I began my eBid evolutionary journey as a casual browser when I was sent to explore this 'new site' in 1998/99, whilst working for a newspaper. At that point, we were all just getting to grips with the fact that we could buy and sell via the Internet, so the prospect of a UK based auction phenomenon was really exciting. Not only could I claim my online exploration as research, I could also suss out some bargains and explore the possibility of earning some lucrative extra income. Wholeheartedly, I marched into eBid, mouse in one hand, coffee cup in the other, and it was love at first sight. By the turn of the century, I had worked up to my own online store and had even ventured into the forums. If virtual reality did pubs and clubs, the eBid forums are where they would be!

The latest eBid site revamp appears to have gone relatively painlessly, other than a few glitches that are unavoidable when working with technology. The site has certainly grown, with listings now topping the 400,000 mark and many more categories having been added. I would not, however, compare eBid to eBay, as the two are completely different ball games.

EBid, which is now available in USA, Canada, Ireland and Australia, has the potential to become the next generation shoppers' paradise. You can source goods from around the globe, make the most of the strong GB Pound against the weakening US Dollar, and save yourself a fortune. What's more, the forums are particularly addictive with their ease of access and simplicity of use. Like any other public forums, you can enjoy the banter, cringe at the less subtle innuendo and, basically, strike up a rapport with fellow eBidders - the good, the bad and the ugly. It's all about freedom of choice - your choice.
By browsing the 'Plug Your Auctions' thread there are some exceptional bargains to be found, many with low starting prices and no reserves, and many with a 'Buy It Now' option. Unlike eBay, far fewer buyers here are caught out by high postage charges. It is still a case of 'buyer beware', but on the whole, I love the bargains I find on eBid. It feels more like a personal achievement at finding them than anything else because there isn't the same urgency or pressure to bid. It is altogether a far more relaxed experience than one would imagine/

BUYING - Without too much competition, I have wandered aimlessly through the categories window shopping, but am always draw to the stores section, the buddies section and then the forums. I like nice things and I like unusual gifts. I've just bought a beautifully hand crafted greetings card and it cost me far less than a bog-standard one from our local high street, even allowing for delivery. The seller was a pleasure to deal with and had the card sent out to me within 24 hours of payment. The same with a DVD I bought, brand new, 100% original, factory sealed for less than £4. It's only once you start bidding in these auctions that you fully appreciate the choices that they offer, especially in stores or where the sellers have multiple listings and offer postal discounts. You can't resist going that extra pound or two for the sake of 3 pure silk scarves rather than just the one, or several handcrafted items when you can't decide which one you like the best. I'm totally addicted now and challenge anyone to take up eBidding as a hobby, stick at it until you have mastered the art, and then tell me you don't love it - even the sniping, whining, grumbling forum members who have time to sit and bitch at one another. It beats Coronation Street and a trip into town any day!