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Our History

1995

The first item sold on eBay was a broken laser pointer, for $14.83. The transaction closed in September 1995, not long after Founder, Pierre Omidyar, had spent Labor Day weekend writing the code for eBay, then-called AuctionWeb
Omidyar was experimenting with how equal access to information and opportunities affects the efficiency of marketplaces. As a test he posted a listing for a broken laser pointer, which to his astonishment sold
Omidyar contacted the winning bidder to ensure he realized the item was broken. The buyer answered, "I'm a collector of broken laser pointers." At that moment, Omidyar knew he was on to something very big
From day one, Omidyar built eBay around what remain the company's core values; a belief that:
- People are basically good
- Everyone has something to contribute
- An open environment brings out the best in people.
The success of eBay underscores the truth of these values, and is at the heart of eBay's continuing success

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