Are Online Penny Auctions Actually Gambling?
from the here-come-the-regulators... dept
A few weeks back, we wrote about a site that seemed to have modified the old "dollar auction" concept and created a borderline evil business plan that would get plenty of people to pay money to "bid" on way underpriced goods. People keep bidding, because the costs seem so low -- but since everyone has to pay to bid, the companies ends up making a ton of money -- often many times the actual cost of the product. Basically, the company and whoever "wins" the auction are likely to make out okay -- while every other bidder loses. Apparently, there are a number of such sites doing similar models, and the UK government is noticing that it's pretty similar to gambling and probably should be regulated as a gambling site.The reasoning is that people are paying money and might not get anything back for it -- which makes it akin to gambling. However, depending on how these sites are run, it's not as though the results are a real gamble -- it's still about whoever bids the highest for a good, so it seems like a stretch to call it gambling. It is a dumb move to get involved in any of these auctions in the first place (in many ways, worse than gambling), but that doesn't necessarily mean that they should be regulated like gambling sites.
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Filed Under: dollar auction, gambling, penny auctions
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Speaking of retarded. I LOVE LAMP
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Howdy
B) This is actually a patented method of auctions that was "invented" in Israel around 8 years ago. It was quickly outed for being exactly that - gambling. The firm's name was Maxprice, and I assume their method of doing business is still considered legal in most countries.
Smooches
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Re: MAXPRICE OR
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Penny auctions
In any gambling endeavor, there is someone who wins. Often, it is the person who wagers the most, driving off the other gamblers. Nothing "different" here.
In the ultimate sense, this is no different; it is similar to "liar's poker" and similar games - it is gambling.
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Gambling? Get your facts straight.
You simply pay a small fee to be able to participate in the auctions.
Instead of charging users a "monthly fee" they charge them based on how actively they use the service. So for each bid you place you are charged a little fee.
Running a site like that costs money so it´s obvious they need to generate revenue from somewhere. They all have limits, only allowing ADULTS to participate, so if you don´t want to participate, then DON´T!
The UK gambling commission actually took a look at these sites and concluded that they are not similar to gambling and that they are infact real auctions with a funny twist.
Now, I´m off to win a new TV for 6£!
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Re: Gambling? Get your facts straight.
Example:
Retail price = $1000
Price per bid = 70 cents
Bid increments = 2 cents
Calculation of where the auction site breaks even (with normal over the counter merchant sales)
(1000 / .70) x .02 = $28.56 (rounded off auction price listed)
Even with a winning online bid of $100, the auction site has made a profit of over $1500. That is over 150% profit. Only the winner makes out ok. everyone else taking part in the auction gets fleeced (like a casino where the house always wins).
((100 - 28.56) / .02) x .70 = 2500
2500 - 1000 = 1500
Don't take part. Chances are many lose sight of the actual dollars behind the "funny" auction items and don't do the math of how fast their bids wipe out, and what the auction houses actually make.
These are by no means "Penny auctions".
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Re: Gambling? Get your facts straight.
Instead of charging users a "monthly fee" they charge them based on how actively they use the service. So for each bid you place you are charged a little fee."
And in that statement you said it all. IT IS GAMBLING lol.
Whether it be regulated as such is a different story.
Whether you pay a membership fee or a small fee to bid. It's still the same as dropping coin in a slot machine hoping to win the jackpot.
At least at casinos they give you free drinks. At these auction sites you get nothing but an email that calls you a loser lol.
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Re: Re: Gambling? Get your facts straight.
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Re: Re: Gambling?
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Re: Gambling? Get your facts straight.
Instead of charging users a "monthly fee" they charge them based on how actively they use the service. So for each bid you place you are charged a little fee."
And in that statement you said it all. IT IS GAMBLING lol.
Whether it be regulated as such is a different story.
Whether you pay a membership fee or a small fee to bid. It's still the same as dropping coin in a slot machine hoping to win the jackpot.
At least at casinos they give you free drinks. At these auction sites you get nothing but an email that calls you a loser lol.
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Re: check it out
http://www.5050auctions.com/
They're giving away a great special!! 50% Extra Bids FREE!!
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I do however completely 100% agree with John A´s comment about it not being similar to gambling, it´s simply a paid auction service.
I would suggest you use some of the legit penny auction sites around.
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Re: question
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not really...
There's a good new site I just saw called 5050auctions.com with a really good price point, and where they give you half your bids back if you win. That means that if you invest in a couple hundred bids, and get your price point down to say 60 cents, spend those bids on an xbox or ipod, or just about any other cool little gizmo we like to play with, then you picked it up for really cheap. True, if you don't win, your out the bids, and that sucks, but if you do win, then you just picked up a bargain unlike anywhere else. Check em out: http://www.5050auctions.com
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re: check it out real auction site http://beta.bidsaver.com
RISK does not make gambling...everyone seems to confuse that. Now the legal definition of "gambling" varies by locale so in some places it MAY BE "legally" considered such.
Most people will realize its just an auction, a penny auction is what gets people attention.
The one that seems the most legitimate to me is http://beta.bidsaver.com
I saw and heard the testimonials of people and it looks like everyone that wins is getting GOOD items for 60-70% off!
Plus they ship to USA AND Candada. This is a TRUE auction / penny auction website.
check them out Bidsaver.com
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Actually no
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Re: Actually no
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penny auctions
The site Zoozle.com is a complete scam and also seems to be a huge rip-off.
I have been registering with and watching these sites a lot trying to see which ones seem legit and which ones seem like scammers.
Zoozle came out immediately after another called Bidkong.com, and it was surprisingly similar. Come to find out the designer of zoozle copied as much of the other site as they possibly could get away with. The creator of zoozle obviously has zero creative abilities, and only seems to be out to try and make a quick buck. User/bidder BEWARE!
On the other hand, there are a few of the sites out there that do seem to be a little more legit and less self involved though.
Ironically, I have found that the site (Bidkong.com) that zoozle has been copying, so far seems to be the best for at least a few reasons.
1)they offer the best prices for bid packages. Price/bid - as low as .55 per bid.
2)they don't seem to be as greedy and concerned with making profit all for themselves. They actually donate a percentage from the winning bids to a charity for autism. (which btw, I noticed that zoozle added that to their site soon after also. Go figure!) and...
3)I noticed that they also offer tips to help their bidders, which NO ONE else does. This just shows me that they actually seem to have a genuine interest in helping their bidders understand and win.
Also, I purchased a starter package on Bidkong.com, not too long ago and as of yet have not won anything, but in all fairness I haven't really been playing with the intention of winning. More just feeling it out really. Anyway, I had a question on a specific item that was up for bid so I contacted them, and received a reply back within less than 24 hours. I have nothing negative to say about them yet...
I've gone through almost every new penny auction site that has popped up recently, and in my opinion, this one seems to be one of the best looking and put together. Based on the site itself, and the communication and response time I received when I had a question, I would say that this site seems very professional and definitely worth checking out.
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Re: penny auctions
I also know they are coming back with a ebay style auction site but of course it will be alot cheaper than ebay and they will not be charging a percentage of the sale. I think they will be opening the first of the month Aug 2010.
Thanks
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You people are insane
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Wow, just wow
I think the best way to use these is by using new penny auction sites, they have the least competition.
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Re: Wow, just wow
whenever i bid for any product.. and ive checked the no of people online before i bid..
it automatically increases the bid amount..
and the user it shows isnt even online at times!!
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Re: agree
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New sites
They must not be because there auctions start @ $1 and have been ending @ $1 and some change.
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Re: New sites
Just my two cents :-) no pun intended.
Chris
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it is gambling
In addition to the fact that this really is gambling, though thinly disguised, consider that some of these sites ("the house") use a variety of methods to maintain their edge over users. Some site are blatantly abusive and run auto-bidders to act as shills. Others create rules that guarantee their profits in ways that are less obvious, but still end up reducing the chances of getting a real bargain after the cost of bidding is factored in. It is also a common practice to display items for auction with inflated values to encourage lots of bidding. The fact that some of these sites will not allow refunds is also a sure giveaway that there is no interest in customer service, just exploitation.
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Re: it is gambling
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Zoozle is no scam
Our bid credit price is actually cheaper than any other site, at only 50 cents.
If you google Zoozle + Scam, you will find this TechDirt article and our press release warning about scam sites like BidKong, GrabABid, and some others using a non-modified FeistySites.com penny auction script. (see our blog for more details on this) "Kelly" above probably didn't read the article.
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Re: Zoozle is no scam
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real ones and scammers
SCAMMERS-
5050 auctions (same scammers as bidstick)
bidstick
centy24
pennycave
fantasticbid
rockybid
bidcactus
kbid.co.uk
grababid
bi degg
prestigebids
bidray
It takes a while to be able to identify bots from people (rookie mistake) because some people do bid like bots! haha.
Some advice before you throw your money away on the above sites. Go to a site, ACT like you have 50 bids, click the bid button when you think you should bid, use 50 pretend bids, see what happens, betcha you just saved $50.
High end items go to bots or sometimes a company will let it go to a real person only because that item has cycled through several times with their bot winning it, thus having a profit on it.
Low end items will go to real people most of the time.
A List of Real Sites? Well, I can't give out that and keep competition low. But the above info should keep some money in your pocket. Peace and happy bidding.
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Re: real ones and scammers
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Re: Re: real ones and scammers
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Re: real ones and scammers
No other bidders he has a chance of winning what a SQUIRT
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Re: Re: real ones and scammers
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Re: real ones and scammers
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new auction
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Re: new auction
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BEWARE OF SCAM CHEAPOBIDS.COM
Same bidders, same winners all the time... this car auction is a total scam too.. look @ the names of the constant bidders
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Re: BEWARE OF SCAM CHEAPOBIDS.COM
Maybe they have the same bidders because not a lot of people don't know about the site yet, but when they sign up they are like you trying to win the same featured car auction.
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Definately legit
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you keep beating me!! haha
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Re: you keep beating me!! haha
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penny auctions
President Of Buzzer Bidz Inc.
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Re: penny auctions
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Auction site information
http://www.digg.com/d1ql0R?e
Happy Bidding.
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Correct Digg Link
Plea se comment when you get there. Even if it's just your bidder ID. Thanks!
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penny auction watchdog site
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Re: penny auction watchdog site
"Let's look at the post from today, Sep 10, 2009. I think it's blatantly obvious that this website is exchanging paid sponsorship for shameless promotion on their 'Watchdog' website."
http://bidcactusisascam.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html
Also on their site:
Aug 28, 2009
"PennyAuctionWatch.com owner is a convicted fraudster"
"Apparently, the main owner of PennyAuctionWatch.com has been convicted of defrauding people by using "phishing" techniques.
He was convicted by a court in California approximately 3 years ago and has since been released from a federal prison."
http://bidcactusisascam.blogspot.com/2009/08/pennyauctionwatchcom-owner-is-convicted.html
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penny auctions
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penny auctions
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Stop scam penny auctions!!
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let the accucations fly
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penny auction site
site...good design and simple to use...
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They are all scams
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Re: They are all scams
I still have a lot of work to do, the site is just now started... http://ePBids.com
I look forward to working with a lot of you!
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They are all scams
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Check this page
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big list of sites
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Most penny auctions are scam
www.iwatchpa.blogspot.com
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Penny Auction Info
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Penny Auction Info
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Penny Auction
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Penny Auction
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Your feedback is appreciated...
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Your feedback is appreciated...
After looking at the different sites, reading complaints and putting some thought into it, I added the following ideas to my site that I believe make make my site different than the others involve, but your input is greatly appreciated.
First, I have created a site in which members of the site will sell their items, as opposed to the site selling the item. I will add products from time to time if the numbers get low, but primarily this site is made for users to sell their items. Members receive $0.25 for each bid received on their items plus the price that their auction sells for.
Second, I was not happy with the concept of only having one winning bidder and everyone else loses their money. To try to counteract this problem, I have implemented a system where members receive a shopping credit to spend in our shop with each bid they place. Therefor, even if they do not win the auction, they can redeem their credits for items they want.
Third, I am giving 25% of the final penny auction cost the site lists to charity.
This site is in its beta stages but is live at this point. I would really appreciate any feedback, comments or tips from users here because I respect what you have to say. I made this site to allow everyone to have an opportunity to earn money in what I hope can be an honest, legitimate system of auction that we can be proud of being part of.
Thanks for your time, I look forward to hearing from you pognu@yahoo.com
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Players ante money to place a "bid" which is actually an ante. People continually ante their money and the top bidder wins the "pot" of the bids minus "house advantage" i.e. the top player wins the goods while the site keeps all lost antes as profit.
IT IS GAMBLING. A lot pitch in money while only one wins. It's a lot similar to lotteries. Don't waste your time.
I personally recommend using sniping software on eBay.com. Much easier and free to use if you don't mind being a pirate. Arrr...
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Penny Auction Directory
I have created a carefully-filtered directory of penny auction sites that may be helpful as you research which sites are worth bidding on.
http://pennyauctionlist.com
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Penny Auction Scam
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Amazing Post
well nice post here
thanks!
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I didn't win...but I still got what I wanted
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Yes and No
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NEW PENNY AUCTION
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MyBidShack, Zeekler Penny Auctions Compensate Users
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Re: penny auctions
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Penny Auctions
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You gotta be carefull which ones you sign up to
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They can be considered gambling if you want it to be
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sure it is
Speaking of gambling, if this is not gambling what is? I have watched people play no-limit poker with 10's of thousand of dollars in the pot, an "all-in" looks just like a robbery under the sun! I can imagine people bidding with red ears!
Then again, only dummies do that (bidding and betting with red ears). there are suckers in a poker game, and there are suckers in penny auctions. You can bid carefully just like you can play poker carefully. Have the concept right and keep yourself under control, and you are going to win.
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Stats and data on penny auctions
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yes it is gambling
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PA
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I Agree
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Penny Auction
http://www.articlesmoz.com/get-a-great-deal-with-penny-auctions
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Not so fast
Are all penny auction sites the same? No, but we would like everyone to base an opinion off of their own user experience.
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Definitely is Gambling
When you bid on a product and win, yes you only got a big screen TV for 20$, but 100 other people also spent about 20 $ and got nothing. Congratulation you just used 100 people to buy a TV for you. They got nothing, maybe because they weren't lucky enough to be the last bidder, or they ran out of bids. 100 people just spent 20$ so you can have your TV
I have a questions to the people who won items, how many auctions did you lose, on average, unless you are really good, you probably lose a lot more than you win.
If you win more than you lose, then you are just good enough to use other peoples money, while they get nothing.
Congratulations
It is not a paid auction service because you pay to bid. The amount you pay directly correlates to the number of times you bid.
Also many of this sites don't calculate the bid price in the price of the item. remember for each penny the item price is someone is paying 0.25 to 1$ or more
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Bidrack Penny Auctions
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penny bids
Thanks for sharing.
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Penny Bids
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penny auction is not gambling
However you bid again and win no they are not lost because you won on your next item and your still not paying full retail price.
let me explain:
Think of it this way,
you have ten people, each put in $1 for an item worth $10
person 1 gets the item pays 1 dollar, persons 2-10 are out $1 (but are they)
All ten bid again but person 2 gets the item for $1, person 1 and 3-10 are out $1
again all ten bid again person 3 wins person 1,2 and 4-10 are out.
again all 10 bid again person 4 wins......
all 10 bid again person 10 wins and pays $1 dollar persons 1-9 are out $1
but wait look at the whole picture everyone paid $10 for a $10 item
NOW GAMBLING
Same 10 people put in $1 each into a "pot" but a random chance someone will "win" an amount not equal to the total "value of the pot" now matter how many times the games is played
to sum it up
-gambling people loose more then they get,
-penny auctions you get a good deal, but its more "everyone helps pay, they help you buy when you win and when you loose you help them buy, its a win win for everyone.
The good. you can really save money if you watch your bids and bid only on things you want.
The bad if your not careful with bidding you could end up paying by per bid cost more the what the item is worth.
o and the timer, counting down or adding time to the end of the bid that's the DIGITAL auctioneer saying going once going twice......
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May the Law Decide
Penny auctions do have an element of chance but so does starting a business in any other area. The main thing which distinguishes penny auctions from gambling is that chance isn't the only factor. And this is a crucial distinction. When I wrote my series on Quibids strategy guide (http://quibidsblog.blogspot.com/p/complete-penny-auction-strategy-guide.html) I didn't know it would help so many people beat penny auctions. I guess it does now. Yes, you can maximize your chances of winning
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HQ auctions WEBSITE
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WARNING
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Investment?
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Falling Penny
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