Ballbids.com

Anybody else seen this? It just popped up on my facebook homepage. It looks like it's one of those 1-penny-at-a-time bidding websites, but for ball pythons. I feel like it's a leeeetle sketchy. Where are the snakes coming from? Interestingly enough, there have been no winners yet and there isn't any customer feedback.

Either I don't like it because it's a serious market crasher, or I don't like it because it's false advertising and a scam/rip-off.

http://www.facebook.com/BallBids?sk=app_190322544333196

Just saw that on kingsnake and I just registered to check it out..

It's not really 1 cent each bid.. you have to buy bids and theyre about 55 cents each.

Those penny bids are a scam. One person get a good deal, and everyone else loses a little money. In the end the seller gets way overpaid. I saw some consumer report about them, and basically they would end up taking in something like $3000 for a $499 iPad.

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Originally Posted by ReptilesK2

Just saw that on kingsnake and I just registered to check it out..

It's not really 1 cent each bid.. you have to buy bids and theyre about 55 cents each.

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Yeah, I was intrigued by the prospect of a free fire ball, but I'm not too sure I even want it unless I know who the breeder was. :/ I feel like these bidding websites would be more popular if they were real. Nobody would pass it up if it was actually possible to get a TV for like $10, like the ads say.

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Originally Posted by Andrew00

Those penny bids are a scam. One person get a good deal, and everyone else loses a little money. In the end the seller gets way overpaid. I saw some consumer report about them, and basically they would end up taking in something like $3000 for a $499 iPad.

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Makes sense. So it's essentially a lottery? I'd love to know who is running the site. I wanna do a BOI.

Theres a post about it on google+ I can't link from my phone but will when I get home

sent from my EVO

i registered to just to see, the person who owns it claims the fire is from constrictors unlimited, buttttttt, i dnt know :/ seems a bit phishy.

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Originally Posted by Jasonx

i registered to just to see, the person who owns it claims the fire is from constrictors unlimited, buttttttt, i dnt know :/ seems a bit phishy.

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I, too, had this pop up on my facebook today. Maybe someone who knows someone at Constrictors Unlimited could contact them and ask about the legitimacy of their claims? If the snakes are not coming from there, Constrictors Unlimited may want to take action to disassociate themselves with this company.

I've heard that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This may very well be the case here.

I think it looks like a scam as well, but then again I think gambling and the lottery are scams too. I mean, the auction isn't a scam if you win, but it makes you think you are only spending a penny on the animal, when you actually paid $.55 for each bid you placed. The only smart way to go about it would be to wait till the very last second to bid, anyone bidding from the start is just wasting bids/money.

Raphael seems to think it's legit...
http://www.facebook.com/MAballs.net/...36939526371484

The owner of the site is commenting there too.

I saw it on my facebook page to i just ignored it probaly a scam

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Originally Posted by Andrew00

Those penny bids are a scam. One person get a good deal, and everyone else loses a little money. In the end the seller gets way overpaid. I saw some consumer report about them, and basically they would end up taking in something like $3000 for a $499 iPad.

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I've also heard of penny bid sites having bots that bid and win the bids so that they can keep the item and repost it. They make their money off the bids you buy. Not saying this site is like that because I don't know.

It is interesting to read all of Zack's responses. People are flat out calling it a scam and pointing out how much the site gets for selling the animal at auction. The way I see it is that it's sort of like one of those pyramid scams. Some people make it to the top while others stay at the bottom and spend a lot of money trying to sell the product.

it looks pretty new - i think the first snake sells tomorrow night - its not for me buy there are some major breeders and players in the business who are checking it out

I don't think it's a scam, I actually think it's genius. If these snakes are really given away, how is it a scam? A scam is someone who robs you of your money by pretending to offer something you want. If you read the FAQ and how it works you fully understand everything. I can't guarantee that a lot of those auctions won't make it to retial price and that not even the buyer will spend that in bidding points. If you setup a system to know exactly how much you're spending each bid, you can come out winning.

And props to the guy who's doing it all. While the bidder may end up paying $5.35 for a snake, he made .55 x 535. Whose fault is that? The bidders. Nothing illegal there. So if you're going to get all pissy for paying $5.35 for a snake while the guy giving it to you made approx $270 off everyone bidding, then you're just a hater for not thinking of it first. Because I'll tell you what, if I would have thought of this first, I would have done it too.

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Originally Posted by babyknees

I've also heard of penny bid sites having bots that bid and win the bids so that they can keep the item and repost it. They make their money off the bids you buy. Not saying this site is like that because I don't know.

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Oh man that is scary to think about! Like you said, not necessarily with this site, but with any auction site like that!

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

I don't think it's a scam, I actually think it's genius. If these snakes are really given away, how is it a scam? A scam is someone who robs you of your money by pretending to offer something you want. If you read the FAQ and how it works you fully understand everything. I can't guarantee that a lot of those auctions won't make it to retial price and that not even the buyer will spend that in bidding points. If you setup a system to know exactly how much you're spending each bid, you can come out winning.

And props to the guy who's doing it all. While the bidder may end up paying $5.35 for a snake, he made .55 x 535. Whose fault is that? The bidders. Nothing illegal there. So if you're going to get all pissy for paying $5.35 for a snake while the guy giving it to you made approx $270 off everyone bidding, then you're just a hater for not thinking of it first. Because I'll tell you what, if I would have thought of this first, I would have done it too.

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Good point, that's why you shouldn't start bidding until the end! If people blow their money in the beginning then that's on them. I understand the concept.

I actually see where this makes a ton of sense for the auction holder.

Face it, no one is going to bat an eyelash at paying $6.36 for a female butter ball python. That is an unbelievable bargain. BUT if the bid goes up to that $6.36, the auction holder just made the $350 that snake retails for. It's brilliant in it's own way.

I'll probably register there eventually. I wouldn't bid until the last moment, but how is that any different than Ebay ? Makes me wish I could do this with some of my snakes I've been trying to sell.

Gale

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Originally Posted by angllady2

.... I wouldn't bid until the last moment, but how is that any different than Ebay ?

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As a buyer on eBay, you're not paying just to place a bid. On this, you pay to bid, even if you don't win... Think about how much money you could end up spending in bids, only to be outbid every single time. How many times and how much money before you start to think it's a scam? Sure it's like playing the lottery and as long as it's run by "honest" people (no friends buying the snakes and reselling, etc...) I don't see anything illegal about it. Is it ethical? Questionable at best IMO...

This is nothing new and it's not genius... http://onlinescamwebsites.com/how-do...auctions-work/

Hello everyone, Zack from ballbids.com here


I saw a lot of you where skeptical about our new site and let me tell you, I do not blame you. This is brand new to the reptile industry and being that said I expected many people to be skeptical at first. Also, it does not help that other penny auction websites have scammed people. Tho any business has the ability to scam you. Many of them do use robot auto bidders as well. That's usually why they get into big trouble. We do not. If we take a loss then we take a loss. All of the snakes are from constrictors unlimited except the fire girl. She is my own. Just wanted to promote my business a little and give back something to the community that I have been in for a good while now. Which brings me to my next thing. I am a ball python breeder, I would not ruin my reputation just to make a quick buck. I love this industry to much to be thrown out of it :)

So in conclusion, I just wanted to say that I hope you can keep an open mind about this as well as see that I am not hiding my identity. There is nothing shady about what we are doing. I hope to see you all over here at ballbids.
Thanks again and if there are any questions I have left unanswered please do not hesitate to ask.


http://www.ballbids.com/

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Originally Posted by zackballbids

Hello everyone, Zack from ballbids.com here


I saw a lot of you where skeptical about our new site and let me tell you, I do not blame you. This is brand new to the reptile industry and being that said I expected many people to be skeptical at first. Also, it does not help that other penny auction websites have scammed people. Tho any business has the ability to scam you. Many of them do use robot auto bidders as well. That's usually why they get into big trouble. We do not. If we take a loss then we take a loss. All of the snakes are from constrictors unlimited except the fire girl. She is my own. Just wanted to promote my business a little and give back something to the community that I have been in for a good while now. Which brings me to my next thing. I am a ball python breeder, I would not ruin my reputation just to make a quick buck. I love this industry to much to be thrown out of it :)

So in conclusion, I just wanted to say that I hope you can keep an open mind about this as well as see that I am not hiding my identity. There is nothing shady about what we are doing. I hope to see you all over here at ballbids.
Thanks again and if there are any questions I have left unanswered please do not hesitate to ask.


http://www.ballbids.com/

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Penny auctions are well known scams that have been popping up (and disappearing) for years now. How is yours any different?

ahhhh I was just going to post about this!

And why not just create a normal auction site? Highest bidder gets the prize, you get your cut, the seller sells his animals..everyone's happy. :confused:

Anyone who falls for this is a sucker...

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Originally Posted by sho220

Penny auctions are well known scams that have been popping up (and disappearing) for years now. How is yours any different?

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Because you actually win the snake...... It's not that hard to understand.

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

Because you actually win the snake...... It's not that hard to understand.

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Have fun and best of luck!!! :rolleye2:

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Originally Posted by sho220

And why not just create a normal auction site? Highest bidder gets the prize, you get your cut, the seller sells his animals..everyone's happy. :confused:

Anyone who falls for this is a sucker...

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We did not want to be the same as everything else. It is new and exciting. It allows people to come home from work, kick back, and enjoy some fun. How am I different. Many of the names that you trust in this industry would gladly vouch for me. I wanted something to fill a void. This is that filler. If you think its shady then I understand. Hope you join us soon. After a snake is won I think people will calm down about it being a scam.

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Originally Posted by zackballbids

We did not want to be the same as everything else. It is new and exciting. It allows people to come home from work, kick back, and enjoy some fun. How am I different. Many of the names that you trust in this industry would gladly vouch for me. I wanted something to fill a void. This is that filler. If you think its shady then I understand. Hope you join us soon. After a snake is won I think people will calm down about it being a scam.

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What happens when someone buys a bunch of bids and then doesn't win? Do they lose that money?

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Originally Posted by zackballbids

We did not want to be the same as everything else.

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Well...you're about 20 years late then. Again, this is nothing new... :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by sho220

Well...you're about 20 years late then. Again, this is nothing new... :rolleyes:

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It is not new if you apply it to every industry but new to this industry. A main difference in this site opposed to others is that people will be able to pick up something from the rewards store with there rewards points. Unlike any other penny auction we give back 5 percent of each purchase. That is more then credit cards...and there is no limit. What we have done is created something that can clean up all the excess snakes that people would normally sit on when not sold, and giving it back to the community. Best of all we buy them outright. This act will circulate the industry and stimulate growth to people who wouldn't even consider buying a morph. It truly is a win win. The only catch is that we only do top quality and known lineage. So tell me, if you got a morph for 95 percent off and paid 30 dollars to get it you would not be happy? I know I would:-)

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Originally Posted by zackballbids

It is not new if you apply it to every industry but new to this industry. A main difference in this site opposed to others is that people will be able to pick up something from the rewards store with there rewards points. Unlike any other penny auction we give back 5 percent of each purchase. That is more then credit cards...and there is no limit. What we have done is created something that can clean up all the excess snakes that people would normally sit on when not sold, and giving it back to the community. Best of all we buy them outright. This act will circulate the industry and stimulate growth to people who wouldn't even consider buying a morph. It truly is a win win. The only catch is that we only do top quality and known lineage. So tell me, if you got a morph for 95 percent off and paid 30 dollars to get it you would not be happy? I know I would:-)

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If someone buys bids and doesn't win, do they lose that money?

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Originally Posted by sho220

What happens when someone buys a bunch of bids and then doesn't win? Do they lose that money?

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Yes they do, but it's a chance you have to take... If this doesn't appeal to you, it's ok I'm sure he didn't create this with your approval in mind. I'm sure that there is an equal number of people of who don't like it as those who will participate. As long as Zack gets w.e it is he wants out of it, and everything he states is honest, then it worked.

Unfortunately I'm no big money baller, so I can't invest too much into points. Taking that into consideration I will use my points wisely and I COMPLETELY understand that I could very easily spend $100 in points and not win and I'm ok with that, because if I do win, I just saved probably hundreds of dollars on a morph I probably couldn't normally buy.

If people take what I just said into account, and play it smart, then no one should get upset (considering the winners are real people are aren't associated with the company) if they lose. I can bet money they'd be damn happy if they won. All in all it's a win-win situation if everything goes over smoothly. The winner got a snake for cheap, and the site made its money.

So for those of you bashing it, grow up. No one said you have to like it nor support it. And I'm not saying to not give your opinion on how you don't like its setup, or the fact that you don't like that the site is making money. That's fine, but all the stupid comments claiming it's a scam when the first auction hasn't even ended need to stop. You guys are ruining something that someone took their time to setup. No one is pointing a gun at your head and saying you NEED to join and bid. So if you don't like the idea of it, there's a very simple solution, don't participate.

As for those of you who are participating, don't bid too much on that female Butter, I want her lol :rolleye2::rolleye2:

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

Yes they do, but it's a chance you have to take... If this doesn't appeal to you, it's ok I'm sure he didn't create this with your approval in mind. I'm sure that for there is an equal number of people of who don't like it as those who will participate. As long as Zack gets w.e it is he wants out of it, then it worked.

Unfortunately I'm no big money baller, so I can't invest too much into points. Taking that into consideration I will use my points wisely and I COMPLETELY understand that I could very easily spend $100 in points and not win and I'm ok with that, because if I do win, I just saved probably hundreds of dollars on a morph I probably couldn't normally buy.

If people take what I just said into account, and play it smart, then no one should get upset (considering the winners are real people are aren't associated with the company) if they lose. I can bet money they'd be damn happy if they won. All in all it's a win-win situation of everything goes over smoothly. The winner got a snake for cheap, and the site made its money.

So for those of you bashing it, grow up. No one said you have to like it nor support it. And I'm not saying to not give your opinion on how you don't like its setup, or the fact that you don't like that the site is making money. That's fine, but all the stupid comments claiming it's a scam when the first auction hasn't even ended need to stop. You guys are ruining something that someone took their time to setup. No one is pointing a gun at your head and saying you NEED to join and bid. So if you don't like the idea of it, there's a very simple solution, don't participate.

As for those of you who are participating, don't bid too much on that female Butter, I want her lol :rolleye2::rolleye2:

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If the first auction hasn't even ended yet, how come they already have banner ads on fauna claiming a bunch of snake were sold for a couple dollars?

A sucker is born every minute...

p.s. why are you answering for the site owner? You have any connection?

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Originally Posted by sho220

If the first auction hasn't even ended yet, how come they already have banner ads on fauna claiming a bunch of snake were sold for a couple dollars?

A sucker is born every minute...

p.s. why are you answering for the site owner? You have any connection?

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As for the ad, which I haven't seen, you'd obviously need to ask the site owner.

"A sucker is born every minute..." What time were you born then?

Lastly I have actually no connections to the owner or site what so ever. I get a request on FB just yesterday like most of you probably, signed up today, and saw the first advertisements for it today. I have actually emailed whoever runs the site regarding the sweepstake. If you want I'll PM them to you if you REALLY want me to prove that there is no connection between us. The reason I am responding is because people like you bother me. You're a negative nancy, a debbie downer, someone who rains on other people's parades. Here you are pretty much hating on the fact that the owner could make a nice chunk of change for these auctions. Your negative comments can turn people away from trying it, even if those aren't your intentions.

It seems to me that you're mad because 1) people will lose money (but you should know that before bidding) 2) This guy is going to make a nice profit... Hope you're not a business owner, because if you are, that mind set of yours probably holds you back from potential profits.

Business is business and as long as it's honest upfront, then what do you care if the business owner is making millions over other people in the same field?

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

Your negative comments can turn people away from trying it

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I doubt it. Seems your the only person left on the planet that doesn't know this is a scam.

And I'm not mad about anything. I just don't want to see my fellow bp folks get screwed...

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Originally Posted by sho220

If the first auction hasn't even ended yet, how come they already have banner ads on fauna claiming a bunch of snake were sold for a couple dollars?

A sucker is born every minute...

p.s. why are you answering for the site owner? You have any connection?

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Banner ads are made to create attention. They did there job very well today. It just shows people that this site is different in the sense that you could win a snake for less then ever before. We have made it a point to be very open and truthful about everything we have done as we want people to know who we are and not just our company logo. And no, me and the other user posting in our favor has no affiliation. But I do think he has a lot of good points. I always welcome people to join us anytime they want. But for now, I see no reason to bash us. The best thing you can do now is to be cautious, watch from a distance, and wait it out until you start to hear good things from the community.

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Originally Posted by sho220

I doubt it. Seems your the only person left on the planet that doesn't know this is a scam.

And I'm not mad about anything. I just don't want to see my fellow bp folks get screwed...

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Do you gamble? If so, how is that not a scam compared to this?

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Originally Posted by zackballbids

We have made it a point to be very open and truthful about everything we have done

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By creating untruthful and misleading banner ads? I'm confused. :confused:

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

Do you gamble? If so, how is that not a scam compared to this?

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Nope. From what I understand, casino's aren't in the business to give away money, and I get no satisfaction from trying to beat them at their own game.

its sooo easy to beat the system, there is ZERO reason to bid on it at all until the last seconds of the auction..... once people realize this, the site will go like the rest of the penny auction sites.

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Originally Posted by sho220

Nope. From what I understand, casino's aren't in the business to give away money, and I get no satisfaction from trying to beat them at their own game.

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Lol same concept... You go to a casino, you spend some $, you win and make $$$$$ back, the casino makes $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

or.. You lose it all, but the casino still makes $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

You bid here using $, you win a snake worth $$$$$, he makes $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

or.... You lose the auction, but he still makes $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.


You're right this isn't just fair, maybe we should right to Congress to see if they shut down every casino across the U.S. so that people don't lost money, maybe then your mood will lighten :rolleyes:.

Either way, I'm done going back and forth. If you still dislike it that much, then sorry to hear that. For those of us who are willing to spend a little and see how it goes, good luck to all of you.

And to Zack @ Ballbids, I hope this site turns out to be what you claim it is. I hope there are real winners and that they do actually receive those snakes. I have no doubt so far. Good luck:gj::gj:

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Originally Posted by SlitherinSisters

The only smart way to go about it would be to wait till the very last second to bid, anyone bidding from the start is just wasting bids/money.

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That only works on legit auction sites.

from ballbids terms and conditions...

"Each new bid placed resets the "countdown timer" which displays the time remaining in the auction. The clock will reset to 15 seconds on any bid placed on 01 to 14 seconds."

No last second bids there! :) Genius!!!

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Originally Posted by sho220

That only works on legit auction sites.

from ballbids terms and conditions...

"Each new bid placed resets the "countdown timer" which displays the time remaining in the auction. The clock will reset to 15 seconds on any bid placed on 01 to 14 seconds."

No last second bids there! :) Genius!!!

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i missed that lol, well guess ill just stay clear of the site then

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Originally Posted by that_dc5

Lol same concept... You go to a casino, you spend some $, you win and make $$$$$ back, the casino makes $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

or.. You lose it all, but the casino still makes $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

You bid here using $, you win a snake worth $$$$$, he makes $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

or.... You lose the auction, but he still makes $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.


You're right this isn't just fair, maybe we should right to Congress to see if they shut down every casino across the U.S. so that people don't lost money, maybe then your mood will lighten :rolleyes:.

Either way, I'm done going back and forth. If you still dislike it that much, then sorry to hear that. For those of us who are willing to spend a little and see how it goes, good luck to all of you.

And to Zack @ Ballbids, I hope this site turns out to be what you claim it is. I hope there are real winners and that they do actually receive those snakes. I have no doubt so far. Good luck:gj::gj:

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LOL...no kidding. They're both designed to empty your pockets. Every once in a while they'll throw someone a bone to keep the suckers coming...

and what's with the "you you you" stuff. I said I don't gamble. :)

Aaand its a female fire? yeah right

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Originally Posted by sho220

If the first auction hasn't even ended yet, how come they already have banner ads on fauna claiming a bunch of snake were sold for a couple dollars?

A sucker is born every minute...

p.s. why are you answering for the site owner? You have any connection?

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Originally Posted by zackballbids

Banner ads are made to create attention. They did there job very well today. It just shows people that this site is different in the sense that you could win a snake for less then ever before. We have made it a point to be very open and truthful about everything we have done as we want people to know who we are and not just our company logo. And no, me and the other user posting in our favor has no affiliation. But I do think he has a lot of good points. I always welcome people to join us anytime they want. But for now, I see no reason to bash us. The best thing you can do now is to be cautious, watch from a distance, and wait it out until you start to hear good things from the community.

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To zachballbids, how can you say "we have made it a point to be very open and truthful about everything we have done" when ads say you have sold snakes for a couple dollars, but the first action hadn't ended?:confused:

Hi everyone!

My name is Avi Cohen, and I'm Zack's business partner and Co-owner of BallBids.com. I'd like to put myself out there in case anyone has any other questions or uncertainties.

I'd just like to mention that our website's auction model is not for everyone, and we expected a certain level of criticism during our first few weeks. As with any penny auction website, BallBids.com is not for those who can't afford to lose, and should be used in moderation.

What differentiates us from the typical penny auction website is the fact that we give back 5% of the value of all purchases in the form of Reward Points, which can be redeemed for other prizes in our Reward Store (The selection is slim now, but it will be developed shortly).

As for the timer resetting to 15 seconds, there is a certain level of uncertainty that comes with the system being set up this way (Which is necessary). If it weren't for this system, sniper bidders would dominate our website, leaving only a handful of winners. Instead, all bidders need to gauge whether or not competing bidders will give in sooner rather than later, which creates that necessary uncertainty and prevents our site from becoming a breeding ground for snipers.

Please, let me know if there's anything else I can help you with!

-Avi =)

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Originally Posted by zackballbids

Banner ads are made to create attention.

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The banner ads are misleading and show morphs that haven't gone to auction with prices that never existed. This is not a good way to start a new venture.



sent from my EVO

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Originally Posted by mattchibi

Aaand its a female fire? yeah right

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Hi mattchibi!

Yes, although this specific snake is not from our friends at Constrictors unlimited, she is, in fact, a female fire. The rest of the snakes we have in inventory are all from Constrictors unlimited, but hope to offer snakes from more trusted breeders with proven genetics.

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Originally Posted by Mft62485

To zachballbids, how can you say "we have made it a point to be very open and truthful about everything we have done" when ads say you have sold snakes for a couple dollars, but the first action hadn't ended?:confused:

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Hi Mft62485!

My job at BallBids.com is to direct all of the company's digital marketing efforts. I developed the banner ads that you've being seeing, so i apologize for giving you a negative impression. Part of my banner development involves seeing what my competition has tested, and considering companies like Quibids and BidCactus have millions of dollars to test different ad variations, it was already proven that those ads would be effective at building our user base.

Again, I apologize for giving you a bad impression. Seeing as how we're a brand new website, it's obvious that no auctions have been completed yet. Instead, the ads were intended to give visitors an idea of the possibilities.

Please, let me know if there's anything else you're uncertain of!

-Avi =)

Sorry, I commented before really doing my research on you guys.. Im open to the idea of making high-end morphs more accessible to the average breeder, but like Zack said, its really a new concept and it will take time for people to trust it. I really do hope you guys prove everyone wrong though! :rolleyes: