I realize this is not an experience unique to Australia, but given the fact that my first experience was in Australia, I thought it may be appropriate to include in the blog. I am going to become obsessed with ebay. I love it. I am about to move from my current furnished flat into my new house with a completely empty bedroom... meaning I need everything for my bedroom. I've been looking for good deals for over a week now. I found a bedset that I liked at lunchtime Tuesday (on ebay with bidding ending at 6:40 PM that day). I thought about it all afternoon, decided it would be a good deal, and decided to put my bid in around 6:20 PM. I should have waited until 6:39 PM. I am learning strategy here. My co-worker Rocco tipped me off to bidding just over the amount you're willing to pay. For example, if you're willing to go up to $100, you may enter $101.25, because someone else may also set their limit at $100, but you'd win the item for only $1.25 extra. The other bidding on my bedset didn't start until about five minutes before the bidding ended, at which time, I had a few co-workers crowded behind my computer and cheering me on in the "race". Mine was the winning bid for the first five bids, then I lost it. I increased my bid once, then lost it again with only 30 seconds to go. Having previously decided that my original cap was the most I wanted to spend, I cracked under pressure and raised my bid a SECOND time. Oh the drama. I ended up spending about $70 more than I originally intended, but am still a very happy ebay winner. I'm looking forward to recovering my purchase mid-week next week. By the way, I got a headboard/bedframe, nightstands, dresser, and TWO queen mattresses. Yes, who wouldn't want two mattresses? It actually ended up being perfect because my new housemate Daniel is shopping around for a bed. One for me, one for him, perfect.
