OZtion claims one-third of Australia's online auction market

Stephen Withers
Monday, 29 September 2008 12:43

Business IT - Networking

OZtion operates an optional '100 point' ID check (eg, passport plus drivers licence) for sellers in order to improve buyers' confidence that they are dealing with dealing with legitimate individuals.

The company also runs a buyer protection scheme that may pay out up to $400 if purchased goods do not arrive.

The maximum value depends on the status of the seller, and ranges from $50 for sellers that have passed the phone verification process to $400 for sellers whose identities have been verified by phone and by Australia Post, and who have received 50 or more satisfied ratings from unique buyers.

But what are people buying on OZtion?

An interesting question. For men DVDs are the most popular; for women, shoulder bags. Overall, it's children's clothing.

Not surprisingly, the busiest time of year is November. Presumably much of that peak in sales activity is aimed at raising some cash for the holiday season, while buyers are looking for Christmas presents.

Last Christmas's most popular item was the iPod, and who would be surprised if it was the same this year?