eBay has really taken a lot of flak the past year or so. You keep hearing that they’ve gone commercial, and that it isn’t about the user experience anymore. If you do go on eBay, you’ll find that most of these claims are quite true. Most of your top results are all power users, with mostly using the Buy Now option.

There are other sites out there that you can focus on if you want to try and get out of the shadow of the eBay elite. One site is called Bonanzle. In my short experience utilizing Bonanzle I’ve come away quite impressed. First, Bonanzle is a site based around ‘community’. So, if you’re a person who likes to build relationships online, and not just power sell then you’ll find quite a bit to like about Bonanzle.

The Bonanzle site really drives home the community aspect, first by allowing live chat in many of the site’s booths. Second, you can send real time messages to any user at any time. Another unique feature is that user’s locations are easily available for those who want to meet to exchange goods or money.

This of course leads to security issues, but the founders of the site have great things to say about the community they’ve started, “Our main point of distinction is that we’re trying to create a marketplace where people matter. On other ecommerce sites, there generally isn’t a compelling reason to visit unless you have a specific item you want to buy or sell…We have tried to create a more social atmosphere, where it’s easy to meet and talk with people who share your interests in items.”

After about a hour of browsing around the site, I’m thoroughly impressed with the services that Bonanzle offers. If you’re sick of the crowded, power selling world of eBay you could find a slower more unique pace found on Bonanzle.

Picking up Baldurs Gate as I type this.

Rich people subscribe to Cash Quests