Introduction

Even if you've never browsed the merchandise or placed a bid, you've probably heard about eBay, the Web's largest online auction site. From analyses of the fastest -growing company in history to stories about oddball items for salelike the infamous Virgin Mary grilled cheese sandwich or the guy who rented out his forehead as a billboardeBay makes headlines.

But behind the hype, there are many good reasons to actually use eBay. It lets you:

• Shop around the clock at an immense, worldwide marketplace .

• Name the price you're willing to pay. If you don't win one auction, there's always another.

• Buy collectibles and other items you'd never find at the local mall.

• Be your own bossrun a retail business out of your home.

• Reach millions of potential customers.

• Chat with other eBayers and watch zany auctions.

In addition, eBay's sheer size makes it an attractive place to buy and sell. Worldwide, 135 million active eBayers are looking to do business with youto the tune of $32 billion worth of merchandise bought and sold on the site each year. And those figures are growing.

Whether you're hunting for bargains or hoping to make some cash, eBay gives you access to the biggestand most entertainingmarketplace the world has ever seen.

On the other hand, eBay's size can make it hard to find the things or customers you want. And, once you do find them, how do you know that the person on the other end of the transaction is trustworthy? eBay is a great resource, and great fun, but it does present challenges for even the most intrepid shoppers and sellers.