eBay

Britain's best known and largest (in terms of numbers of items for sale) auction site. Note that there is an American twin website at www.ebay.com. Explore that as well, but remember that there would be shipping and possible Customs costs, should you order anything. eBay has been a phenomenal success and using the site to offload unwanted goods, whether they are antiques or just a boring Christmas present, it is the place to buy and sell.

This is an 'online trading community' in which items are sold person-to-person, not via an auction house as such. A seller's history is important and you can see feedback from previous buyers.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Anyone can browse this website but actual buying or selling requires registration, which is free. It involves keying in your name and contact details, waiting for an email acknowledgment from eBay (normally within 24 hours) and being issued with a User ID.

To explore the website, which is very large indeed, go first to Antiques & Art and then select from a list of categories. The number of current items for sale in each category is indicated by a figure in brackets in the index. You will probably need a quick visit to Help and then Glossary of Terms in order to understand the little picture-logos that accompany some items, if not the terms themselves.

If you are word specific in a search, you will reduce the number of items presented to you, thus making your search easier. Many small collectors and businesses use eBay as a platform to reach new customers. In most cases, they have track records and you can rest assured you are not being sold a pup.