But several agricultural products are heavily regulated, and auction sites dealing in them require a rigorous sign-up scheme. A few e-marketplaces allow sellers to remain anonymous. Companies that are unloading products at a discount seek secrecy so they won't anger their customers that have paid higher prices. Some sites also ''regionalize'' their product listings so that only buyers in certain Zip Codes can see them. Once the offer price and the current bid match, the product is sold.
Buyers post what they are willing to pay.
Sellers then view the postings and decide if they want to meet the desired price. Farming e-marketplaces rarely take possession of products. Instead, they process the transaction and charge a fee, usually paid by the seller. For livestock, the seller is responsible for housing and transportation costs. The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.