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eBay

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The joy of eBay - and of buying online in general - is the ability to buy something which would otherwise not be available to you.

Okay, yes, the cheaper prices are a factor, too, but, for me, when I'm buying jewellery or clothing or bags or other accessories, I buy them online because it's the easiest way to get something a little bit different.

I live in a small city; the jewellery stores are uninspired, and the clothing stores are stocked with cheap, unflattering tat that will soon be found on the backs of every other girl in town. If I want something unusual or funky or expressive of me, the internet is the only way to go, and my wardrobe is now overflowing with vintage dresses found on eBay, handmade bags bought via MySpace, and amazing, unique pieces of jewellery which have been acquired online.

And it's not just the buyers who benefit. Several of my friends make their own jewellery or accessories, and with limited local markets, the internet is the quickest and easiest way of getting their work known, and some money in their pockets. My cousin, for example, began beading necklaces less than a year ago, and, thanks to the power of the internet, has now ditched her full-time job and been featured in the glossiest magazines.

I don't deny, there's nothing like riffling through a beautiful boutique, oohing and aahing at all the pretty things, but with consumers demanding wider choice and sellers demanding a wider market, internet sales - and eBay is very much up there when it comes to ease, accessibility and reputation - are absolutely the way to go.

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