Telecom New Zealand and Trademe Introduce On-line Auctions Bid With Mobile Phones

Members of New Zealand auction site Trade Me will never miss an auction again following the introduction of the new text alert and bidding service.

Trade Me members can receive auction alerts on their mobile phones, while bidders will be able to receive watch list alerts on live auctions and make text bids on their mobiles.

The mobile service will allow people to bid at the close of an auction while still getting on with their busy lives, said Telecom General Manager Consumer Marketing Kevin Bowler.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer this service to our customers as it’s yet another way the convergence of mobile and internet technology can make life easier,” Kevin Bowler said.

Trade Me General Manager Sam Morgan believes the service is likely to find favour with the 18-35s.

“The feedback from our community indicated that younger people on the move were often unable to bid at close times. Text alerts and phone bidding gives mobile users the ability to bid anywhere, anytime.

Trade Me members can register to receive status updates and bid on up to 20 live auctions from their mobile at one time. Receiving text alerts and making text bids will each cost 20 cents and confirmation texts are free.