The beginner's guide

Register online, selecting a user ID and password. Find something you like. Click on it to find out more. Find out payment and postage terms (you will normally be expected to cover delivery costs). Then start bidding - enter an amount, track its progress and if you win you will be notified. You will also be notified if someone has outbid you, so that you can bid higher if desired. If you win, you need to contact the seller within three days of the sale. You must pay them the full amount by whichever method (cheque, credit card) they choose. Once you have paid, the seller is under contract to send you the item.

How to sell:

Register as above. Choose a category (eg, ladies' clothes) to list your item under. You'll be asked to enter a description (a photo is optional but very advisable). Set a reserve price and stipulate how you would like to be paid. The item will remain listed for three to 10 days. The highest bidder's details will then be sent to you; contact them, confirm final cost, payment and delivery details.

Your auction forms a binding contract between you and the bidder, so send goods as soon as possible after receiving payment. eBay charges sellers a small fee, plus a final value fee (http://pages.ebay.co.uk/help/myinf o/billing-fees.html for full details).

Sophie Brierley, 25, Fashion buyer, lives in Hackney with her boyfriend and cat

It started with a search for a Gucci bag. I couldn't afford one from the shop and thought I might get a bargain on eBay. When I typed in "Gucci bag" and it came back with about 150 results, I was hooked.

I became obsessed with a black leather bag and I "visited" it every day on the site, but I didn't really understand how the online auction worked and I was devastated when someone outbid me. There was a time when I was looking every day but now I have got it down to two visits a week to browse, but more if I'm interested in something.

Sometimes you can click the "buy it now" button, which is where the seller asks for a price and you agree to pay it, which means you don't have to go through the whole auction, which can end in tears.

You must be online frequently, especially as the auction draws to an end. This way you can hedge your bets in the last 30 seconds and cunningly outbid the other interested parties by placing your bid in the last 10 seconds (I have often stayed in all night rather than go out with my friends so I can win the auction).

Since knowing this little trick I have bought some beautiful vintage dresses, a pair of almost new Christian Louboutin sandals (for £93; they are more than £300 in the shops), limited-edition trainers, vintage beaded purses, a vintage Louis Vuitton handbag and a Prada satin make-up bag.

Recently, I was looking for the ubiquitous Ugg boots and I knew eBay wouldn't let me down - - I bought two pairs for £100 each (they are £150 in the shops). Shopping on eBay isn't a hobby - it's a competitive sport. Auctions can last for seven days and a battle of wills ensues. It's the winning that counts ... and then the tortuous wait for the postman begins.