The 3 Minute Auction and Minute Auction Explained

by Renee Matt

Am I the only person who doesn't know what a 3 minute auction is? Looking for fresh content for my site, I discover that "minute auction," or even a 5, 10 and 30 minute auction is a popular item. Some auction sites may refer to a minute auction as a "Live Bid." The "minute auction" or "3 minute auction" actually comes the closest to duplicating the excitement (and anxiety) of a real auction. No, it is not the same as an Ebay minute auction. I will give the example of Bidz.com. Bidz.com uses Flash technology to constantly update in real-time auction bids right before your very eyes! The price goes up, up, up and the time clicks away ... down, down, down!. Add flashing green highlights for added new bids and red flashing for the ominous approaching 0 minute and to say the least, it is quite thrilling. On the Bidz home page, there is a link that says 3-minute auctions. This is a separate category all by itself. If you click that link you are taken to the 3 minute auctions, usually consisting of jewelry. (Note: See end of article for "The 3 minute auction - too good to be true?") A word of caution: It takes a little finesse to bid at these fast-paced auctions - and I mean FAST! You must be EXTREMELY CAREFUL when bidding. The highest bid I came across on my visit was for $1500. My advice would be to practice on the dollar starting bids. Bids quickly escalate to $15 and $30. In the words of BidZ: "If you are bidding on items in the 3 Minute Auctions category, you will not be notified if you are outbid. These auctions move very quickly, so you have to monitor your winning bids very carefully." Back on the 3 minute auction page of BidZ, what do you see? >From left to right: the product picture, the item number, title, price, bids, and time left. The "bids" and the "time left" are where the auction action is at. But just as its nearing 0 minutes left, it jumps up to more time left - what gives? According to Bidz.com: "If the bid is placed during the last minute of an auction, the auction will be automatically extended for an additional 1 minute from the time of the latest bid. The auction will close once all bidding has stopped for a period of 1 minute." OK - I decide I am going to get in on this action. Registering is free (username must be a combo of numbers and letters). I have to click on the picture to go to the listing to actually bid according to Bidz.com directions below: 1) Simply use the "plus" and "minus" graphic keys to select the amount you would like to bid. The amount of the next bid is automatically one dollar more than the current bid. If you only want to place a one dollar bid, you can just click the Bid button without any adjustments. 2) Click the bid graphic button to register your bid. PROBLEM: I click the Bid! button and then find out I have to register my credit card in order to bid - but they didn't tell me that when I was registering (even though I quite expected it). Another problem I encounter is a sluggish modem. By the time I reach the listing page and the picture and bid button loads, the auction can be over (sigh...). Its not hard to become giddy over the amazing deals of a 3 minute auction...too good to be true? 3 minute auctions "typically offer expensive items, such as Cartier watches, Beanie Babies, computers, and cars at prices that are low enough to dull the scam alarm in most people." This was taken from an auction fraud article. The same article reports that the Federal Trade Commission has identified a scam email that includes "Live 3 minute auctions" in the subject line. See the details of the 3 minute auction scam at http://www.chiff.com/a/fSCAMauc.htm For a list of minute-auction websites, refer to: The 3 minute auction list at http://shmyl.com/dpzison My final words: The 3 minute auction and minute auction are the epitome of auction entertainment. So pop some popcorn, invite some friends over, and have yourself some Friday night auction fun! Renee Matt maintains AuctionTongue.com, a review site of auction tool, free auction templates, auction software, auction sniper and image hosting services. AT focuses on auction websites outside of Ebay. Sign up for their FREE Auction Freebies newsletter: http://www.auctiontongue.com/. renee@auctiontongue.com

How to start buying cars an online auction

by Pradeep Aggarwal

So you have decided to enter into the world of car auction. The very idea of looking at so many small and big cars on your screen is exciting to say the least. But what most of us fail to realize is what exactly we are looking for. And need to about the laws prevailing. It is important that you know everything about car auctions before you jump into the fray. The first and foremost thing is having adequate money in your bank account. All cars purchased must be paid in full. And of course you must have a driving license, this is needed for registration and documentation. Prior to making it to the car auction and actually bidding for one, decide what car you are looking for and what is the prevailing market price of the car. This will help you before hand the actual price of the car and how much you can pay for the car. Ensure that you don't end up paying more by way of bidding. If the bid war goes beyond the actual price, simply walk away. The most important aspect of buying a car in a car auction is the condition of the auctioned car. If you don't have good knowledge of the cars, it would be a better idea to let one of your friend who understands car or even a mechanic accompanying will help you greatly in making a right decision. You can also get the history of the car with VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Always remember, the cars at auction are sold in 'as is' condition and they don't come with warranty. Do keep all these tips in mind lest you'll end up in a bad purchase. Remember you're going to an auction for a great deal and save money. And with a little extra care you can easily accomplish this task About the author: Pradeep Aggarwal is the creator of Auction Spectrum. This site is dedicated to helping people start and run a successful online auction business. Visit his site to get a free report and articles on "Tips & Tricks on Online Auction" http://www.auctionspectrum.com

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