Links FM deejay, Deja Vu, attempts to auction a 20'' LCD TV in this May 31 photo. - photo by Sheena Gayle

Locally, one area that is yet to be fully explored in the online auction market is vacations.

On one local website that dedicates its proceeds to charity, a vacation package donated by Couples Resorts went literally like hot bread.

The package, with an estimated value of US$1,950, included four-day-three-night accommodation for two at any one of four Couples Resorts; round-trip ground transfers between Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and the resort; plus, "unlimited meals, snacks and gourmet dining".

one of the first auction items

According to Alex Durant, auction consultant of Durant Consulting Inc (www.durant consulting.com), the Jamaican package donated by Couples was one of the first auction items to get a bid and had active bids for almost one month.

Durant, who manages many online auctions through cMarket, featuring travel, jewelry, dining packages, luxury goods and art, says the online auction format - compared to silent and live auctions - is a great way to reach a national audience.

"We are able to get bids on items that might not be as popular at our live events," he said.

"Also, with cMarket's 'Bidding for Good' site, our auction is promoted to over 50,000 people who have specifically requested to be notified about ongoing charity auctions."

According to Phillip Lee of Kingston-based Banyan Creations, the web page is more and more becoming a useful advertising tool.

"E-commerce is definitely the way of the future, even if local shoppers are still wary of electronic commerce," Lee said.

avia.ustanny@gleanerjm.com