TV Vs. Web In 'Bid Bash'

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February 15, 2001 (4:47 PM EST)

"Shop till you drop" is taking on a whole new meaning these days, as home-shopping network ValueVision expands its services to combine Internet bids from Web users with telephone bids from TV viewers.

Through the first of what will be a multiphase partnership, ValueVision has called on auction technology services provider Bid.Com International Inc. to develop an integrated television and online shopping experience with a program called "Bid Bash."

"It's the closest thing to a shopping game show for consumers," says Jeff Lymburner, president and CEO of Bid.Com. "You end up with people over the Internet and telephone competing with each other directly."

Items being presented live on ValueVision during "Bid Bash" will also be available for viewing via Webcast.

Registered consumers can bid using a declining price model via telephone or online. For example, if Acme is selling 10 cases of Road Runner traps, Wylie Coyote can watch to see whether anyone else is buying the product.

As time goes on and products remain, the price will go down.

Wylie can wait until the traps are at a price he can afford before phoning in his bid, but he also runs the risk of getting beaten by a speedier bidder and losing the product. Lymburner says the basic laws of supply and demand will determine whether the margins will fall in favor of the consumer or the retailer.

The first bout of "Bid Bashing" took place this week and will air one hour every week.