Ned Kelly rides again – to auction

WA’S first Internet auction site has been established by Nedkelly.com.au

The company is a partnership between software developer Mark Bowman and Tony Robertson, a public relations consultant and former media secretary to Premier Richard Court.

Sellers can list their item for free on the site with a set minimum price.

Buyers visiting the website place bids and, at the end of the week the highest bidder wins the item.

Mr Bowman said the company had an advantage over national rivals by focussing on the Perth market and offering a business to consumer section, where new or reconditioned goods were sold by auction or fixed price.

“We believe the future of online auctions lies in servicing local markets,” Mr Bow-man said.

“Dealing locally means you can physically receive cash from the buyer, rather than hoping someone from the other side of the country sends you a cheque.

“Buying locally also eliminates delivery, handling and insurance charges which can be a huge addition to the cost, especially for bulky items.”

Mr Robertson said Nedkelly.com.au takes a maximum commission of 3.5 per cent from the seller.

“We only take a small commission when the item sells, which means it’s free to list and free to look,” Mr Richardson said.

The fixed-price store allowed small retailers the opportunity of selling goods.

Mr Bowman said popular items at online auctions included computers, antiques, sporting memorabilia and collectables.

The Nedkelly.com.au site also sells new books at up to 33 per cent discount.

The company is looking to expand into CDs and other items lending themselves to sale over the Internet.