Currently in beta testing, the rebuilt Pricebenders auctions is a snazzy, new addition to our lineup.
Pricebenders uses the "reverse auction" model. Here's how it works:
1. To participate in one of the new Pricebenders auctions, you must first
register HERE. Basic registration costs just
a single TCredit, it instantly earns you 10
Rewardicals and takes less than 30 seconds!
2. While registering, you can also select the price you are prepared to pay for the auction item. We call this your Trigger Price. It can be any price you want between $.99 and the MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)—which is the starting price.
3. Once an auction starts, the price of the item begins counting down (from the MSRP). The auction ends when the price hits the Trigger Price of any registered bidder. The auction can also end at any time if a bidder clicks the "Buy Now" button. The winning bidder then receives a link to purchase the item.
Here's what the main screen looks like:
That's the new Pricebenders model in a nutshell. However, there are a few twists that we've added to make it even more fun to participate:
1. Bingo is one of the most popular games in the world.
Now it's time to meet our version of Bingo, which we call Zingo. Here's how Zingo works: Each time you enter a Pricebenders auction, you automatically receive a free Zingo card (see the image above)! Zingo, which is played just like the classic game of Bingo, takes place alongside the auction! So as you're watching the Pricebenders price drops, waiting for your desired price, you can also play a Zingo card! And there are great prizes to be won: For each game, the first person to achieve a Zingo will receive 1000 Rewardicals! And the next 10 will each receive 150 Rewardicals!
3. Want to grab some additional goodies? Check out the
Apex Bidder option. Here's how it works: Each time you register for a Pricebenders auction, you'll have the option to "go Apex." It costs just
one more TCredit (two TCredits total), and comes with:
? 25 instant Rewardicals!
? Auto-Marking for Zingo (can play/win Zingo without having to watch the game)
? Win History (Recent winning prices provided to help you select your Trigger Price)
? A prestigious "Apex Bidder" badge (or upgraded badge if you already have it)
? A "Bender Booster" badge (or upgraded badge if you already have it)
WHERE TO ENTER
You can find and participate in the new Pricebenders via
your Auctions tab at the SFI Affiliate Center.
Sign -up now and join the fun!
IMPORTANT NOTES
This new model for Pricebenders is a BETA TEST ONLY. It may or may not be retained. It's all up to you, our awesome affiliates and new members! Keep in mind that we may test several variations of the various features and attributes to improve it and find the "sweet spot." Note also that, as a beta product, there may minor glitches (we'll get them corrected ASAP if there are any, however).
Q&A
Q: Can I join an Pricebenders auction once it's started?
So long as the auction is still going, yes, you can enter at any time.
Q: Where do I register/enter to experience the new Pricebenders?
Q: So the price of the item being auctioned starts at one price and then decreases over time?
Yes, the price starts at the MSRP for that item and then will drop cent by cent until it reaches someone's registered Trigger Price OR someone clicks the Buy Now button (any registered bidder can click the Buy Now button at ANY time and claim the win).
Q: Is there a significant reason to enter an auction as soon as you can?
Yes, if you don't enter fairly soon after an auction starts, you may miss out on the opportunity to win Zingo. That said, you are allowed to "catch up." That is, all Zingo numbers called prior to your entering the auction will be highlighted so you can get caught up with just a few quick clicks. You could actually have a winning card just waiting for you to shout "Zingo!" and claim the win.
Q: How many people can win the item being auctioned?
There is one winner of the item being auctioned per auction.
Q: So if I register and it reaches my Trigger Price, I have to buy the item?
Yes, but keep in mind that you can enter any Trigger Price you want, as little as $.99 (99 cents). So feel free to enter a low price...and if you win, what a great deal you will have won!
Q: Will Pricebenders auctions have win limits?
Yes, but they have yet to be determined.
Q: How long will Pricebenders auctions last?
This has not yet been determined yet during beta testing. However, we expect some auctions to start and finish in 30 minutes or less, perhaps even faster.
Q: Can anyone bid, including my Personally Referred Members (PRMs)?
Right now, we are beta testing only and bidding is
limited to SFI affiliates. Should the new Pricebenders be well received, we will expand access to ALL Zing Network members quickly.
Q: How many auctions will there be a day?
For right now, we're offering just one auction at a time, with a new one starting each time one ends. If they are moving really quickly, we'll look at having more than one auction going at once. If they continue to grow, it's "off to the races" we'll go and we could have many auctions going at once, 24 hours a day!
Q: When does an auction actually start and the price start counting down?
The new Pricebenders auctions start immediately when the first bidder registers (or shortly thereafter).
Q: Are there marketing materials available for the new Pricebenders yet?
Not yet. However, if/when Pricebenders successfully comes out of beta testing, we will definitely make marketing materials available.
Q: Will we know in advance what items are going to be auctioned?
We are working on that feature that will allow you to automatically enter multiple auctions of your choice in advance.
Q: Does Zingo work just like the classic game of Bingo?
Yes, numbers are called at random. If the number is on your card, "mark" it, by clicking on that square. Get five marks in a row (in any direction) and you win (must be one of the first 11).
Q: What if two or more people get their Zingo winning number called at the same time?
The person who marks their card first will be the winner.
Q: What happens if the Zingo game is already started when I enter the auction?
A: Assuming not all wins have been claimed already, you will be able to catch up quickly by simply clicking the squares of numbers that have already been called (which will be indicated for you on your card).
Q: What if I enter an auction and the Zingo game is already over?
You won't be able to win Zingo in this case, but you can still win the
AUCTION!
