This past weekend, I had the opportunity to watch something really unique happen. Jason Fladlien and Wilson Mattos conducted an “Auction Webinar“.
What’s that you ask? I’m glad you asked. 
Basically the duo had about 10 people they know provide products to be auctioned off sequentially at reduced prices. From what I understand, they purchased licenses to the products, have the products hosted on their own server, and sold them at a reduced price. They set a timer for 10 minutes, and had a count down going.
Overall, I absolutely thought the concept rocked. I mean, Jason and Wil are both experts in their own regards to webinars, and combining that with the whole “auction” scarcity and limited duration feature, could make for a kick-butt method.
So, what were my thoughts about it? REALLLLY? Here is what I Liked:
1) I liked that they used a marketing format that had “scarcity” built into it. I don’t want you to think “hype” here, but when something is limited in price, quantity, etc…it makes it more valuable.
2) I liked that they also started their webinar right on time and got on with the show, explained the rules, and we were off to the races.
3) I liked that they had a variety of different products and price points?
Ok, that’s nice you say, but ” Where could there be improvements?“
1) It would have been awesome if the suppliers of the products he was auctioning could have provided a decent amount of past testimonials from previous purchasers.
2) Now, there was a time or two, that Jason didn’t know what products were coming up next, and he didn’t really know what the products were, but he did know the publishers of them very well. Or, maybe I am completely wrong with that…it was just either what I heard or felt that he hadn’t seen that product before.
3) For me, depending upon which niche it may be in…perhaps not licensing the product, but allowing the producer to ship/distribute may work better for me….especially if you are dealing in physical courses, and just taking home some type of an affiliate cut might work out better.
Anyway…couple places I see where improvements could be made, but for the most part, the idea rocked, the server held up (granted, I only stayed through about 4 products….wasn’t seeing a lot “move me”), and the entire “auction” atmosphere kind of kept you on the edge of your seat.
All in all, I thought it was a great test drive to a pretty unique concept.
What are your thoughts. What opportunities do you see, where something like this could rock? Perhaps you want to start a “YourCityAuction”.com, etc…or penetrate some other niches and link up with some big hitters for maybe the weight loss industry, etc.
Curious to hear what you think.
Later,
Brandon
Hi Brandon,
I’d like to say “Welcome Back” ……….. again! It ain’t easy is it brother?
As for the auction scene. Everyone knows that E-Bay is the king of all that. I’ll pass …….
You see Brandon, the pre-conceived notification of an auction is already imprinted on my mind by all the E-Bay mess. I personally call it the world according to “Meg Whitman”.
There has got to be a better way to provide tools and services to our market outside of the “Carnival Barkers’ and “Carpet-Bagger Peddlers”.
Jeffrey Morgan´s last [type] ..Who Needs To Be Reading Your Archives ? You!
hmmm..interesting thoughts. but, i’d think with the product owners perhaps emailing out to their lists about the auction…would add a completely new level to the game. Not sure.
Later Gator,
B