Everyday items pop up on eBay, cheap

By Tara Maras
Special to The Seattle Times

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Sure, eBay is a romper room for memorabilia mavens and Pez dispenser devotees, but the popular online hangout for hunters and gatherers also packs a bargain when it comes to everyday household items — the ones you'd never think to buy at auction.

eBay's logo likely doesn't pop into your brain when it's time to replace the head on your electric toothbrush, your lipstick runs low or you need postage stamps — the 37 cent all-American flag variety.

But a little comparison shopping is almost guaranteed to make you smile.

Other online auction sites www.auctions.yahoo.com s1.amazon.com www.Bidz.com www.QXL.com www.uBid.com www.BidVille.com

A chart on Page N2 shows how eBay's prices break down when compared to prices from Seattle retailers and online shops.

How's it work? You can bid or nab items instantly with Buy It Now, though some sellers don't offer Buy It Now.

eBay's Buying Safely Section outlines steps for contacting sellers, checking reputations, and resolving disputes through SquareTrade, eBay's preferred dispute resolution provider.

Never received your item or got something that was big-time misrepresented? You might be eligible for partial reimbursement through eBay's Buyer Protection Program. Click "Services" to access support.

Tara Maras is a freelance writer.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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