From Barbara Crews,
Your Guide to Collectibles.
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The Internet is not only eBay, but that would be hard to prove to some people. eBay is the main, and sometimes only, destination of many collectors. There aren't many companies that are known world-wide to consumers, but eBay is certainly near the top of the list with numerous international auction sites. An amazing feat for such a relatively young company.

eBay has spawned an entire industry of programs, companies and web sites catering to online auction buyers and sellers. You can find help to list, buy, pay or sell. Want to bid in the last ten seconds? There are programs that will snipe for you. And after you purchase a car on eBay, the company will even help you finance it. No wonder people consider eBay the Internet -- why ever leave the site?

According to legend, eBay started as a venue to sell excess Pez collectibles and today if it's legal (with few exceptions), it can be sold on eBay.

Today's sellers defy categorization, everyone from stay-at-homes to major corporations use eBay to sell all types of products. Charities raise funds by holding eBay auctions, artists use it as a venue to market their wares and even Disney has sold rides from their parks.

Are you ready to take the plunge? Since eBay can be a little intimidating, we'll go on a step by step journey to register, search, bid and buy. Soon you'll be ready to bid and buy!

Warning:
Proceeding can be hazardous to your bank account. Especially true if you're a beginner, it's easy to get caught up in the fun and addiction of eBay. Take it slow!

Registering is Painless
It's easy to register on eBay, just a simple form that currently* asks for your mailing and email information, credit card information. You'll also pick a personal eBay ID** and password.

You can register without a credit card, but have to take a few additional steps. If you are not providing a credit card number, eBay will ask for an additional, secondary email address to be added to the account. The second email address must be from an established Internet Service Provider such as AOL or Earthlink. The second email address can also be from a company, organization or school.

After you register, eBay will send a confirmation note to the email address just registered (or the secondary address if a credit card is not used) and clicking on the link in the confirmation email takes you to the page completing the registration. You're ready to start on the eBay adventure.

*eBay has been known to slightly change the requirements.

**USER ID
A unique nickname that will be used for buying and selling. The name can be changed at any time, but only once every thirty days.

The ABCs of Buying on eBay

1. Starting Out
2. Search & Find Your Stuff
3. Don't Bid Yet
4. Bidding & PayPal
5. Completing Your Purchases & Possible Problems

More Resource Links:
eBay History & Business Model
eBay Education
eBay Glossary
eBay's Rules for Buyers
New to eBay Discussion Boards
Discussion Boards About Registering
Register Here