They swapped a few e-mails and, voila, the old PC had a new home. He had resisted placing a newspaper ad because his schedule couldn't accommodate a lot of extra telephone calls. They are just a couple of the people taking advantage of technology to buy and sell belongings. Most auction items are computer-related because, for now, most online users are frequent computer users. Unlike the traditional auction room, in which bidders sit still save to wave little paddles, signifying a bid, computer bidding is casual and straightforward.
Bidders sign on, register and write in their bids.
Often, auction items may be on the other side of the globe from their potential buyers. Graham chose CityAuction, a service that limited his audience to the San Francisco area, where Karen lives. Andy Rebele founded CityAuction when he couldn't find what he wanted in the newspaper. Auctions can last days or even weeks. At the end, the winner and seller get e-mail notices.