An increasing number of internet users are finding out the benefits of travel auction bidding. As with the travel search engines that came before them, bid to win travel auction sites, particularly those following a penny bid auction model, offer users the opportunity to enjoy reduced-price travel, sometimes at what can only be described as ridiculously discounted prices. To offer those new to this particular online phenomenon, let us take a step by step look at travel auction bidding, according to the penny bid model.
Getting started: what to do before travel auction bidding
As with traditional internet auctions, penny bid auctions (the form of travel auction bidding we are looking at) require any potential bidders to register with the site. This is ordinarily a straightforward enough task; the user enters personal details (name, address) as well as online details (username, password) and agrees to the site’s terms and conditions … after reading them!
It is vital that anybody thinking of using a travel auction bidding site reads these conditions carefully. Whilst there are legitimate websites within this niche market, other sites can be less reputable. One such agreement to look out for is that of a registration fee. Many sites ask for this, or a monthly subscription fee. The user should decide if this fee is appropriate and acceptable, particular as there are a range of reputable sites that do not charge this ‘joining fee.’
Penny bid auction sites require users to pay each time they make a bid. Such payment is ordinarily made by purchasing bidding credits in advance. Credits are more often than not sold in packs (of varying quantities). Therefore, users should ensure they have purchased a credit pack or packs prior to travel auction bidding.
Things to remember during travel auction bidding
Unlike other internet auction sites, such as eBay, the penny bidding model requires bidders to pay to bid. In many cases this payment is not refunded. It is vital then that any user keeps track of how much they have spent whilst bidding. Auctions can be exciting which means they can affect individuals in a manner similar to that of gambling.
Therefore, users should also consider how much they are willing to spend during the auction, remembering that travel auction bidding offers the opportunity to walk away with nothing at the end of the auction.
There are known instances where a travel auction bidding site rewards those that bid by offering a deduction (to the worth of their bidding) against items offered in non-auction sections of the site. For example, somebody bidding 10 times on one item that does not win the auction can deduct the cost of bidding from a discounted item in the travel booking section of the site.
Travel auction bidding is often more successful towards the end of a listing for two reasons. Firstly, it limits the number of times that a person is likely to bid. Joining towards the end of an item’s listing gives a closer idea of what the item will finally cost. Secondly, many penny auction style sites add addition time when an additional bid is placed, particularly close to the end of the auction. This allows all users to see the most recent bid and counter it if they wish.
Successful travel auction bidding and what to do next
The required action following a successful case of travel auction bidding depends on the item that has been won and the individual requirements of the site itself. Generally, payment is to be made first, normally by credit card or in some cases online payment methods, such as Paypal.
Smaller items, such as gift cards, accessories and luggage, will be sent to the registered address, whilst the likes of flights, hotels or cruises need to be booked at a later date. For example, successful travel auction bidding that has resulted in a user being awarded a discount cruise means that the user must access the website’s vacation booking section, or that of its affiliate. Dates must be selected for the cruise and, depending on the auctioned item, the location may also be chosen.
There will be limitations to the auction prize. Most notably, there is likely to be a time limit as to when it can be used, or when it must be used by. Keeping these in mind, those that are successful in their travel auction bidding are sure to enjoy an exciting, not to mention cost-effective, vacation.