Here is my submission for the best eBay.ca story. Whether I win or not, it really doesn’t matter. I feel very fortunate to have been involved in many positive things through eBay.ca, including three Secret Santa gift exchanges, an Ugly Items contest, the BC Fire Relief auctions, and the friendships that have started on the boards and that have continued into real life. I’ve met eBay.ca users from virtually every province, from BC to Nova Scotia. Writing this really perked me up, and made me remember why I love eBay so much!
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I’ve been a proud member of eBay.ca for several years – not just the discussion boards, but the site in general. I exchanged “words” with PayPal Damon a few years ago on this subject – PayPal was planning to take away the cash back incentive for their debit card users unless the person with the card listed on .COM. Damon basically told me, “What’s the difference where you list?” Well, to me .ca is more than just another eBay site – it’s the CANADIAN eBay site and I am proud to use it.
The best thing about .ca (as I’m sure many here will be posting about) is the community. I’ve had many awesome experiences as a result of being a community member. I’ve met several fantastic people, and had opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had, like getting an “on ice” seat at Stars on Ice this week (thanks cabbages.n.kings!). Hands down, the best thing that has happened to me is the trip I took to New York City with some of the posters from CTS, and the opportunity I had to meet other posters on the way there. None of us had never met in real life – yet I traveled from Saskatoon to Toronto, where I was met by warm*fuzzies/o*pillar (Deb) and shwachick (Tracy). From TO, Tracy and I traveled to southern Ontario, where we cruised dirt roads in the dark, trying to locate Christine’s purple house (note to remember: in the dark, house colours really don’t matter a whole lot). After about 3 hours of sleep, the three of us picked up two more eBayers and then it was, NYC here we come! I had never even been to any part of the United States before, much less a place as awe inspiring as NYC. We had a fabulous time, and to those who know me, it will be no surprise that I came back with 11 handbags (only two were for me people, honest! ;-)) On the way back to Saskatchewan, I again met up with Deb, who offered me terrific hospitality at her home. These friendships were further strengthened when I was in TO again last spring.
To me, .ca is really about community, and not just community on the boards. When people in “real life” find out I am an eBayer, I am always swamped with questions and requests for help. And, I’m happy to provide it – because I want everyone to have the same type of very positive eBay experiences that I have had.
Thank you eBay, for providing us with a forum, not just to buy and sell, but to make friends and to find and experience amazing opportunities.
cmg
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Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary
Galatians 6:9
cmg