A new online auction Web site, Mormonbid.com, is making its way in the business world ruled by giants like eBay, Bidville and Overstock.

According to Mormonbid.com founder Neal Randall, the new Web site is different from its big brothers because the site is reviewed intently for fraud, salacious postings and false advertising. The site also offers users a clean environment without the worries that have plagued some of the larger sites.

“I bought some DVDs on eBay, spent about $100 and they never arrived,” Randall said. “The site is so large that they cannot handle what is going on the Web site. It’s easy for people to take advantage of other people.”

He said he gave the site the name Mormonbid.com to indicate the level of honesty and trust one can experience on the site. For example, R-rated movies are generally discouraged on the site, as are games of chance, pornography and advertising that may deceive the buyer.

Yet Randall said the site is not only for Mormons but also for those who live similar to LDS lifestyle.

“We wanted a place where people could feel comfortable with who they are trading with,” he said. “We wanted a place with groups of people who would have similar standards and trust for each other. We made sure that we would not have pornographic material.”

Despite the benefits of the new Web site, some students have doubts as to whether the owner will be able to keep the image of the Web site as business increases.

“I think it would be really hard to control the site once it grows,” said Eldon Loose, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering from Roy, Utah. “One person can’t keep in control everything, and if it does not grow, people will not be able to find what they want and they will not go to this site.”

Randall said sales are going successfully already. Some of the highest-selling products are LDS books and textbooks.

“I had my law book since the time I graduated from BYU law school in 1998,” Randall said. “I was able to sell it online quickly and for a premium price.”

Judy Jameson, who has three years of experience in selling her stuff on eBay and owns a couple of her own sites, said that Mormonbid.com has great potential.

“I give it six to seven months and it will be as big as eBay,” Jameson said. “I have taken everything off eBay and I sell everything only on Mormonbid.com and my sites and I have a lot of traffic.”



Copyright Brigham Young University 18 May 2005