Beyond eBay Yahoo Auctions uBid and Bidz

Yahoo! Auctions boasts the same security and usability you would expect from its top-ranking parent site, Yahoo! The site's clear, self-explanatory design is perfect for newbies in the online auction industry, on both the buying and selling side. Their 99 Cent Showcase section is extremely popular with bargain hunters. The best part of Yahoo! Auctions is that it's now entirely free-the site quit charging for any of its services in June 2005.

If you've been burned by unreliable sellers or buyers on other online auction sites, take a look at uBid.com. Their outspoken mission is to be the most recognized and trusted business-to-consumer and business-to-business online marketplace. Most auctions come with warranties, all merchants are certified, and 100% of all transactions are processed through the site itself. uBid also has a proven track record of success. Since 1997, they've registered over 5 million customers, and have sold over $1 billion in merchandise.

Bidz.com is a horse of a different color. While uBid.com, eBay.com and Yahoo! Auctions auction off items all across the board, Bidz auctions only jewelry, art and other collectibles. However, because the site serves a niche market, it's a hub for industry bargains and liquidation manufacturers. And because Bidz purchases and retains its entire inventory on the site, customers can count on timely delivery of their purchases, instead of relying on the trustworthiness of strangers.