eBay announced a series of holiday shopping initiatives that will become available on November 3, 2008, and said shoppers are already saving 30 percent off MSRP on many of the hottest gift items. "At least 50 percent of the site's inventory in gift-giving categories such as lifestyle and technology is new merchandise, ensuring gift givers can find what they're looking for," according to the announcement.

eBay said that shoppers can increase their holiday savings by taking advantage of Microsoft Live Search cashback. Shoppers who arrive at eBay through Microsoft Live Search can receive up to 30 percent cash back on the purchase of any eligible fixed-price item when using a PayPal account through the Microsoft Live Search cashback program.

Information on all of eBay's holiday deals will be featured at www.ebay.com/deals, debuting on November 3rd. Among the featured offers are the following.

Daily Deal: Beginning Nov. 3 for 45 days, a different product - from categories including electronics, sporting goods, video game accessories, DVD movies and home and garden - will be available each day at a fixed-price and deep discount off MSRP with free shipping. These limited-quantity items will be available daily by 3 p.m. EST.

Bid From $1: Shoppers can bid on some of the hottest electronics all starting at $1 on eBay, by taking part in "Bid From $1" auction format series. From Nov. 3 to Dec. 17, thousands of new items such as MP3 players, GPS devices, cameras, video game consoles and video games will be offered in auction-style listings with $1 starting bids, no minimum final-price reserves and with free shipping.

$1 Holiday Doorbuster: Each day from Nov. 24 to Dec. 8, the eBay site will offer $1 Doorbuster deals - limited quantities of two different items at a fixed-price of $1 and one surprise luxury item, also at a fixed-price of $1. Items will include popular toys and games, fashion accessories, sporting goods and electronics.

"People constantly tell us that finding great deals is one of the reasons they love eBay," said Stephanie Tilenius, General Manager of eBay North America Marketplaces. "Shoppers will be exceptionally cost-conscious this holiday season, and we want everyone who is looking to save money to look no further than eBay to find all the gifts they want at the best prices around. There is simply no need for anyone to pay retail."

In addition, shoppers will find over 3.5 million listings on eBay with free shipping this holiday, offering shoppers even more value. Free shipping and other deals can be combined with coupons for 10 percent off that will be issued to millions of qualified eBay buyers this season, through members' "My eBay" accounts. (eBay holiday coupons valid on any auction-style or fixed-price listing when PayPal is used as a payment method. See individual coupon for specific expiration date.)