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Quick Tips - Tricks Of The Trade

Garage Sale Shopping:

eBay® - Known as the world's largest garage sale, eBay offers practically every (legal) product imaginable. While it's possible to purchase new items, eBay's greatest appeal is that it is the place to go for vintage collectibles and discontinued products. If you are interested in bidding on this type of item, do your homework first. Research how much this item has sold for on eBay in the past by following these steps:

Conduct an initial search on the item, then look at the Search Options section on the left side of the page. Under Show Only, check off the Completed Listings box and click the Show Items button. (Note, you will be asked to log in, if you haven't done so already.) This will enable you to see the closing prices on completed transactions so that you'll be able to bid appropriately. This tool can also be useful if you are looking to sell an item and aren't sure how to price it. www.ebay.com

Amazon.com® - If eBay is the world's largest garage sale, then Amazon is the world's largest mall. Originally an online bookstore, Amazon has broadened its offerings through partnerships with a variety of merchants which include Toys R Us, Target®, and Nordstrom. One of Amazon's most helpful tools is its Wish List feature. Think of it as your own personal registry - only unlike when you got married, you don't have to share it with your spouse!

As you're browsing the site, and you find something you would like, click the Add to Wish List Button. You can then specify how many of the item you would like, rate how much you would like it on a 1-5 scale, and even add a comment if you want. (Perhaps specify size or color.) The next time your birthday rolls around, you can send the list via email to those who request it, or suggest to friends that they review your list at Amazon. Put an end to those dreaded gifts of socks, ties, and singing fish once and for all! www.amazon.com

Craigslist was originally founded in 1995 as a way for founder, Craig Newmark, to share local information with his friends in San Francisco. As its popularity and distribution numbers grew, Craig created a website where people could post information about local jobs, housing, social events, items for sale, etc. Craigslist has since grown into 175 community sites, with representation in each of the fifty states as well as 34 countries.

If you have items that you would like to buy or sell, this is a perfect place to start. Posting is very easy to do and listings are free, with the exception of job postings. The site also allows you to subscribe and automatically receive email digests that contain links to new listings within the category you specify. Simply click the subscriptions button on the left side of the page and follow the prompts. To find the craigslist site "nearest" you, visit www.craigslist.org and select the closest city from the list provided.

With resources like these at your fingertips, you'll never have to find parking at the mall again!

If you hate crowds and find yourself putting off purchases until the last possible minute, cyber-shopping is for you. Not only can you browse from the comfort of home, wearing your bathrobe and bunny slippers, you also have a selection that spans the globe. Here is an overview of some of the most popular shopping websites as well as some guidelines to assist you.

Cyber Shopping