eBay: 15 Tips and Tricks You Didn’t Know (Part 1)

The website eBay is the perfect shopping destination for people who don’t like to leave the comfort of their comfy couch, and for people who enjoy taking advantage of some awesome deals! No matter how big of an online shopping fanatic you consider yourself to be, there is still so much that most people don’t know about this intriguing shopping destination. To find out all that there is to know, all you have to do is explore our article- still from the comfort of your comfy couch! Don’t forget to check back soon for our part two article, where we reveal the top eight lesser-known tricks about eBay!

Number Fifteen: It All Started with a Laser Pointer

In 1995, a computer programmer began developing the early stages of the online marketplace we know today. It originally went by the name of AuctionWeb and started with creator Pierre Omidyar listing a broken laser pointer. Although this item was meant to be a test, it actually sold and began the groundbreaking site.

Number Fourteen: It’s More Than Just eBay

Unsurprisingly, the website’s success led to the creation of a large family of online services. The masterminds behind eBay are also responsible for Shopping.com, StubHub, Rent.com, BillMeLater, MicroPlace, and many other successful sites.

Number Thirteen: They Have a Radio Station

Believe it or not, the company actually maintains a radio station for the needs of the biggest eBay fanatics. It is hosted by Jim Griffith, known as the “voice of eBay”, and covers topics from listings to skills for bidding.

Number Twelve: A Site for Bloggers?

Oddly enough, this website is getting involved in the growing industry of social media. These features allow users to share buying interests, product favorites, and even review companies.

Number Eleven: Moral Obligations

Not many companies are as generous with their profits as they should be these days, so it is nice to know that at least some of the big wigs are committing to moral obligations. Sellers of this online market have the option to use a feature that gives a percentage of every sale to a certain selection of charities.

Number Ten: Keeping You Updated

Like many of the companies these days, this website has decided to go mobile. For your convenience, they offer a text message alert for account activity of your choice. Whether it be winning an auction, losing one, or selling products, the service will text you to keep you updated on every development.

Number Nine: You Have to Pay Attention

It can be frustrating to buy products online, especially if you are the type that doesn’t read the fine print. For instance, in 2013, one buyer actually spent $705 on what he thought was a new Xbox- if he had read the description of the product, he would have known it was only a photo of the product. Don’t forget to check back soon for our part two article, where we reveal the top eight lesser-known tricks about eBay!