How to eBay

My husband and I, in fact many people I talk to about eBay, have their own strategy on how to buy, how to bid.

Most people will say “I wait till the very last minute to bid”, or even, like my husband, will wait until 20 seconds, then put in a maximum bid and hope for the best.

Me, well I like to get in early. My theory is that if I find an item that I want and/or need, it is at a price that I am willing to pay and there are no other bids, then I will be the first bidder. Even if there is still 7 days to go I will bid. The reason behind this is you will not get it any cheaper than the starting price and if you forget to be online when it ends at some horrible hour (like 3am), or you have a life and are away from your computer, and there are no other bids you are assured of getting it.

On the other hand, if it is overpriced, never be afraid to email and make an offer. If you think it is overpriced, chances are others will also and if it does not sell, the seller has your details to contact you to take your offer. That has happened to me with a dining table that I loved but it was starting at $400. I emailed and offered $300 while the auction was still active and after it ended they contacted me and accepted my offer.

Party formula

Early January this year, I hosted a birthday party for my son’s 5th birthday. I did not think much about it, nor did I organise it do any great degree, but in hindsight and from feedback, I have stumbled across a working formula to organise a birthday party for a 5 year old boy. I am sure it would also work for a 5 year old girl, or ages from 3 to 6.

1. Location, Location, Location.

Decide on a location that works for the child. We chose a new near by park that has a pirate ship and dared our guests to come dressed up.

2. What do kids love to do? Eat and Play!

I organised our food to be served over three courses. But first came the play. When the children arrived, they all caught up with each other and went off for a PLAY. I called them in about 20-25 minutes after arrival and offered them the first course, BBQ snags, fish fingers and few other savory snacks. Then it was out to PLAY again. As we were at a fun filled park, I did not have to organise them at all. They, at this age, are able to organise themselves to a helpful degree. While the adults chatted, I threw out the disposable plates, etc, and put the next course on the table. Honey Joys, Chocolate Truffles, Jelly Cups, Fruit sticks, etc. And again all on disposable plates. Then back out to PLAY before being called back about 30 minutes later for Birthday Cake. This is a very quick course. I did organise one activity and that was a Treasure Hunt. My husband drew a map on a large piece of butchers paper and drew some land marks that the kids would recognise. The Treasure was their Lolly Bags and when we found them, it marked the end of the party.

So there you go. Location and Eat ‘n’ Play. It was that simple.