What is Pricebenders Feature Auctions?
Pricebenders™ is a new section at TripleClicks.com that features live "penny auctions." Pricebenders™ Auctions deliver brand new (and, occasionally, refurbished), brand name merchandise, gift cards, and more at prices that are far below typical retail. In fact, prices start at just $.01 (yes, just one cent!). With each bid received, the price increases by just one cent. The final bidder may then buy the item for the ending price (usually a fraction of the normal retail price).
TripleClicks "TCredits" are used for bidding. TCredits are available in paks of 1, 3, 12, 50, and 200 and for as little as $.29 apiece. Note that TCredits can also be used for selling items on TripleClicks, for downloading music, and more.
Once you've got your TCredits, you're ready to start bidding. Be the final bidder and you win the item. It's that simple!
Special note: With Pricebenders™, even when you don't win the auction, you still win!...because for every bid, you earn 5 Member Rewards Points (MRP). MRPs can be redeemed on tens of thousands of different TripleClicks products and services and TuneFlow music downloads.
IMPORTANT: It's vital that you read all of our FAQs before you join any Pricebenders™ auctions. Make sure you understand how bidding works, as well as all restrictions, deadlines, etc., and Pricebenders Rules & Policies before jumping in.
Bidding/How To Bid
Q: How do I get started?
A: First (if you're not a member already), you'll need to sign up as a TripleClicks member here, then head to our FEATURE AUCTION here.
Next, you need some TripleClicks "TCredits" to bid with. TCredits are available in paks of 1, 3, 12, 50, and 200...and for as little as $.29 apiece. Note that TCredits can also be used for selling items on TripleClicks, for downloading music, and more.
Once you've got your TCredits, you're ready to start bidding...which is as simple as clicking the "Bid!" button on one of our auction pages. Be the final bidder and you win the item. It's that simple!
Special note: With Pricebenders™, even when you don't win the auction, you still win!...because for every bid, you earn 5 Member Rewards Points (MRP).
Q: How do I know if I'm the high bidder?
A: Each time a bid is received, the auction panel will automatically change to display the first name and last name initial of the latest bidder. Note that bids can be coming in rapidly and you may not see your name appear every time you bid. If you just placed a bid and you see someone else's name appear, it probably means that person placed a bid a fraction of a second after you did. You can verify this by viewing the Bid Log located on the Auction Details Page. If you do not see your name on the Bid Log, you could be experiencing technical difficulties and you may wish to contact one of our Customer Care representatives for assistance.
Q: Can I see who is bidding on an auction?
A: Yes, we provide a Bid Log, which lists the most recent 10 bids/bidders. The Bid Log is located on the Auction Details Page. If you are viewing an auction from the TripleClicks homepage, to get to the Auction Details Page, just click on the title of the item being auctioned.
Q: I can't be around my computer 24 hours a day. Is there any way to have bids placed when I'm not available?
A: Yes. Every bid confirmation contains a link to our Auto-Bid system. Just click this link and set up your auto-bid limits and you're all set!
Q: I click the bid button, but nothing happens. What should I do?
A: Try restarting your Web browser. If that does not resolve it, try restarting your computer. Also, make sure you are using the recommended software and hardware specified below.
Q: What happens to the TCredits I've used in bidding if I don't win the item?
A: Using a TCredit for bidding on a Pricebenders auction means you are spending it, the same as if you used a TCredit for listing something for sale on TripleClicks or buying a song from the TuneFlow™ Music Store or any of the other actions for which TCredits can be used.
Q: So I used TCredits to bid with, but if I don't win, I get nothing?
A: Even when you don't win the auction, you still win! Because for every bid you place, you earn 5 Member Rewards Points (MRP).
Q: Why not just return the TCredits to my account if I don't win?
A: That's simply not feasible. The whole reason that the winning price can be so low--often just a fraction of the retail price--is precisely because TCredits are spent on bidding. That's what pays for the products that are auctioned. Without this, this type of auction is not possible. If you are not comfortable with this type of auction, we recommend that you do not participate. Instead, you can use your TCredits on our many other products and available services.
Q: When does an auction end?
A: An auction ends when the auction clock hits zero (no time left), but the clock resets with each bid received. Hence, there's no way of knowing how long an auction will last. It will go on until only one bidder remains, who, of course, becomes the winner of the auction.
Q: I notice that the clock resets with each bid, but I also notice that the amount of time it resets to changes during the auction. Why is that?
A: Most of our auctions will begin with a five-minute countdown. As the number of bids increase, we decrease the clock time. This is done to speed up the auction and hopefully produce really great deals (ultra-low prices) for our members.
Q: Is there a listing of winners available so I can see the kinds of deals being won?
A: Yes, see our RECENT WINNERS page here.
Q: You say auctions items are brand new or refurbished. How will I know if it's the latter?
A: If an item is refurbished, it will be clearly stated in its description.
Strategies & Tips
- Read all the FAQs so you're familiar with how Pricebender™ auctions work before you begin bidding.
- Observe auction activity for a while before jumping in.
- Before starting to bid on an item, determine your "bid budget" and then stick to it.
- Make sure you have purchased as many TCredits as you'll need for bidding. Running out of TCredits at the last moment could be costly!
- Watch the auction timer. If the counter almost reaches zero again and again before starting over, it means that there are probably not too many users bidding on that item.
- Fewer people generally bid on cheaper items. These auctions therefore give you your best opportunity for winning.
- Use the Auto-Bidder with care. It can be an effective and powerful tool for winning auctions, but make sure you employ a sound plan when using it.
- Timing is the key to winning.
Winning
Q: How do I know if I'm the winning bidder? A: If your name is displayed as the high bidder when the auction timer runs out, you've won. We also send you a quick e-mail to let you know. Additionally, a link to order the item you've won will now appear in the Pricebenders™ Auctions panel located on your "My Account" page. For more detils and to register please click here.