Why eBay? It's not just beanie babies and Pez dispensers.
 There are 157 million users of eBay worldwide, make that 157 million and one, I am the internet powerhouse's newest recruit. With an unexpected sense of anticipation I scroll down the web page, I spot what I am looking for "One pair of brand new Prada heels, Authentic!" excitedly I click on the link and read the short novella the seller has written for my benefit. She swears she paid $580 for these on a recent trip to New York but alas they no longer fit and she's never worn them! Nice story, though I'm not sure if I believe it. However as I peruse the half dozen or so pictures provided of the shoes and their authenticity card I am convinced that at  these are the bargain of the century. Hesitantly I click the "buy it now" option. I surprise myself by closing my eyes, as if when I open them the shoes will magically appear. Well one week latter I am the proud owner of a beautiful pair of heels all for the relative bargain basement price of $95 (plus postage and handling?) .Finally I have found a store that will let me shop in my pyjamas, I have entered the wonderful world of eBay!
Mr eBay, a master entrepreneur?
To the uninitiated the concept of trusting a complete stranger to deliver a product after money has left your hands seems ludicrous. You might be honest but this is the internet! The user that claims to be a little old woman could just as well been a bikie named Bob. Those designer shoes you're looking at could be imported via the Russian mafia from some obscure Baltic country! However those in the know bid with confidence thanks to the ingenious safety and credibility checks eBay provides to its users. These users have founder Peirre Omidyar to thank. He wrote the computer code for ...