don't really need. Perhaps it's just the detachment of seeing merely a picture of an item without touching it or eyeing it up close. I admit I love shopping, and sometimes can buy things on impulse at the mall. However, whether it's the overwhelming range of choices, the hassle of bidding, or the wait for the parcel to finally arrive... whatever the case, I don't spend more than necessary at this popular worldwide marketplace than I need to. This is perfect, because...

I get to SELL on ebay too! Recently, I managed to sell a voucher (that I bought off ebay) for a profit. This has piqued my interest in selling, because it's a great way to get rid of old stuff and earn extra cash! Now, I've listed a book of mine for sale, and plan to get rid of plenty more stuff from my place in Sydney before I leave Australia for good (after graduation). The only problem is that I lose about 40-50 cents if I list an item and it doesn't get sold. Well, you have to take some risk in business right? And ebay does charge a fee after an item is sold too, which decreases your profit. Nevertheless, I suppose if I don't really need something I own anymore, it's better to convert it into SOME cash rather than just sit there in my closet being useless and eating up room.

All in all, I think ebay is a great way for someone to earn money while getting rid of old stuff and freeing up some space in the house. It's also perfect for getting awesome bargains on almost everything. Lastly, it's addictive - the anticipation of winning a bid at a great price as the clock counts down, the excitement of someone placing a high bid on your item for sale... Definitely, you should try it if you haven't.

See you next post. =)

p/s: my dad should really use ebay. He's kind of a hoarder; loves to keep everything he buys. The house is going to overflow one day. I'll introduce him soon, but hopefully more stuff flows out than into the home!