subject: List Of Free Auction And Classified Sites [print this page] While eBay is perhaps the most well-known online auction house, there are fees associated with its item-listing process that may turn off some sellers and buyers. There are a number of free online auction and classified sites to choose from, however, that offer similar services to eBay.
The Free Auction - (www.thefreeauction.com)
The Free Auction positions itself as an alternative to overpriced auction sites, and targets individuals and small businesses as its core user base. Sellers pay a flat $10 verification fee to get started and then pay nothing for an online store featuring up to 100,000 items. Those looking to move a bit more merchandise can buy a Platinum Store for a flat $40 fee. A Platinum Store can retail up to 500,000 items. Note that while its free to open a store, there are nominal fees for additional features on your listing. For fees between $1 and $10, sellers can add more selling features like photos, bold text, multiple categories, highlighted items, being featured on the home page, other media and customized auction start times.
Webstore - (www.webstore.com)
Webstore calls itself the Robin Hood of online marketplaces and allows buyers and sellers to trade nearly anything without membership fees, bidding fees, or selling fees. It generates revenue from advertisers and corporate sponsors that display ads on its site, which allows members to sell and buy on the site without charges. Webstore aims to bring the garage sale format online, and its listings rely heavily not only on buying and selling, but also on trading and bartering items. Webstore transactions are handled directly between buyer and seller, and the site does not involve itself in product deliveries or collecting money. Its users can set up their own store easily, in just a few simple steps.
WeBidz - (www.webidz.com)
WeBidz strives to make online auctions as reliable and easy to use as possible. The sites Auction Manager function helps users easily import auctions and feedback from other auction sites. This capability makes for a seamless transition when switching over to the WeBidz platform. Currently it averages about 82,000 active auctions at any given time, with more than 25,000 registered users. There are no listing fees in order to sell items on WeBidz, nor are there final value or membership fees. The only associated cost is the $5 fee to become a Verified Seller. Setting up a WeBidz store is free, but upgrading the store with more features comes with a monthly fee. Note that if Verified Sellers change their personal information, they must pay the $5 fee again.
Wensy - (www.wensy.com)
Wensy eliminates before and after sale fees, so customers spend less time interacting with the company. Because there are no listing or final fees with Wensy, buyers and sellers interact with each other directly. The company is not hands-off, however, and is available for contact should a situation arise between buyers and sellers. Wensy offers traditional auctions as well as other methods of purchase. A Dutch Auction option is available, which is when a seller lists multiple items for auction. Instead of listing each item individually, sellers can sell them one at a time on one listing. Then buyers submit a bid for one or several items in this kind of auction. Additionally, Wensy offers the option of fixed price listings, classified ads, trades, and buy now/instant purchasing. Wensy sellers can also set a Reserve Price, or the absolute minimum amount that an item will be accepted for.
OnlineAuction - (www.onlineauction.com)
OnlineAuction is perhaps the nearest rival to eBay, and features completely free listings and no final value fees. The site was founded in 1999 and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. There are no basic membership fees, so upon registering with the site, users can immediately begin bidding on and buying items. Becoming a Verified User costs a fee of $4 a month. Becoming a Verified User has its benefits, as sellers have access to an O-Mail account, feedback, and additional security. To sell on OnlineAuction, sellers pay an $8 monthly fee, but items can be listed for free, and there is no cost to have items listed in multiple categories. Selling on OnlineAuction is highly customizable. If you have multiple items to sell, you pay nothing to open an online store and you can cross-promote your items in different listings. OnlineAuction sellers can block certain buyers, and auctions can be ended early if necessary. Sellers can remove their listings without a fee, as long as the item being auction has no bids on it.
There are also other auction sites that are not totally free, but that offer a very low-cost alternative to eBay, as well as various buying and selling formats.
uBid - (www.ubid.com)
uBid is different than other online auction sites because it doesnt generate its inventory from members. Most of the items for sale on uBid are excess inventory that is brand new. The site gets its merchandise from its warehouse or from affiliated resellers, manufacturers, or resellers. On average, the site has about 10,000 items for sale, and most of the listings on uBid are Dutch Auctions. There is no cost to become a registered buyer on uBid, and unless you are a registered business, you cannot sell on uBid.
I Bid Free - (www.ibidfree.com)
I Bid Free market itself as Americas no. 1 free marketplace, and allows users to buy, sell, or trade for free. The company targets entrepreneurs and businesses, aiming to be an alternative to what it calls the giant feebay monopoly. With I Bid Free, users can enjoy all the perks of eBay, but without the listing, selling, buying or membership fees.
Overstock - (www.overstock.com)
Overstock features a multitude of items for sale in user-generated auctions. The sites listing fees are lower than eBays, and registration is free. Listing costs run between 10 cents and a little more than $3. The site does also have final value fees, and if your items do not sell, relisting the items is free. There are costs to upgrade and enhance listings as well, and Overstock also offers frequent users subscription plans to make it easy to have simultaneous listings.
eBid - (www.ebid.com)
With more than 1 million auctions at any given time, eBid is one of the larger players in the online auction space. The site has very low fees, and it is free to register as a member. There are no listing fees, and sellers pay a 3 percent final value fee. There is the option to become an eBid Seller+, and fees for that range between $2 and $50, depending on how long you have been a member. As a Seller+, there are no final value fees attached to your listing. Making your listing stand out more with text formatting and photos have small fees associated with it, but they are much lower than eBays.
OZtion - (www.oztion.com)
Primarily used by Australians, OZtion boasts nearly 320,000 members and more than 750,000 items for auction at any given time. Membership for OZtion is free, and sellers can list their items for auction for free as well. Sellers only play a final value fee for their items, but additional fees are applied for jazzing up your auction listing. Being featured on OZtions homepage costs about $10, while bolded and highlighted listings cost between 95 cents and about $2. If an item doesnt sell, OZtion will automatically relist your item for another 60 days for a fee of just 2 cents. There is a $3 fee to close an auction early, and setting up an online shop costs $5 a month.
