FAQs
General FAQ
- What is the definition of a Dutch Auction?
- Is Hobby-bid really free?
- Why don't I see a category for my item?
- What features does Hobby-Bid offer?
- How do I upload photos to my Hobby-Bid auction?
- Who can I contact?
- What is your policy on 'recasts'?
- Can I leave feedback for a buyer/seller?
- What is your policy on copyright infringement?
What is the definition of a Dutch Auction?
Dutch Auctions are a format for selling multiples of the same item. Bidders can bid as much as they are willing to pay for as many of the available items they want.
Winners are determined through a combination of the high bids and the available number of items.
Here's an example of how it works: Seller has 10 widgets and wants to sell with an opening/lowest price is $5. Bidder 1 bids for 3 of them at a price of $25 Bidder 2 bids for 4 of them at a price of $15 Bidder 3 bids on 4 of them at a price of $15.75 - Bidder 3 is forced to bid at least another increment higher, in this case, $15.75.
So the lowest bid in the dutch auctions raises the new minimum bid. Bidder 4 bids on 4 items at a price of $10.
Here's how the winners pan out: Bidder 1 gets his 3 and pays $25 each Bidder 2 gets his 4 for $15.00 each Bidder 3 gets 3 of his 4 bid on (10 limit reached) for $15.75 each.
Bidder 4 gets nothing since his bid wasn't high enough to compete for the 10 available items.
With Dutch auctions, the system will not bid up for you ("proxy bidding") and what you bid IS your bid.
Is Hobby-bid really free?
Yes, Hobby-Bid is currently free for both buyers and sellers.
The main goal for the site right now is to begin building a community and the best way to do that is to make it inexpensive and accessible.
In addition, Hobby-Bid and the underlying open-source software (WeBid) are still under development. There are a few features, such as online shipping and PayPal payments, which are commonplace in larger auction sites but have yet to be fully implemented in Hobby-Bid.
Those features will be part of a major upgrade to the site this Fall.
Once that has taken place, and once the site has managed to see some significant growth, we may revisit the possibility of implementing a minimal fee system to help cover operating costs such as web hosting.
Why don't I see a category for my item?
Hobby-Bid was designed specifically to cater to hobbyists and collectors, so not all items are appropriate for our site.
Also, the category list was deliberately left very broad, at least while the site is growing.
Utilizing sub-categories looks out of place when there may only be one or two items that fall into a specific niche - and it doesn't make it easier for buyers either.
However we are definitely open to adding additional categories and sub categories as needed. If you have a suggestion for a new category, email us at info@hobby-bid.com
What features does Hobby-Bid offer?
Hobby-Bid actually has a great list of features, including some things even the "big guy" doesn't offer.
Auction features include:
- Dutch Auction
- Buy It Now
- Image Gallery (upload up to 5 images for FREE)
- Proxy Bidding
- Extended Auction Durations (up to a month!)
- Hobby-Bid Message Board
- Automatic Auction Extension (to prevent "sniping")
Future Hobby-Bid features include PayPal integration, shipping calculator, etc.
How do I upload photos to my Hobby-Bid auction?
When you list an item, Hobby-Bid allows you to upload up to 5 photos to the image gallery - however photos can't have a file size bigger than 100k.
If you don't have photo editing software to re-size your photos, you can download Paint.NET for free by going HERE.
Alternately, you can host your photos with a free service like Flickr or Photobucket, and then link to them in your listing. (After you've uploaded the photo, copy the link. Then, go to your auction listing description and click on the photo button.)
Who can I contact?
On several FAQs I mention "we" at Hobby-Bid. In some cases I'm referring to myself and the fine folks working on the Webid project - but in reality, Hobby-Bid is pretty much a one-man-show.
If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns, you can direct them to me at info@hobby-bid.com
I will always try to respond as quickly as I can (just bear in mind that I have a full-time job, freelance work, wife, kids, dogs and so on.)
Thanks,
David Pruett
Hobby-Bid What is your policy on 'recasts'?
Recasts are illicit copies, cast from existing model kits, rather than from an original sculpture, and without the consent or compensation of the original kit producer. Auctions containing obvious recasts will immediately be taken down and a notice will be sent to the seller. Three such notices sent to the same seller will result in a permanent account suspension. It's not always easy to positively identify a recast, so Hobby-Bid will be relying on our member network to report illicit kits. If you discover a recast of your work on Hobby-Bid, please report it as soon as possible at abuse@hobby-bid.com Can I leave feedback for a buyer/seller?
You can leave feedback for a buyer or seller after an auction has closed. The feedback at Hobby-Bid is a simple positive/negative/neutral system. A feedback score is calculated on a percentage basis - for instance, five out of five positive feedback ratings equals an overall rating of 100%. To see your own feedback, or leave feedback for others, login and click on My Hobby-Bid in the main menu, then click on the My Account tab. Remember, members should do everything they can to resolve an issue before leaving negative feedback. What is your policy on copyright infringement?
Hobby-Bid is essentially an open marketplace, and it is up to individual sellers to insure that items they are listing do not violate copyright law. Hobby-Bid is obligated to comply with US Copyright law and may remove auctions in violation of copyright at the request of affected intellectual property owners.
Dutch Auctions are a format for selling multiples of the same item. Bidders can bid as much as they are willing to pay for as many of the available items they want.
Winners are determined through a combination of the high bids and the available number of items.
Here's an example of how it works: Seller has 10 widgets and wants to sell with an opening/lowest price is $5. Bidder 1 bids for 3 of them at a price of $25 Bidder 2 bids for 4 of them at a price of $15 Bidder 3 bids on 4 of them at a price of $15.75 - Bidder 3 is forced to bid at least another increment higher, in this case, $15.75.
So the lowest bid in the dutch auctions raises the new minimum bid. Bidder 4 bids on 4 items at a price of $10.
Here's how the winners pan out: Bidder 1 gets his 3 and pays $25 each Bidder 2 gets his 4 for $15.00 each Bidder 3 gets 3 of his 4 bid on (10 limit reached) for $15.75 each.
Bidder 4 gets nothing since his bid wasn't high enough to compete for the 10 available items.
With Dutch auctions, the system will not bid up for you ("proxy bidding") and what you bid IS your bid.
Is Hobby-bid really free?
Yes, Hobby-Bid is currently free for both buyers and sellers.
The main goal for the site right now is to begin building a community and the best way to do that is to make it inexpensive and accessible.
In addition, Hobby-Bid and the underlying open-source software (WeBid) are still under development. There are a few features, such as online shipping and PayPal payments, which are commonplace in larger auction sites but have yet to be fully implemented in Hobby-Bid.
Those features will be part of a major upgrade to the site this Fall.
Once that has taken place, and once the site has managed to see some significant growth, we may revisit the possibility of implementing a minimal fee system to help cover operating costs such as web hosting.
Why don't I see a category for my item?
Hobby-Bid was designed specifically to cater to hobbyists and collectors, so not all items are appropriate for our site.
Also, the category list was deliberately left very broad, at least while the site is growing.
Utilizing sub-categories looks out of place when there may only be one or two items that fall into a specific niche - and it doesn't make it easier for buyers either.
However we are definitely open to adding additional categories and sub categories as needed. If you have a suggestion for a new category, email us at info@hobby-bid.com
What features does Hobby-Bid offer?
Hobby-Bid actually has a great list of features, including some things even the "big guy" doesn't offer.
Auction features include:
- Dutch Auction
- Buy It Now
- Image Gallery (upload up to 5 images for FREE)
- Proxy Bidding
- Extended Auction Durations (up to a month!)
- Hobby-Bid Message Board
- Automatic Auction Extension (to prevent "sniping")
Future Hobby-Bid features include PayPal integration, shipping calculator, etc.
How do I upload photos to my Hobby-Bid auction?
When you list an item, Hobby-Bid allows you to upload up to 5 photos to the image gallery - however photos can't have a file size bigger than 100k.
If you don't have photo editing software to re-size your photos, you can download Paint.NET for free by going HERE.
Alternately, you can host your photos with a free service like Flickr or Photobucket, and then link to them in your listing. (After you've uploaded the photo, copy the link. Then, go to your auction listing description and click on the photo button.)
Who can I contact?
On several FAQs I mention "we" at Hobby-Bid. In some cases I'm referring to myself and the fine folks working on the Webid project - but in reality, Hobby-Bid is pretty much a one-man-show.
If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns, you can direct them to me at info@hobby-bid.com
I will always try to respond as quickly as I can (just bear in mind that I have a full-time job, freelance work, wife, kids, dogs and so on.)
Thanks,
David Pruett
Hobby-Bid What is your policy on 'recasts'?
Recasts are illicit copies, cast from existing model kits, rather than from an original sculpture, and without the consent or compensation of the original kit producer. Auctions containing obvious recasts will immediately be taken down and a notice will be sent to the seller. Three such notices sent to the same seller will result in a permanent account suspension. It's not always easy to positively identify a recast, so Hobby-Bid will be relying on our member network to report illicit kits. If you discover a recast of your work on Hobby-Bid, please report it as soon as possible at abuse@hobby-bid.com Can I leave feedback for a buyer/seller?
You can leave feedback for a buyer or seller after an auction has closed. The feedback at Hobby-Bid is a simple positive/negative/neutral system. A feedback score is calculated on a percentage basis - for instance, five out of five positive feedback ratings equals an overall rating of 100%. To see your own feedback, or leave feedback for others, login and click on My Hobby-Bid in the main menu, then click on the My Account tab. Remember, members should do everything they can to resolve an issue before leaving negative feedback. What is your policy on copyright infringement?
Hobby-Bid is essentially an open marketplace, and it is up to individual sellers to insure that items they are listing do not violate copyright law. Hobby-Bid is obligated to comply with US Copyright law and may remove auctions in violation of copyright at the request of affected intellectual property owners.