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Man sells everything he owns on eBay to clear debts

Mon, 03 Oct 2005

A 23 year old Derbyshire man put all his possession for sale on eBay in an attempt to clear his credit card debts.

Steven Hartwright, hoped that the sale would raise enough money for him to pay off his debts of £7,500 and succeeded in raising £22,100. The auction lot included a plasma screen, a double bed, a carpet, an aquarium and most of his clothes.

There was a lot of interest in his eBay page, generating more than 233,500 hits and received 135 bids. The lot was purchased by an anonymous bidder.

Mr Hartwright decided to sell his possessions so he could make a fresh start. A message on his eBay page read, "Ok, I wish I didn't have to do this but I have got into quite a lot of debt. Most of us all know what that can be like and I need a fresh start with no debts so I can plan to get my own home and leave my parents' house.

"So I'm selling everything, yes everything, I own in one single auction. Mad you say? Of course!"

He added, "I have paid out tens of thousands for all this equipment over the last six years but I think this is the easiest and quickest way of paying off my debts. It's been a burden on my shoulders for a long time. I promised myself that I wouldn't get into debt, but it happens.

"I will be sorry to see all my things go but I will be a lot happier when I have financial freedom."

The collection also includes floor standing speakers, a DVD recorder, a Sky digital box, a PS2, two computers, an electric guitar and amplifier, an MP3 player, three cameras, a wardrobe and all Mr Hartwright’s clothes. In respect of the clothes, he wrote on the eBay site, "Just let me have one set of clothes so I don't have to walk around naked."

A spokesman for eBay said, "This is the first time that someone in the UK has sold everything they own on eBay. Our community is constantly coming up with new, enterprising ways to make money, and we're really pleased for the seller that this has gone so well."
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