Archive for July, 2011

Move your face on Facebook!

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Social networks are changing, what used to be a fun past time has now become a popular channel of communication and with increased bandwidth video offerings are becoming key. Facebook have teamed up with Skype and will soon have an icon that would allow users to have group video or a private video conversation all for free.  With 750 million viewers this is a great platform to integrate into the social mix. The company is also changing the layout of their chat system so that users can decide the amount of people they want on chat so potentially the whole family could get involved from around the globe – or maybe all our customers at MadBid.com.

The extension of the communication channels have not gone unnoticed as Google has introduced their own social networking platform +circle project – with a video chat feature called ‘Hangout’ which has caused some controversy between the internet giants. With these extra add-ons MadBid.com’s popular auction product the new Dell Inspiron Duo Touchscreen would complement any social network user.

The new Dell Inspiron Duo Touchscreen can be used as a laptop or a notepad, both with a keyboard and touchscreen functions making it ideal for users on the go or in the comfort of their home.  The last time we auctioned the Dell Inspiron Duo Touchscreen the ending price was an amazing bargain at £6.37! Allow yourself to enjoy Facebook’s free video chat service with this sought after stylish gadget. The notebook has been reviewed by Amazon users as ‘Innovative and well-made’ The auction will start 3pm on 22nd of July the RRP price is £449 but only the bids on the timer will show the end price. The Stuff have stated that it ‘has a “whoa” factor to it when you see it swivel’ so team it up with Facebook’s or Google’s new Video options and put it in action!

Click here for a little sneak peek of this new function: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAeufSkW5y4&feature=related

Click here to see the last auction closing price : http://uk.madbid.com/show/1109590-Dell-Inspiron-Duo-Touchscreen/

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Posted in Cheap Laptop News, Future Auctions, MadBid News, Online Auction News, Technology | No Comments »

What is Auction Peek?

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

In the recent survey we did MadBidders asked us to clarify how some of our added functions work. So this week’s selected function is: Auction Peek.

Let us set an example:

Bobby loves iPad. His wife Jill owns an iPad and now he really wants to own one too and get the latest iPad 2. He managed to win a Mac on MadBid.com before for £22 and believes he could try for the iPad2. He couldn’t find any in the recent closed auctions but would like to know the average closing prices. He decides to use the Auction Peek function in order to get a rough idea. He sees the following appear on the bottom of his screen.

I Pad Auction Peek

Basically Auction Peek allows you to see the most recent similar auctions and their closing prices. In this example in the information displayed you can see that iPad2 auctions currently run on a monthly basis together with the closing price of similar auctions.

Actually, where is the Auction Peek?

For all you new users or users that haven’t heard of this feature before, Auction Peek is accessible on the individual auction site. It is the lowest button of Auction Details.

What does it cost me?

The Auction Peek costs 4 credits per auction.

Why would I use Auction Peek?

The Auction Peek is different to Sneak-a-Peek as it lets you find out a particular item rather than information about other bidders. If you wanted to bid on this item, you can then decide what price to start bidding or setting your autobid. It is quick, easy, and simply Madly useful!

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Posted in MadBid News, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Like a Virgin… (Day Experience of course)

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Hello MadBidders!

We have something brand new and exciting coming your way: the Scarlet Collection Voucher from Virgin Experience Days! With over a hundred different options to choose from, this might prove harder than it seems to choose just one activity. Ranging from Audi R8 Thrills to Ice Climbing, from Thai cookery courses to Poker lessons, the Scarlet Collection Voucher offers an exciting experience you’ll by dying to brag about to your friends. MadBid.com has selected a few favourites to share with you, but feel free to browse them all here!

1. Ice Climbing

Who wouldn’t like to learn how to go “Ice Climbing?” Set your sights high and the next thing you know you could be in Antarctica climbing glaciers. If you are an experienced mountaineer, or just interested in trying out a new challenge, ice climbing will provide you with that extra edge to a very “cool” sport. The concave is at a constant of -12°C and allows a real take on ice climbing.

Ice Climbing video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeSyfJZV3hY&feature=player_embedded

2. Face Your Phobia

Maybe this snake is not as scary closeby... It is a liberating experience when you are able to face your phobia of all things creepy crawly. “Face Your Phobia” will help you face your fears and handle the creatures of your nightmares (do not worry, it is under the supervision of friendly keepers). You could choose lizards, birds, non-venomous snakes and for those who can handle it; the tarantula. Imagine the incredible rush of adrenaline that you will get as you let a tarantula crawl down your arm!

3. For Your Eyes Only Photoshoot

Do you have a sexy sensual side that you would like to explore? Get ready to celebrate your curves or stunning figure with the “For Your Eyes Only Photoshoot”. Skin smoothing magazine quality photographs will show off your body with confidence and a gorgeous glow. The experience will leave you with a collection of portraits that even you will have trouble resisting yourself looking so sexy!

For Your Eyes Only Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7q8Skyo-34&feature=player_embedded

4. Thai Cookery Course

Sawasdee kha/krab! That’s how women and men greet in Thai; the local language of Thailand. Mr. MadBid loves Thai cuisine, as it is renowned for being fresh and full of natural flavour. Imagine learning from the master in the “Thai Cookery Course”. Afterwards you will be able to cook the delicious dishes using authentic Thai recipes. Som Tom is the delicious spicy green papaya salad that you will often find locals eating from street stalls, and you will have the opportunity to cook it in the comfort of your own home. Impress your family and friends with your newly born culinary skills!

5. Audi R8 Thrill

Envision yourself on a circuit in a race against the clock. You put the pedal to the metal and instantaneously, you’re in an amazing mechanical body, accelerating, your heart is racing and blood is pumping forcefully through your veins and you have never felt more alive. All this awaits you with the “Audi R8 Thrill” experience from Virgin Experience Days. As famous car racer Mario Andretti once said: “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough”.

Vrooooom Vroooom

These are just a few of the crazy adventures you can now bid on with Virgin Experience Days on MadBid.com, but hurry these vouchers are going as fast as the Audi R8 Thrill ride!  These auctions are starting in the coming weeks.. Enjoy!

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Posted in Future Auctions, MadBid News, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Chocolate Trouble

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

After 100 years of fine chocolate making, it seems that Thorntons, MadBid.com’s favourite chocolatiers are now closing up to 180 of their high street stores.  Reading an online news piece left us somewhat bewildered: what happened in order for one of the U.K’s most popular chocolate brands to decide to close its doors on us?

In recession-recovery Britain, many household names and brands have gone under the chop as businesses struggle to generate the revenue they need to be able to keep afloat. This is not new news but old, serving as a reminder that we are still emerging from an economic crisis that has endured for much longer than anticipated. The closure of these shops is somewhat untimely:  well-known clothing chain Jane Norman collapsed this week, while Oddbins recently suffered a loss of 52 shops and now Mothercare is the latest to be affected as it looks to close up to 110 of its stores.

Back in 2008, Woolworths was one of the first big High Street names to be hit by the recession, even after achieving a long successful track record as a retailer when it first opened its doors in Liverpool in 1909. JJB Sports, founded in 1971 by ex-footballer Dave Whelan narrowly avoided administration but has had to close stores. Now in the summer of 2011 as we prepare to take time off work and book last minute holidays, our beloved chocolate company is much more concerned about an economic meltdown than their chocolates melting in the heat..  Worse yet, the closure of its stores is predicted to set the business back £4.2m to £4.8m in sterling.

It may be unfortunate, but it is also far from surprising. Nowadays we are much more likely to favour comfort and convenience by staying within the confines of our homes than to make a trip to the shops, especially with the unpredictable British weather. Online shopping has become a huge market, which many brands have broken into in their attempts to ride the huge tidal wave that is E-commerce. Whether or not Thorntons are seeking to jump solely on this band wagon to pursue their business further is another matter, but the CEO of Thorntons reassures us of the following:

‘Our goal is to refocus the business across all channels and seek to deliver industry competitive returns over the next three to five years.’

Whatever the outcome MadBid will continue to source delicious chocolates for our customers to bid on for every occasion. And while we’re on the subject of delicious check out some of our Gourmet Voucher Restaurant Discount Cards going at amazing deals to treat yourself and a friend to dinner and desert out!

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Posted in Future Auctions, Online Auction News | 2 Comments »