Online shopping reached new heights in popularity in 2005, with retail sales totaling roughly $81 billion. According to a study by Jupiter Research, the trend will only continue to grow, with 2010 totals expected to exceed $144 billion. According to the study, by 2010 slightly more than 70 percent of the online population will use the Internet to shop. Consumers cite a variety of different reasons for preferring online shopping to shopping in person at retail locations. One of the main reasons for shopping online is convenience. Another reason to shop online is better prices. When you shop online you get the chance to compare prices from several different online retailers. People also prefer online shopping because it allows them to research products without receiving biased pressure from sales associates. eBay is one of the most popular websites for shopping online. In addition to the convenience of online shopping, eBay also offers a selection of items you won't find anywhere else online. Here are some interesting facts about eBay for you trivia buffs. The first item ever sold on eBay: a broken laser pointer that belonged to eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. One of the most expensive items ever sold on eBay was a Grumman Gulfstream II jet, which sold for $4.9 million. Among the more unusual things sold on eBay have included the right to permanently place a tattoo on a woman's forehead ($10,000) and grilled cheese sandwich featuring a likeness of the Virgin Mary ($28,000).
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