From Coupons to Auctions

Popular Coupon Portal Transformed to Online Auction To Compete With eBay.

(PRWEB) June 25, 2005 -- DealMania (www.dealmania.com) announced today the transformation of its popular coupon web site to an online auction. The change is a result of shopper demand for greater product selection.

DealMania previously offered coupons to popular retailers such as amazon.com and Best Buy. Now, visitors to the DealMania site can bid on items for sale by others and sell their own items, similar to the format used by online auction giant eBay.

Michael Atchie, founder of plasma television retailer 1-800-PLASMAS, acquired DealMania in 2004 with the intention of transforming the company to an auction provider. Since the DealMania web site was already a popular shopping destination, converting it to an online auction provides instant access to shoppers" stated Atchie.

New online auctions are often plagued by a lack of users, resulting in limited items for sale and few shoppers to bid on the items. Atchie believes he may have solved this dilemma, but is quick to stress the challenge his new company faces. Its a big risk. DealMania was a popular tool for shoppers and we are betting everything on the new auction format" Atchie claimed.

The company is now attempting to lure sellers away from eBay by offering free listings. If the site has shoppers, there is a good chance sellers will follow.

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